Interview Tips
Congratulations, you have secured an interview! Now you need to get the job. Chances are that there will be more than person applying for the same role, so you need to ensure that you stand out from the crowd! We have put together some hints on how best to prepare for the interview and maximise your chances of getting the job. These include the following areas...
- Before the interview
- Appearance
- Body Language
- Possible Questions
- What to say/ask
Before the interview
Do your homework and take time to find out background information about the company as it can really help you. Employers are impressed by those who show initiative. Things to research are :
- What is the company's main product or service and have they launched any new services recently?
- History of the company
- Have they won any awards recently or been in the news?
- Is the company part of a larger group?
- Familiarise yourself with the job description you have been given
Also, take the time to make a few notes about yourself - so you can ensure that you tell them important things about yourself – this can include achievements, experience, ideas etc. It is also a good idea to print off some copies of your CV to take with you.
Be on time
Even if you are kept waiting, you cannot afford to be late! So make sure you know the route, print off a map and get there early and go for a coffee or wait in reception - it allows you to relax and prepare for the interview. There is nothing worse than turning up stressed, as this will show!
Appearance
Your appearance will be the first impression the interviewer has of you, before you have managed to speak a word, so remember…
- Be smart & well groomed. Men should wear a shirt, tie & jacket and ladies should wear a smart suit.
- Wear something you feel comfortable in.
- Keep all jewellery and make up minimal, don’t over do it. Natural is best!!
Body Language
An experienced interviewer will be looking at how you compose yourself during the interview and these are some of the points you need to consider.
Posture - Sit up right, look keen and interested. If you lean back this maybe seen as a casual attitude and, therefore that you are not very interested in the job. It is however, important to look and feel relaxed.
Hands - Keep control of hands as they have a tendency to let people down at interview by almost having a mind of their own. It sometimes works to clasp hands lightly together but be careful when folding arms as this can be seen as someone being defensive and evasive. An open stance normally suggests that a more open and honest discussion will take place. It is advised that you should not keep touching your face as this is a sign of nerves just as playing with hair or fiddling with something like a pen or button etc. May also be construed as nervousness and a potential weakness. If the interviewer shakes your hand, do not shy away always shake hands firmly and maintain eye contact.
Face - Always maintain eye contact with the interviewer as this not only shows that you are interested in what is being said but also looked upon by some people as a strength of character, however do not stare. It is important to smile and look as if you are enjoying the interview even if you are extremely nervous! If the interviewer enjoys talking to you they are more likely to want to meet you again.
Time To Think
The company should already have received a copy of your CV. The interviewer will be looking to see how you compose yourself how well presented you are, and will have specific questions that they will ask to gather more information or to test your aptitude and/or opinion in certain areas or on specific issues. They will be trying to envisage you doing the job, fitting into their culture and adopting their working practices successfully. They will check your experience (if relevant), expertise, specific skills, attitude and how you are likely to interact with the other members of the team.
It is important to anticipate what some of the questions might be and prepare beforehand some of your answers. We have set out some possible questions to consider below as you may be asked some if not all of these questions in some way shape or form.
What are your strengths and weaknesses?
Be honest! Relate your answers to a working environment. Don’t say that you can’t wallpaper but you are good at painting walls! This is not relevant to the interviewer so they do not want to hear it!
Why do you wish to leave your current employer?
Do not bad mouth your current employer even if you are devastatingly unhappy.
Why do you want this job?
Be positive, tell them it provides a challenge or pick on one point that really interests you and be specific. If you’re vague you won’t be convincing.
What motivates and de-motivates you?
Again be honest but relate it to work issues. Draw on previous experience and don’t be afraid to use examples.
What do you enjoy most about your current job?
Try to relate this to work issues and bring in (if you can) similarities between the job you are being interviewed for.
What has been your greatest achievement?
What has been the biggest mistake you’ve made?
What did you learn from this?
This isn’t designed to catch you out, the interviewer is looking to see how you overcome a crisis, there is no wrong or right way to answer this. If you haven’t made a mistake then tell them, but make sure you are being honest because everyone knows that we all make mistakes.
What skills can you bring into this company?
Focus only on skills that are relevant.
What do you expect to achieve in the next 5 years?
Be ambitious but realistic.
This list is not exhaustive and therefore it may be wise to sit down beforehand and think about questions that you may be asked or have been asked at previous interviews.
What To Say
It is likely that you will be talking for two thirds of the interview. It is important; therefore that you are precise and offer detailed and exact answers to questions without waffling. Before answering think “Why have they asked that question and what information are they looking for?” You need to be natural when in conversation and be positive with your replies. There is nothing worse than someone who doesn’t answer the question and gives vague replies. Keep answers brief and relevant don’t go off at a tangent.
Any questions? Yes - prepare a few questions for them! This is great way of showing initiative. Good examples are:
- Is this post a new or existing one?
- Can you describe my area of responsibility?
- Can you tell me more about the company?
- Who will I report to?
- What is the company's biggest challenge in the year to come?
- Can you show me where I will be working? (Better on a second interview)
- Are there any times when the company/department is busier?
- What are my promotion prospects?
- Do you run any training schemes?
- What hours will I be working?
- Do you have any other branches/offices?
- What type of clients do you deal with?
- Will you be holding second interviews?
And finally…
Always be yourself in an interview situation, as a good interviewer will see through a performance. All the preparation in the world will not guarantee you a job but it will give you the advantage over the candidate who hasn’t done any preparation at all.
We wish you the very best of luck!
