An interview will typically take an hour or two, yet these hours may be some of the most important in your working life - a first-rate interview will land you a great job and determine your career and financial status for the years ahead! Scroll down the page to read our tips, or click on these links to be taken to the relevant sectionPre-interviewAt the interviewCompetency-based interviews
+ Visit their web site to read up on the services they offer and where they are placed in the market. You’ll also learn more about their company culture. If they have a company news or press release section this will provide additional information.+ Type their name into a search engine and see what comes up. In addition some search engines have a dedicated news section – this may bring up recent news stories+ Trade magazines (online/print) may also provide useful information
Who, where, when+ In advance plan a reliable way of getting there which means you’ll be a few minutes early. Allow transfer time from the train station/car park.+ Know who you are meeting+ If the worst happens and you are delayed, make sure you have the contact details of your interviewer with you and the means to call them.+ A smart appearance is important, dressing in a way that follows conventions for the job sector. Know how to sell yourself+ Review your CV and make notes+ What are your skills, qualifications, competencies and experience?+ How do others perceive you and what are your goals?
Review anticipated questions.Prevent stumbling over your words by having a good idea of how you would answer common interview questions. + Tell me about yourself - summarise your strongest skills and professional background in about 15 seconds. + What are your strengths/weaknesses - play down weaknesses or try to make them look like strengths in disguise. Be objective and illustrate how you’ve developed professionally throughout your career+ Why do you want to work for the company - to demonstrate how much research you have done regarding the company! Show genuine interest by using your knowledge, detailing exactly why you would like the job + Why would you be good at this job - give an explanation offering real job experiences, demonstrating competency within your role/field
You want to talk about your achievements and how they are relevant to the role you’re applying for. Try to get the interviewer to describe the job and the duties to you so you can focus your responses on your background, skills and accomplishments where applicable.
Areas to watch out for!
+ Explain answers wherever possible; don’t just answer with a simple "yes" or "no”.+ Thinking about a question or asking for it to be repeated is fine. Don’t pretend to know something or someone when you don't.+ Don't make negative remarks about present or former employers. Communicate your reasons for moving on in a professional manner.+ Don't enquire about salary or package at the initial interview unless you are sure the employer is interested in hiring you. If the interviewer asks what salary you want, give a range, but indicate that you're more interested in the opportunity for continued learning and professional development than in a specific salary.
Closing
+ Confirm you are interested in the opportunity.+ Ask the interviewer if they wish to return to any point for further clarification.+ Enquire whether it is possible to get feedback on the interview.+ Ask about the next step in the process.
It is now more common that interviewers will run competency-based interviews.
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