Interview Tips

Interview Preparation

Print out the arranged interview time and location of the interview and plan your journey.
Read the job description carefully and ask your consultant to explain anything that is unclear
Remember the interviewer’s name (including pronunciation) and their job title.
Research important facts about the company, including product range and services, history and future direction, and any recent news and public announcements.
Select at least three personal key strengths and be prepared to discuss specific past experiences when you have demonstrated these.
Select at least three achievements accomplished per position, which display competencies required in the position you are applying for, such as Initiative, Teamwork and Leadership.
It is important that you prepare several questions to ask the interviewer to help you determine if this role will provide you with the right career opportunity.

Some questions you might ask include:

Why did you decide to join the company?
Why has the position become available?
What is the culture of the company?
Is there an induction/training program?
What kinds of people have previously been successful in the company?
What training programs and career advancement are available for those who demonstrate ability?
What plans has the company for future development?
What differentiates the company from its competition?
Which are the company’s best-selling products or services?
What is the next step?

The Interview

Dress for Success

Dress in a smart business suit with a clean, ironed shirt and tie (or blouse) and polished shoes, even if you know that it is company policy to wear casual clothes.

Some Important Tips to Follow:

Always arrive at least ten minutes early.
Maintain a positive attitude, as it will shine through in your interview.
Address the interviewer by their first name (unless specified). If you are not sure of the pronunciation, check with your consultant.
Shake hands with a firm grip.
Wait until you are offered a chair before sitting, and remember to sit upright. Maintain eye contact and be alert and interested.
Be friendly and demonstrate your interpersonal skills during the interview.
Allow the interviewer to talk. It is important to be a good listener as well as a good communicator.
Make sure that you answer the questions in a concise and factual manner. Highlight the benefits that you can offer the organisation.
Avoid making remarks about your present or former employers that may be perceived as negative.
Don’t be afraid to stop talking when you think you have answered a question.
Avoid enquiring about salary, holidays, bonuses etc during the initial interview unless you are specifically asked. If you do not feel comfortable discussing directly it is acceptable to explain that it is best discussed with your consultant.
Smell fresh. It is not recommended to smoke before the interview.

Frequently Asked Questions

What technical experience can you offer?
How would your staff/colleagues describe you?
What kind of position are you seeking?
What are your future aspirations?
What do you want to be doing in your career one, three and five years from now?
What management style do you prefer?
What have your other jobs taught you?
What did you enjoy most about your current/past employment?
Why do you want to work for us?
What interests you in this position?
Would you consider travel or relocation?

Behavioural Questions

This is a questioning technique that is common, and which is based on the theory that past experience points to future behaviour. The STAR format demonstrates to the interviewer that you can perform a desired competency through your past experiences.

Sample question

Can you give me an example of a time when you demonstrated the ability to be a team player?

Answer (in ST/A/R format)

ST – Situation/Task (I had just completed a project when I noticed that my colleague was inundated with work)

A – Action (I was in control of my workload so I offered to help him)

R – Result (together we cleared the backlog and strengthened the bond within the team)

Further Questions

Can you tell me an example of a specific time/event in your career when you displayed initiative? (Others areas may include time management, leadership, teamwork, problem solving, conflict resolution, staff motivation and the ability to work independently)
What areas would you like to develop? And why or what have you done to better yourself in this area? (Always end a personal negative with a positive)

Closing the Interview

Enquire about the next interview stage if you are interested in the position. If you are offered the position and wish to think it over, be courteous and tactful in asking for some time to consider. Set a definite date in which you can provide an answer.
Even if you receive the impression that the interview has not gone well, continue to project a positive image, it may be the interviewer’s style.
Thank the interviewer for their time.

After the Interview

Contact your consultant immediately to discuss your feedback.
Your Consultant will provide feedback from the interviewer as soon as is available.
If you have any concerns raise them at this stage.

Best of Luck!