Interview Tips

It is exciting when someone has reviewed your CV and decided that they want to bring you through to interview. It is also a critical time in terms of planning. Most people wait until they are invited to interview before starting to plan. Largely this is due to a high volume of applicants per role currently and therefore people invest where there is likely to be a positive outcome. This limited time period is critical to success in interview and below are a few hints and tips.

1. Understand the Company

Ensure you use a variety of information sources as you are likely to be asked questions about the company. Understanding the Company, their ethos, the Industry and new products and services is likely to impress your interviewer. See Planning Tips for more information.

2. Invest some time thinking what you are going to say

A good method of planning for interview is to review the advert, job description and person specification to see what it is the company are really looking for.  We always advise candidates to think of five amazing things they have done. By writing these down the day or evening before will have them at the forefront of your mind. Some questions are almost certain to be asked so prepare answers to some of the most common questions about your personal strengths and weaknesses, as well as being able to explain why you would be the best person for the job.

3. Look the part
It is old school to polish your shoes, get a hair cut and general smarten up but the majority of interviewers appreciate that someone has made an effort. It isn't about whether you can or can't have the right to expression - and in some interviews / jobs this is essential, but for the majority of roles the first impression to the people you meet stays with them. Best to be the best dressed applicant and stand out than distinctly average and unnoticed.

4. Stay calm
Some simple items which help you stay calm are around the preparation in the previous tips. Look to see your journey time, do a dummy run if you haven't been there before, take the train or bus before the one that gets you there with time to spare and prepare anything you are taking with you before the big day. Remember to speak clearly, smile and remember that your interviewers are just normal people, and the may be nervous too! Staying calm made easy click through.

5. It's your interview too

You should always have some questions for your interviewer to demonstrate your interest in the position. Prepare a minimum of three questions which should be about the role, the team or the company. Avoid contractual, financial or benefit related questions at interview. If the company wants you they will ask these questions at a later date or will ask you flexibility questions as part of their interview. What questions should you ask ? Click here to see.