Your CV has earned you a job interview, but you now have this highly competitive stage of the recruitment process to overcome.
The interview process, in some instances, has become less subjective and more structured - with increased use of psychometric testing. Despite this, first impressions still count. However the interview is structured, the key to success lies in being prepared. The time to start thinking about the potential employer, your aspirations and questions you may wish to ask, is not when you are sitting in reception immediately before the interview. Careful and effective thought before this stage will pay dividends later. Here are some pointers:
- Research the organisation thoroughly - look at their website, read the annual report, press releases and brochures
- Make sure you know where to go for the interview - be there in good time although not too early
- Switch off your mobile phone
- Dress smartly - you are far less likely to offend by dressing too conservatively than by going the other way
- Make sure, if possible, that you know who you will be seeing for the interview, what position they hold within the organisation and any special or likely form that the interview may take
- Greet the interviewer with a firm handshake and a smile
- Sit down when invited with an upright but relaxed posture
- Look the interviewer in the eye; do not stare but also do not gaze around the room
- Even if you anticipate (or conclude) that the position is unsuitable, maintain a positive attitude
- Do not smoke unless wholeheartedly invited to do so
- Speak clearly - do not try and disguise your natural dialect
- In a panel situation speak to the whole panel
- Think before speaking/replying
- If a question "throws" you, make a commonsense, imaginative, honest reply
- Create conversation rather than a question and answer situation
- Do not answer a question with another question and do not just answer with a 'yes' or 'no', without expanding on the point
- Do not ask questions about salary, holidays or bonuses at the initial interview. However be aware of your market value and be prepared to specify your required package if asked. Your consultant will negotiate a package on your behalf
- Ask several questions about the role and questions which demonstrate your research on, and interest in, the company
- If asked whether you are still interested in the position, answer in the affirmative
- Leave with another firm handshake and thank the interviewer for their time.
In advance of the interview, and immediately before, think about the likely questions you are going to be asked and how you will answer those questions, as well as the questions you would like to ask. Be prepared for some of the following questions.
- What are your strengths and weaknesses?
- Why do you wish to leave your current employer?
- Why do you want this position?
- What motivates you and what de-motivates you?
- What do you enjoy most about your current position?
- What has been your greatest achievement?
- What is the biggest mistake you have ever made?
- What did you learn from this?
- Why have you moved employers such a lot (if applicable)?
- How would your employees describe your management style?
- Why should I employ you in this role?
- What is the hardest thing you've ever overcome?
- What skills can you bring into the company?
- What do you want to achieve in the next five years?
- How do you like to be managed?
- What is your opinion of our company?
- Have you had many dealings with us?
