The interview

Remember that it is not just your experience and skill set that is being examined at an interview but also whether you will fit into the organisation’s culture. First impressions count, most interviewers will decide if they like you very shortly after meeting you.

 As well as trying to be yourself it is important to remember these do's and don'ts:
  • A firm handshake and an engaging smile are vital.
  • Maintain eye contact throughout. Looking around the room and avoiding the interviewers’ eyes gives a bad impression.
  • Sit upright and lean forward. Body language is really important; do not cross your arms and lean back as this makes you look disinterested.
  • Be to the point and answer the question succinctly. Be aware of rambling in your answers. Stop talking when you have answered the question.
  • Do not fidget and at the same time monitor your interviewer’s body language.
  • Do not overly criticise your current employer (despite the fact that you are looking to leave).
  • Do not reply to a question with monosyllabic 'yes/no' answers.
  • For every answer back it up with an example. It is really important to sell your skills, if you have used that skill that they are asking for; show them that you have used it. If you can then link back the skill to the job spec and role and why it makes you a stronger candidate for the role, even better. Consider the following examples:


Are you able to use Microsoft Excel?
-      Yes

Are you able to use Microsoft Excel?
-    I use Excel on a daily basis and I have advanced skills up to macro level. In my current role I designed an Excel spreadsheet for our department which keeps track of all the expenses and ensured that accounts didn’t have to chase me every month. I have noticed from your job spec that using Excel is an important part of this position, which is one of the reasons why I believe I am a very strong candidate for this role.

Always give an example to every question and this will leave the interviewers impressed.  

  • Never say that you have never done something before. If you are asked about a task or a system that you have no experience in, don’t panic. Always put a positive twist on things, maybe you are a quick learner or you have done something similar in a previous role.
Consider the following examples:

Have you ever used PowerPoint before?
-    No

Have you ever used PowerPoint before?
-    I have used a very similar package to PowerPoint at University, which I really enjoyed and picked up very quickly, in fact the trainer called me his star pupil! I am extremely creative and the fact that I will have the opportunity to use PowerPoint particularly attracted me to this role. I am actually preparing to book in to a PowerPoint course in the next few weeks so hopefully I will be able to use that new skill in this role.

Which would impress you and fill you with confidence as an interviewer?
  • Ask for water. If offered a drink, ask for water, this enables you to have time to breathe and think in-between questions without an uncomfortable silence.
  • Be positive and enthusiastic about the role for which you are being interviewed. Any reservations you may have should wait until you have received the offer and/or discussed it with your recruitment consultant.
  • Do not mention salary in the interview. Leave this to your recruitment consultant as this can affect your chances of gaining that higher salary.
  • If the interviewer presses you for salary details mention that you have been advised by your consultant on the salary brackets for this role and that you are happy with them, and you would rather your consultant handled the salary negotiations.
  • If the interviewer insists, try not to give a direct number. Low, mid or high twenties are acceptable answers and enable your consultant to still negotiate a great deal for you.
  • Always ask questions, even if all your pre-prepared questions have been answered.
  • Be natural. If you obtain an offer by acting then you’ll have to ’act’ for the duration of your employment.

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