Interview tips
Preparation
first thing that you must do is make sure you know about the company you are meeting and what they do. Read their website, Google the company name, read their Press releases.
Once you are comfortable with this, read the job description, make sure you understand the role. For all the competences that the client is looking for make sure you have some answers ready.
There are stock questions that you will always be asked make sure you have answers for them already. There really is no excuse to be stumped by these questions;
- Why are you interested in working for xxxxx?
- Where would you like to be in five years?
- What do you know about our company?
- What are your strengths / weaknesses ? When talking about weaknesses tell them what your weakness is, but also tell the manager what you have done to put that right.
- Why are you leaving your last role? (do not be negative about your last company – this reflects badly on you!)
- What is your greatest achievement?
- When have you shown strong team working abilities?
Once you have thought about these questions, write down 6 questions that show that you have researched this organisation and show that you are interested in the company, basically anything you need to find out in order to make a decision on whether you want this role or not.
If you do your preparation you will be miles ahead of all of your competition.
Attire
Always wear a suit to interview to your interview, it is essential that you show the interviewer that you are serious about a role so dress to impress. Make sure you well presented, clean ironed shirts, polished shoes, clean finger nails etc – You never get a second to chance to make a first impression.
Smoking
Do not smoke prior to your interview, not only is it bad for you, but the smell can seriously affect your chances of an offer.
Alcohol
Please do not attend an interview if you have been drinking, this is not a professional way to act.
The meeting
Aim to arrive 5-10 minutes before your meeting kicks off.
When you meet your interviewer, firm hand shakes, eye contact is essential. Thank them for agreeing to meet with you.
During the interview make sure you understand the questions you have been asked, if you are not sure what the interviewer is asking, there is no harm in clarifying the question with them.
Try and answer the question directly, giving examples of what you have done and when you have done it.
Try not to over answer questions, if you find yourself talking for 15 minutes about why you are leaving your last role, you might be rambling.
Maintain eye contact and be honest.
If asked about money, tell the interviewer what you have been earning and then tell them what you would like to be earning. You should have discussed money with your agent before the meeting. We understand that this is sometimes a subject that you might find difficult to negotiate yourself. You initi8 agent would be happy to have these conversations with the client for you on your behalf.
At the end of the meeting you will be asked; “do you have any questions?”
You will ask you prepared questions, after this you will be asked “do you have any other questions”. At this point you must thank the client for their time and tell them that you are interested in the role. Also tell them that you hope that you have answered the questions well, but if there is anything you would like them to go over again then you will be pleased to do that.
End of the interview
Shake hands, thank them for their time and call your agent the moment you leave for a debrief.
Negative factors to watch for
During an interview your negative factors, in addition to your positive attributes, will be evaluated. Listed below are some of the things to be aware of and avoid:
- Poor personal appearance.
- An overbearing, aggressive or conceited attitude.
- Inability to clearly express thoughts, poor grammar and diction.
- Lack of planning for career.
- Lack of interest and enthusiasm.
- Lack of confidence.
- Over-emphasis on money.
- Making excuses for unfavourable factors in your record.
- Lack of tact, maturity and courtesy.
- Failure to look the interviewer in the eye.
- Limp handshake.
- Failure to ask good questions about the job and company.
- Overall lack of preparation.
Finally try to avoid negativity. If asked about your weaknesses ensure you also explain what positive action you have taken to improve. Don't be negative about your last company or previous jobs.
This reflects badly on you!
