Candidates
Interview Advice
Interviews can be a traumatic experience, but with the proper preparation you can overcome any obstacles the interviewer or interview panel may place in front of you.
Preparation
Preparation is one of the most important words for success at an interview. Please find below some general tips which should help give you the best possible chance of getting the job.
Getting to the interview 15 minutes before your scheduled time.
Researching the location of the interview, finding out your journey and the time taken to get there (taking traffic into consideration) A good idea is to do a test run to familiarise yourself with the journey, so that you can get to the interview without the worry of "How do I get there". The first impressions count, so getting there on time is a good start.
Before your interview, find out everything you can about the company. Check out there website and perhaps do a Google search to see what headlines are coming up about them (read their annual report which can be obtained by telephoning them). Re-read your application, and the job specification, thinking through your own career and the questions they might ask you. You should try to anticipate the general questions which they will ask and also prepare some questions to ask them.
To do well in the interview you need to convince the interview panel that you are technically capable of doing the job, that you are sufficiently motivated enough to do the job well, and that you will fit in well with the organisational structure and functionality of the team.
You should dress smartly for the interview. Be courteous to all employees of the company. At the interview itself you must be positive about yourself and your abilities - but do not waffle.
Take a copy of your CV with you and any qualification and professional information which might be of benefit. Passport documentation and a driving licence are also useful to have with you in case of checks which they might have to do.
Interview questions
Interview questions may vary in structure and content. Be careful to answer each part of their questions to the best of your ability without waffling or skipping important parts of the question.
Preparation for the questions by the interview panel is always important. Put yourself in their position of finding out why you would want to move on to this new role, and what you have to offer them. Make sure that you can be positive about reasons for leaving your present company. Questions always vary with each interviewer. On answering questions if you can introduce examples of your success and achievement related to the question, then do so.
Sample Questions you may be asked
Examples of questions -
Why do you want this job?
What qualities do you think will be required for this job?
What can you contribute?
What do you know about this company?
What can we (the new company) offer that your previous company cannot offer?
Why should we employ you?
Why are you changing careers?
How ambitious are you? Would you compete for my job?
What do you think of the last company you worked for?
Explain the organisational structure in your last company and how you fitted into it?
What are you looking for in a new job?
How would you describe yourself? / How would others describe you?
What sort of manager are you? / What makes a good manager?
How do you run a meeting?
What problems did you encounter in your last job? What annoyed you about your last job?
This is not a complete list, but may help you cover some of the difficult questions. Remember not to defame your previous employer or manager, as this might have a negative impression on the interview panel. Try to be upbeat and positive about the new challenge and career prospects.
Salary Questions
Try not to discuss salary until closer to the end or when asked to do so. It may be that you wish us to negotiate all new salary and financial matters, and you might like to answer "my agency is dealing with that side, can I ask them to contact you?" They should have an idea what salary you are expecting, from receiving the original CV from Personnel Choice.
Questions to ask
The interview is a two way process. You may want to find out if the company and position is the right move for you. It shows great interest if you have questions (Which haven't been answered by the interviewer already) about the role and company.
Sample Questions for you to ask
Some example questions to ask are below
What will be my responsibilities?
Where will I fit into the overall organisational structure?
Who will I report to?
Where does he/she fit in the structure?
Who will report to me?
How experienced are they?
What do you expect me to do in the first 6 months?
What level of performance do you expect from me?
Who are your customers?
Where is the company going? Upwards? Expansion plans?
What are the chances of advancement/promotion in this position? When?
What will be my salary, benefits and bonuses? [Do not bring this up too early in the interview - wait until they appear to be showing interest in you.]
Will travelling be required in this position?
Will relocation be required now or in the future?
What training do you provide?
When will you decide on the appointment?
What is the next step?
Factors to avoid
Being unprepared for the interview - you should always prepare thoroughly before any interview (this will also make you feel more confident at the interview).
Poor/limp handshake - may create a weak impression.
Saying unfavourable things about previous employers - the employer will be wondering what you will say about them when you leave their employment.
Not being able to communicate clearly and effectively.
Being aggressive or acting in a superior way.
Making excuses for failings.
Presentations
Prepare the presentation as fully as possible, with slides or powerpoint as a demonstration tool. Practising is a very important part of the presentation to give you an idea how long it will take you, and to familiarise yourself with what you are going to say.
Preparation is essential for a successful interview.