Candidates: Interview Tips
Preparation
Always prepare for your interview.
Research the company fully; look at their website, paying particular attention to any press releases or points of interest that make the company stand out. Check out recent annual reports – and see how the organisation may have changed over, say, the last three years. From this you should be able to prepare a number of questions to ask at the interview.
Take a copy of your CV with you to the interview, along with a pen and paper, ideally in a smart document wallet or briefcase.
Find out, and check, exactly where the interview will take place.
Make sure you leave yourself time to get there. Print a route map if you are unsure of directions and always leave yourself an extra 30 minutes to cover any delays. Can you park locally? Where is the nearest station? The website is likely to mention these points, if the interview letter doesn’t – and don’t be afraid to ask. There is nothing worse than turning up late to get the interview off to a bad start.
Make sure you have a contact name and number with you, so that if you are unavoidably delayed, then you are at least able to call and advise someone of this.
During the Interview
SMILE! Dress professionally; don't forget a firm handshake and to maintain eye contact.
Keep a professional demeanour at all times; make sure to pay attention to everything the interviewer says - and allow them to control the interview.
Answer questions concisely where possible; avoid rambling when there is nothing further to say on a subject. You can always ask the interviewer if they require further explanation on any points you may have made.
At the end of the Interview, ask your prepared questions - making sure you are not asking something that has already been discussed in the interview!
Where possible, avoid discussing money, as this is something your consultant will negotiate for you. Many interviews are unsuccessful because an interviewee, inexplicably, comes up with a totally different figure to the original amount discussed, thus offending the client. Make it clear that it is the role you are interested in and the move is not purely money motivated.
If you feel the interview has gone well make sure you let the interviewer know this. Tell them that you are very impressed with the company and you would be very interested in the role available having now heard more about it.
Following the interview
Make sure to call the consultant who arranged this for you to provide them with your feedback. This allows them to go back to the client with your thoughts and often triggers a positive response.
However….
The fact is that you will not be offered every job - however perfect you think you may be for it! Usually, it's because the interviewer was completely blind to the talent that stood before them!
However, just on the off-chance that it was not, feedback from interviews where you have been turned down can be invaluable for improving future results.
Where possible your consultant will provide you with feedback.
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