Candidates – Interview Tips
Be prepared
Be as prepared as you possibly can be for the interview. Look at the employer’s website or on Linkedin and find out as much as you can about the company before you go. In particular, ensure you know:
• The names of your interviewers and their roles within the business.
• The organisation’s products and services.
• The structure of the organisation. For example, is it part of a larger group or does it have subsidiary companies?
• Staff numbers
If the interview has been arranged through an agency, ask your consultant if they have any additional
information. Write down any queries or questions. It is
vital to have a good selection of questions in advance of the interview.
Make an impression
Don’t forget the first impression is the lasting impression. Make sure you are well groomed and clean cut. Make-up, aftershave and perfume should be minimal. Try to avoid the latest trends and instead go for a professional, business-like approach.
Be on time
Employers will disapprove of lateness. There may be sound reasons for being late, such as an obscure office location or traffic, but none of these will help your cause. One suggestion is to arrive 15 minutes prior to the interview and wait out the time near, but not at, the interview location. If you anticipate being late, call us on 0114 2814190 so we can keep your interviewers informed.
Maintain your self-confidence
When you introduce yourself, offer a firm handshake. Call the interviewer by name, smile and maintain eye contact without glaring. Those who do not are often regarded as deceptive, evasive or lacking in self-confidence. Avoid any nervous mannerisms such as tapping your feet or twirling your hair. Show politeness to the interviewer and do not ramble in your conversation. Be pleasant with everyone you meet. Often, receptionists may be asked for their opinion of you.
Practise your answers
What you say and how you say it is important. Try to convey self-confidence and maturity. A self-confident individual will impress the interviewer as someone who will be a good company spokesperson. A clear and concise expression will sell better than a rambling explanation. Try to prepare
responses for some of the most common interview questions:
- “Why are you seeking new employment?”
- “What are your strengths and weaknesses?”
- “What sort of salary are you looking for?”
- “What attracted you to this organisation?”
- “What has been your greatest achievement?”
- “What do you enjoy most about your current job?”
- “What skills can you bring into the company?”
- “What do you want to achieve in your career?”
Focus on the opportunities
In marketing yourself; think from the employer’s perspective. If you are negative about your previous employers then this may reflect badly upon yourself and the interviewer may be worried that you would speak badly of their company too. Rather than talking about salary and benefits during your first interview, impress the interviewer with what you can do for the organisation. Salary discussions are best left for discussion in subsequent
interviews unless you are asked directly by the interviewer. Try to talk about potential opportunities within the company.
Be enthusiastic
A portion of your interview is likely to focus on your work experience. Your experience will give you something to talk about; it should help you
package yourself more attractively. Sell your experience with enthusiasm. Be yourself and be your most charming. As the interview closes, thank the interviewers for their time and be positive about the position and the company, even if you are not entirely sure this is the right move for you. You should never close off an opportunity at this early stage.
Stay positive
Accept the fact that regardless of your interviewing skills, you may still not get some job offers for a number of reasons. These may have little to do with your qualifications or interview skills. We will try and get feedback on such occasions wherever possible, as this will be valuable for your
preparation in the future.
