Interview Preparation & Interview Techniques

We all get pre-interview nerves prior to attending an interview and because we want you to have a successful outcome we have prepared some interview preparation detailAn interview is a two way process and you will be interviewing the company in much the same way as they are interviewing you. Be prepared for the questions you are likely to be asked, and make sure you know what questions you will be asking well in advance.

 

Interview Tips 

 

Have a Positive Mental Attitude.

 

Be Positive: The company wants to see you because you have something they are interested in.

 

Relax: Easier said than done, but it is essential you relax and control any negative thoughts during the interview. The interviewer will hopefully put you at ease with social chat and break down a few barriers. Remember - they want to get the best out of you, a true indication of who you are and what you can offer.

 

Plan, prepare and research: We are afraid of what we don't know or what we can't control. Dispel some of these fears by learning as much as you can about the company, the culture, and just as importantly - the job. Your Recruitment Consultant will be able to provide most of the information you will require, however the internet is also an excellent source of information. 

 

Plan your route. Use www.multimap.com to find the exact location. Allow enough time for transport delays, aim to get to the interview ten to fifiteen minutes beforehand to give you chance to relax and compose yourself. This will ensure that you are not looking hot and feeling flustered, and appear cool, calm and collected!

 

During this spare time, you will be able to take notice of how the office appears and the types of people working there read any relevant corporate company literature in the reception area and listen to how colleagues interact with one another. You are gaining a valuable insight into your prospective employer!

 

Once you are in the interview, there is really no set structure to how the interview will be conducted and practice really does help “make perfect” each interview that you attend. As a general guide you should allow approximately 1 hour for the first interview and then expect to hear back from your consultant. However, you should allow a minimum of an hour for the actual interview to take place.

 

Read the job description and person specification (if there is one) thoroughly. Sit with your CV, a professional notepad and the job details in front of you and bullet point ALL the skills you have which match the requirements. Take these notes with you to the interview and keep them in view to make sure you keep focused on your skills and what you can offer the company.

 

 

IMPRESSION.

 

You never get a second chance to make a first impression. So the first impression is a lasting impression and is very important! Ensure you invest time over your appearance,  and on meeting the interviewer, to appear warm and friendly SMILE!!!

 

Do

 

Dress to impress. Always wear a smart, corporate suit unless you have been advised otherwise.

 

The inquisition:

 

You are on show from the moment you step through the door into reception. Also remember that most receptionists are recruited as the first impression a visitor has of the company, so use this as a reflection of your potential work colleagues.

 

Do

 

Smile and walk confidently to the reception desk. Introduce yourself and state you have an appointment with 'name'. You may be asked to take a seat and wait. It always makes a good impression if you are seen to be reading company information made available in reception - and it may help you focus.

 

Body language: Wait to be asked to sit, sit comfortably, but do not slouch. Do not fidget, twiddle your thumbs or play with your pen. This shows you are nervous. Instead, maintain a good level of eye contact and show interest in what the interviewer is saying. Keep your jacket on.

 

Think before you speak: Listen. Take time to construct your answers so that you don't waffle. This is where your research and preparation benefits you the most. If you have already anticipated the question, you should be more confident giving an appropriate answer. If you don't understand the question, ask the interviewer to clarify. This is far better than going off at a tangent and giving a completely inappropriate answer.

 

Positive statements: Never say negative things about previous employers - it is highly unprofessional and reflects very badly on you. Instead, be positive about your future and how you can benefit the company. Show your motivation and willingness to learn and be a part of the team. You can be assertive without being aggressive or arrogant.

 

Reveal your personality: First of all be yourself and know when to let your personality shine through, i.e. if the company is forward-thinking, young & lively or organised & professional, then you may wish to pick up on these traits in your personality. Advise the interviewer as to your strengths, skills and particular hobbies that may be relevant to the company business.

 

Instill confidence: Be polite, courteous and confident at all times and you will create a positive image. Prepare your reasons for leaving your current and previous employers, never be negative about them in an interview! Remember to plan in advance the main points that you wish to discuss to eliminate missing out any crucial information.

 

 

INTERVIEW QUESTIONS

 

Remember your interview is a two way process between yourself and the client - it’s not just you being interviewed, the client should also be asked plenty of questions - Does this client fit your requirements?

 

You must do your research and be prepared - you must have at a least basic knowledge of the company and its history.

 

During the interview, you will be asked to demonstrate your suitability for the job. Don't waffle, and give appropriate, relevant answers. Why have they asked you this particular question? What are they trying to find out? Below are some of the more commonly asked questions, and some simple suggested responses.

 

Question time.

 

Q: Tell me about yourself?

A: They want you to open up to them. Tell them about your qualifications, career history and range of skills. You may even want to tell them a little about your hobbies and interests - it shows what motivates you. They do not want to know what you did when you were five years old, or how you didn't get on with your brother/sister.

 

Q: What has been your greatest achievement so far?

A: This doesn't have to be work related. The interviewer is trying to find out if you are an achiever. Demonstrate how you achieved and how it has benefited you. Do you still use those skills?

 

Q: What are your strengths?

A: We all have them, it's just acknowledging them in a proficient manner. Try to look at personal attributes such as 'I'm a team player', or 'I have great attention to detail', then demonstrate how they could be a benefit to an employer.

 

Q: What are your Development areas?

A: The interviewer wants to see how self-aware you are. A development area can also be considered a strength. Use a professional weakness such as lack of experience (training can always overcome that) or one that can be turned around into a strength such as 'I'm very focused at work, so sometimes people think I'm ignoring them'.

 

Q: How would your family/friends/spouse describe you?

A: Another way of asking how you perceive yourself. Choose three or four adjectives that show the positive side of your personality, such as 'they would say I'm outgoing, reliable and loyal'.

 

Q: Why do you think you're suitable for this role?

A: If you haven't done your research, you'll not be able to give an answer with substance. Use your prepared list and match your skills and personal attributes. By this stage, the interviewer should have told you about the role. If they haven't, ask them to explain it fully, then give them your answer. You cannot tell them you're the perfect candidate if you don't know what the job is.

 

Q: Where do you see yourself in five years time?

A: Do not be tempted to respond in an arrogant manner - i.e. 'in your chair'. The interviewer wants to know your motivation and career aspirations. Whilst wanting to progress is a natural desire, don't let this overshadow the job you are being interviewed for. Try not to give a specific job title, but more what you will be gaining from a role and environment. Such as 'I see myself in a role that allows me to be autonomous, and one that is both challenging and rewarding.

 

Additional Questions you may be asked at interview and need to be prepared for.

 

·         Why should we offer you a position?

·         What motivates you? Why?

·         What de-motivates you? Why?

·         What do you consider to be the most important things that this role needs to have for you?

·         Why do you want to work for this company?

·         What qualities do you possess that you could bring to this role?

·         What did you enjoy about your last job and why?

·         What did you dislike about your last job and why?

·         What working culture do you prefer to work in?

·         How do you cope under pressure Give an example?

·         Will you relocate for the right role?

·         What other vacancies have you applied for and how have they gone?

·         In your last position, what goals did you set yourself? Did you achieve them?

 

Question relating Specifiacally to Rec 2 Rec Interviews

 

·         If you have been in recruitment what was your average placement fee/temp rate -what numbers did you have out or how many placements did you make a month?

·         What were your monthly targets? (Provide figures you actually achieved against these targets)

 

ENQUIRE.

 

Make a note of any questions you want to ask, and take these to the interview (notes on questions further down). Don't be afraid to use them or have them in view along with company literature. What you see.... Unfortunately in this day and age, image is everything. It is a known fact that people make initial decisions within the first few minutes of meeting each other.

 

 

Questions you may want to ask at interview.

 

At the end of your interview always consult this list to make sure you have got all the information you need.

 

·         Do you have internal and external training courses?

·         Long term I wish to be at stage - could your company offer me that progression?

·         Who do you consider to be your main competitors?

·         Are any internal candidates being considered?

·         What are the promotional prospects?

·         How many people work in the office/company as a whole?

·         What benefits are available with your company? I.e.: - monthly/quarterly bonus? Pension etc?

·         What targets would be set for this role?

·         What is your attrition rate like?

·         When did your last person leave? And why?

 

Question relating Specifiacally to Recruitment 2 Recruitment Interviews

 

·         Do you support the REC qualification?

·         Is this role covering an existing desk or is this a new role?

·         If this is an existing desk why has this vacancy arisen?

·         What does your highest and lowest biller bring in on a monthly basis?

 

If you cannot think of any more questions to ask then simply say- I believe you have answered all the questions I was going to ask, however if I do think of anything else after the interview, may I come back to yourself or the agency?” Remember questions show interest so never be afraid to ask.

 

Closing....

 

Once the interview has concluded, thank the interviewer for their time and express an interest in the role and the company. Ask them if they have any reservations and what they are. This may be your last opportunity to overcome them. If they have any doubts about your enthusiasm, they will concentrate on the negative aspects of your interview and think of why they shouldn't employ you. This is human nature.

 

Do not get involved in discussing money at this stage - unless the interviewer asks you. Remember that the questions you ask tell the interviewer more about you than some of the answers you give.

 

Close with a firm handshake and smile and leave with poise. You are still on show until you leave the building and are out of sight, so don't enter into a loud conversation on your mobile phone in reception, or light a cigarette in view of the office.

Simple Do's and Don'ts

 

·        Be clean, smart and professional in appearance.

·        Don't smoke before your interview - you will bring the smell with you on your clothes and breath.

·         Don't drink alcohol, eat garlic or strong foods the night before or just before your interview.

·         Check the weather report - no one wants to sit through an interview soaking wet.

·         Do switch off your mobile phone. If you do forget and it rings during the interview, ignore it and apologise to the interviewer.

·         Do not chew gum during your interview - dispose of it before entering the building. Do not smoke - even if asked by the interviewer.

·         Don't fidget. It's annoying and distracting and betrays your nerves.

·         Don't swear or tell rude or smutty jokes. What you say could be offensive.

·         Do learn from the experience. We all make mistakes; use them to your advantage for the next interview.

 

And finally - WAIT    

 

Following your interview we ask you to call your Consultant immediately for valuable feedback. This allows us to gain a clear picture as to how you got on at interview and to assist with any questions that you may have at this stage. Your early comments are vital as we will be speaking to the client / company about you and need to know whether or not you are interested - if all goes according to plan - an offer of employment will be presented to you for your perfect career opportunity

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