As a recruitment company we are experts on how to ace a job interview. Here are our top tips on how to nail that job interview and secure the job!
We asked our consultants their top tips on how to be a successful candidate and here’s what they said:
RESEARCH THE COMPANY
- What are its products/services?
- What is the size of the company?
- Who are their competitors?
Our consultants will help you with this but you should conduct some personal research too! (the company’s website, brochure, social media, figures etc.) This will set you aside from your competition
PREPARATION IS KEY
- What’s the date, time and location?
- Allow plenty of time for travel; aim to arrive at least 15 minutes early
- If you are held up, phone ahead and let the employer/agency know
- If possible, do a trial run (check transport timetables or parking availability)
What should you wear?
- First impressions are important! Dress suitably, be well groomed and wear something
- you are comfortable in. Your consultant can advise if you are unsure, but a suit and tie for gentlemen and trouser suit or jacket and skirt are recommended for ladies, unless you have been told otherwise.
- If possible, wear a slightly different outfit for a second interview at the same company.
What should you take with you?
- Relevant certificates and references
- Notepad and pen for notes – If you want to take notes during the interview do make
sure that the interviewer is OK with this
SHOWCASE YOUR SKILLS OR ACHIEVEMENTS
Pick out your skills or achievements that are directly relevant to what this company is looking for and rehearse these. Elaborate on your strengths.
Be prepared to explain any unusual parts of your CV, such as any time taken out from employment, education or travelling.
ASK QUESTIONS
Asking relevant questions shows you are interested, organized and able to plan:
Salary and benefits are important, but an employer will be more impressed if you ask questions about the company, the department, and the job first.
The following are good questions to ask:
- Are there any training opportunities in this role?
- Who you would I report to?
- Who will I be working with?
- Are there any promotion prospects and/or career progression opportunities?
- How is this role important to the company?
- What direction is this company / department going?
- What projects are current / on the horizon?
- What would the next step be after this interview?
- When am I likely to receive feedback / get a decision?
- How long have you been with the company and why do you like it?
Ask if there is anything the interviewer is unsure about regarding you and if they have any queries you can clear u
QUESTIONS YOU MAY BE ASKED
Most interviews follow the same format, a typical interview may include the following questions:
- How much do you know about the job?
- What interests you about the job?
- Who and what were you responsible for in your last job?
- Can you give an example of when you coped well under pressure?
- Do you prefer to work as an individual or as part of a team?
- What are the biggest achievements so far in your career?
- What do you see as your strengths and weaknesses?
- What are your long-term goals? How are you going to succeed in achieving them?
- Are you considering any other jobs?
The interviewer is also very likely to ask questions based on your CV to explain your career path and ambitions. So, make sure you prepare and rehearse these before
DURING THE INTERVIEW
Who will be interviewing?
There may be Technical Interviewers, Managers / Directors or HR / Personnel staff, or a mixture of all of them in the room. Don’t forget they will all have their own view on the company and what they’re looking for from this role.
During the interview you should:
- Conduct
- Switch your mobile to silent mode
- First impressions are key, greet the interviewers politely
- Look alert and sit upright, eye contact is important
- Be yourself and be honest at all times when answering questions
- Listen carefully, concentrate, and don’t interrupt
- Show interest
- Talk slowly and clearly
- Keep your answers clear and to the point
- Take time if necessary, before answering a question or ask for clarification if you are unsure of the meaning
- Don’t be afraid to admit if you can’t answer the question
- Don’t criticise your current employer, or reveal confidential/controlled information/documentation
- Find opportunities to sell yourself, relating your skills to the job. An employer is looking for determination, enthusiasm and a willingness to learn
- Concentrate on positive words such as “enthusiastic”, “interesting” and “enjoyable” etc
ENDING THE INTERVIEW
Thank your interviewers for their time – however you feel the interview has been.
If you are impressed by what the interviewer has had to say and by the company in general let them know that you feel that way.
If you want the job don’t be afraid to tell the interviewer that you want it and would like to work with them.
AFTER THE INTERVIEW
Please call your consultant as soon as possible with your feedback – the sooner we have your feedback and know you are out of the interview, the sooner we can ascertain feedback for you from the client.
