Interview Tips

Preparing for an Interview

Being invited for an interview means you have passed the first test – well done!

It is essential to find out as much as possible about an organisation/company before attending any interviews.  Company websites are an excellent place to start.  They have up to date information such as company history, customers and exactly what they do and where they are located etc

If the interview has been arranged by an Agency, they will supply you with full details of the Company, location, contacts and job description, if not then make sure you find out this information beforehand

At the interview, wait until you are offered a chair before sitting and always conduct yourself as if you want the position you are being interviewed for – even if you are unsure if this is the job for you

Attending the Interview

  • Research the location of your appointment before the day of your interview if possible to save any last minute problems of finding your potential employer
  • Make sure you allow enough time to get to the interview, allow extra time for traffic hold ups etc
  • Take the name, address and telephone number of the Company where you are going and make sure you have the interviewers name to hand  before entering the premises
  • Aim to arrive 10 minutes before any appointment and if you arrive too early drive or walk around the block and check out the general location to use up time before walking through the door!  Always report directly to the reception area unless otherwise directed
  • Always switch off your mobile phone
  • Dress to impress – businesslike suit/dress, clean shoes, minimal jewellery and good personal hygiene
  • Only accept a drink if you need to – this may lead to embarrassment when collected by the interviewer and you have no hands left to greet them with a firm handshake
  • Make and maintain eye contact throughout
  • The interviewer will often ask unrelated questions to break the ice as they lead you to the interview room, often about the weather, your journey etc  answer politely and don’t be controversial
  • In the interview listen carefully to all questions and if in doubt ask them to repeat anything that is unclear
  • Answer questions honestly and to the best of your ability. Avoid “yes” or “no”  answers where possible and expand your reply to show your expertise particularly if it is relevant to the current opportunity. Do not make derogatory remarks about your last employer.

Frequently asked questions – practise your answers beforehand!

  • Tell me about yourself?  - keep it brief, career history and personal details
  • What are your strengths and weaknesses?   - focus on 2 or 3 examples of instances where you can demonstrate these.  With a weakness, try to turn it into a positive for example “My colleagues say I am too organised” or “I have trouble saying no when my colleagues ask for assistance”
  • Why do you want to leave your current position? – focus on positives and not negatives. – think about career development/seeking a new challenge.  With redundancy try to think of it not as one door shutting but a dozen new ones opening!
  • Tell me what you know about us?  - Now is your chance to show you have done your homework
  • Gaps in your CV -  prepare your explanation – keep it concise
  • Achievements  -  show how you have overcome problems and if possible how they could relate to the position you are being interviewed for

Questions to ask – remember interviews are a two-way process

  • Why has the position become available?
  • If it’s a new position - why has it arisen?
  • What is the culture of the organisation/company?
  • What are my prospects for advancement?
  • Do you support any study for further/professional qualifications?
  • What is the next step/when could I expect to hear from you?

You may find that a lot of your questions have been answered during your interview but try to recall at least one question – maybe even if it is only to ask the interviewer how long have you been with the organisation and what do you like best about their job?

Remember try not to focus on salary, number of holidays or terms of employment    - you will have plenty of time to address these issues at a later stage

Always thank the interviewer for their time and let them know if you are interested in the vacancy

Competency Based Interviews

Competency based interviews are now a widely utilised style of interviewing.  This type of interview requires the interviewee to draw on their past experience and describe specific examples of relevant work experience.  For example good communication skills may be a very important skill required in the position – the interviewee will have to show evidence to prove that they are a good communicator, specifically in terms of actions and outcome of those actions

Tests

Psychometric or aptitude assessments are sometimes used by employers to gain a better understanding of what candidates can do and how they might fit into the organisation.  Remember that they are just one part of the recruitment process

Ability and aptitude tests – these measure specific skill sets and give employers an idea of ability and potential to learn new skills required

Personality assessments – often known as psychometric tests, these assess your motivation and values as well as your behaviour and attitudes.  They give the employer an insight into how you might react in any given situation

After the interview

If you are unsuccessful at interview, don’t become too disheartened – treat the interview as a learning curve and try to analyse where things possibly went wrong.  Don’t be too hard on yourself; the next interview could be the "one" for you and remember getting the interview in the first place was a success.