TIPS FOR A PERFECT INTERVIEW!
BEFORE THE INTERVIEW
1. You can never be too prepared for a job interview! Check out the company’s website, do some internet research and ask your consultant questions. Get a good understanding of the company’s background, products/services, locations and competitors. The question “what do you know about our company” will almost always be one of the first questions the interviewer asks.
2. Look over the job description thoroughly. Think of possible questions you may be asked and also identify examples from your background that refer back to the job description and demonstrate your ability to do the job.
3. Put together a couple of samples of your work that illustrate your skills. Don’t bring too many samples as this can count against you if they’re pulling out too much info.
4. Think through likely questions that you will be asked… Some of these could include…
- Why are you seeking a position with our company?
- What attracted you to this role?
- What type of skills and attributes can you contribute to our company?
- Why do you think you are qualified for this position?
- Why are you leaving your current job?
- What are you career aspirations? Where do you see yourself in 2 years? 5 years?
- What have you enjoyed most in your career to date?
- What are your strengths?
- What are your limitations or weaknesses? (Think of these as areas for development, turn a potential negative into a positive!)
- Describe your personality.
- How do you cope with pressure situations?
- How have you managed conflict in the past?
- What is your learning style?
- What management style gets the most out of you?
- What are your greatest achievements to date?
Think about questions you would like to ask the interviewer (one or two would suffice). The emphasis should be on what is expected of you and not on what you expect from the company. Some examples of questions are…
- Why is the position available?
- What are the company’s plans for the future? How would I be expected to contribute towards this goal?
- What type of training and induction would be given for the role?
- What would a normal day in this role look like?
- What is the culture of the organisation?
- What opportunities are there for professional development?
- What attributes and skills would you hope that I’d bring to the job?
Prepare specific scenarios/examples from your private or work life on some of the following topics…
- Adapting to change
- Dealing with conflict (probably best to use an example from the work place)
- Leadership
- Time where you worked in a team
You may need to describe how you approached these situations, why you used the method you used and what the outcome was.
1. Bring a copy of your resume.
2. If you are unsure of the location of the interview look it up and plan how you will get there on the day. Plan to arrive a few minutes early!
Make sure you know the interviewer’s full name and pronunciation of it.
THE INTERVIEW
1. Dress tidily and appropriately in line with the company’s dress policy. You won’t have a second chance at making a good first impression!
2. Never go into an interview smelling of smoke.
3. Turn off your mobile phone!
4. Be polite to the receptionist and friendly and positive with everyone you see/meet.
5. Meet with a good firm handshake and follow the interviewer’s direction on where to be seated.
6. Make an effort to talk and make eye contact to everyone in the interview.
7. Don’t slouch or fidget. Be alert at all times.
8. Be confident and smile!
9. Speak clearly and to the point and don’t be too lengthy in response to questions – keep your answers to 1-2 minutes.
10. Use examples where possible and refer to the samples of work that you have assembled. Don’t just answer with a ‘yes’ or ‘no’.
11. If you don’t understand what you’ve been asked reflect back “Are you asking me…?” Don’t be afraid to ask if a question can be rephrased.
12. If asked about salary expectations don’t put too much emphasis on money. Discuss what motivates you.
13. Talk about the skills that you will utilize in the role, what you will contribute to the company and what makes you different from other candidates.
14. Be able to describe why you want the job. If you are interested in the role state your interest and ask “what is the next step?”
15. At the end of the interview thank the interviewer for their time and consideration.
DON’T
- Say anything negative about a past employer/company.
- Interrupt anyone.
- Lie – Answer truthfully and to the point.
- Enquire about salary, bonuses or holidays unless the issue is raised first.
- Let discouragement show… if you feel the interview isn’t going well don’t act discouraged. Be positive.
AFTER THE INTERVIEW
- Contact your consultant and give them feedback from the interview.
- Be decisive about your interest or otherwise in the role.
- Clearly articulate any further questions you would like followed up in a further interview or on your behalf.
- Tell your consultant about anything else that is going on that may impact this process like, other job interviews, changes with your current employer, anything happening at home – hide nothing!
- Give your consultant all the information they need to help you win the job and a commitment to negotiate with clarity on your behalf
