Preparing for your interview
This is essential. Even though you might appear to be the best candidate on paper, a lack of preparation before the interview can let you down. Most interviews will only last one hour, so you need to give it all you have as you might not get a second chance.The following guidelines can be seen as the minimum amount of preparation:
1. Make sure that you know the exact time and location of the interview and allow
plenty of time to get there (a 15 minute margin for error is good). Make sure there are no problems on the tubes or road works.
2. Do you know precisely who will be interviewing you and their job title? Try and ascertain the format of the interview beforehand and what the overall interview process will consist of as well as checking the profile of the relevant interviewer via the firm’s website. Find out as much as you can regarding the interviewer(s). Google them.
3. Research the organisation in as much depth as you can. Depending on the role it might be appropriate to concentrate on their products/services, competitors, recent business growth and plans for the future.
In most cases, your recruitment consultant should be able to assist. However, you should also do your own research through:
- The organisation’s website - these are fast becoming the best source of material.
- Look at press releases to make sure that you are aware of recent events such as acquisitions/disposals and appointments within the company.
- Trade publications are another useful source. Keep an eye on the press for information and bear in mind that many publications now have their own websites with archive material, such as feature articles on your area of specialisation or on the organisation itself.
- Speaking to anybody you know who works within the organisation to gain an inside track.
- So that the interviewer knows that you have done your research please try and mention any appropriate information. Many successful candidates will start a few answers with “When I looked at your website I discovered….” Many times a client has said “they didn’t do any research”, when they probably did but failed to mention it during the interview.
4. Think about the questions that you are likely to be asked at interview, since some of these can be quite predictable. The job specification for the role is a great starting point to discover what questions you will be asked and also what answers interviewers are wanting you to give.
For example: If a job spec states that the competency of team work is essential for this role, its no good saying that your strength is working independently. You probably are a great team worker, but the clients need to hear this to know that you understand the role and what is required.
At the end of this page are some examples of interview questions. If you can think of the answers to the ’worst’ five potential questions, this will help ease any apprehension considerably.
5. First impressions are vital. Please make sure that you are dressed smartly in a dark business suit (even if casual/ ’dress down’ is allowed). Don’t forget to polish your shoes! Ensure you are clean shaven and hair is clean and combed. Even if the weather is hot, please bring a suit jacket as small details like this could potentially affect your chances of securing the role.
6. Know your own CV - it is amazing how many people fail at interview because they haven’t read their CV recently or haven’t read the CV that their agency have tailored for them. It is important to be able to discuss any aspect of your CV such as why you studied a particular course at university, or the part that you played in a particular project/deal. Make sure you remember any relevant dates or qualifications.
7. Read the job specification, this will highlight any desired qualities/skills for the role. It is highly possible that questions will be asked around these skills and you will need prepared examples of when you have used these.
8. Ultimately the interview is a two way street. As well ensuring that you ’sell’ yourself to best effect, you should also be considering questions for the interviewer on aspects of the role, such as prospects for career development and the company corporate culture.
9. Don’t be scared if an interviewer shows no emotion or is not really friendly during interview.