Interview preparation
Handling interviews
Interviews are a necessary evil when it comes to job hunting. No matter how well-qualified you are for a job, your personality and personal presentation will still count when your prospective employer sizes you up. But no worries, you can develop the skills required to make sure the interview is an occasion you need not fear, and one which you can approach with confidence.
Get organised – be prepared.
• Know who it is you’re meeting, where and how to get there.
• Take contact details, spare CV, pen and notepad.
• Go in armed with information to impress the interviewer with your research.
• Before you go, read company information, visit competitors’ websites and read trade magazines for the latest industry developments.
• Know yourself! Study the job specification again and match it to your CV so that you can provide evidence that you meet the job requirement.
• Wear a smart but comfortable outfit – a good first impression is a must.
Your first impression
• When you walk through the front door, remember you’re already making an impression on your prospective employers.
• Anyone from the receptionist to the managing director may directly or indirectly influence the final selection of candidates, or even the job winner.
• Inside the interview room you’ll be introduced to the other interviewers, if there are any – look at them when greeting them, smile and carefully remember their names so you can
address them throughout the interview.
• If the sun’s in your eyes, or the chair is wobbly, say something rather than squirm and fail to concentrate on the interview; competent people find solutions and never settle for second best!
Questions to you
Relax – imagine you’re having a conversation with a friend.
• Listen – sometimes, people get so caught up in their feelings they forget to actually listen to the questions; slowing the pace will help you hear the questions and answer them correctly.
• Before you respond to more difficult questions, think about your answer and how you want to express them – this will help you speak more confidently.
• Why not practice talking slowly and evenly before you go – record your answers and listen to your pace and tone.
• Body language demonstrates how comfortable you are with your subject matter – if you’re enthusiastic about what you’re saying, smile and let your hands do the talking (but don’t overdo it).
• Look at who you are talking to – but don’t exclude other interviewers present.
• If you said something you didn’t mean, and are worried it could damage your chances, simply rectify it by restating what you really wanted to express – don’t hold back; it could be your only chance to get that point across.
• Be factual and honest about strengths and weaknesses – show that you recognise your weaknesses as characteristics you’re striving to improve
Questions to the interviewer
This is a chance to show your enthusiasm and interest. It’s crucial to have several questions prepared in advance – these could include:
• What are the other people in the department like?
• How would their roles impact on mine?
• What training or induction is given?
• What would be my core responsibilities?
• What sort of one-off projects might I be given?
• What interaction would I have with other departments of the company, or with clients or suppliers?
• What scope is there for taking on extra work or being involved in any other aspects
of the company?
• What plans do you have for expansion – how would these impact on my role?
• Where are the opportunities to progress within the company?
Conclusion
• There may be an explanation of how the process will continue – if not, then ask. Try to
find out when you should hear back, but don’t push – some recruiters will not want to
commit themselves to timescales until they have had time to consider all the candidates.
• Make sure the appropriate people know where you can be reached.
• Finally, thank your interviewer for their time and shake hands.
• Remember to say a personal goodbye to each person you talked with.
• Don’t forget to acknowledge the receptionist as you leave, particularly if you have been
looked after while waiting, such as having been given tea or coffee or if your coat and bag
or briefcase have been taken care of.
Post-interview action
• Give your recruitment consultant a ring and let them know how it went.
• Your consultant is employed by the company to liaise with you, and can also handle any queries or objections raised, or persuade the employer to wait while you supply more information.
• Some interviewers may give you their direct line in case you have any further queries – take
advantage of this if necessary but don’t overdo it. Allow a reasonable amount of time; a week is ideal.
• It’s occasionally a good idea to write a letter confirming your interest and thanking the company for its consideration. A timely but subtle reminder like this could pay dividends.
Head Office
1 Market Place
Market Rasen
Lincolnshire
LN8 3HJ