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Interview Guide

Some of us are confident and relaxed at interviews. Some — most probably the majority — go weak at the knees and break into a sweat at the mere mention of the ‘I’ word…

Quite simply, preparation is the key to a successful interview.

Preparation

  • Research the company thoroughly prior to the interview. Find out about the corporate structure, their mission and philosophy, latest news, annual reports, competitors etc. You can find this information on their website, in the library, or speak to your consultant.
  • Prepare some questions that you would like to ask them. Some of them may be answered in conversation, but if you have a few prepared, when they ask if you have any questions, you will be prepared and appear interested — and interesting — by responding with intelligent and relevant questions.
  • Anticipate ‘killer questions’. We can't predict what they will ask you, but if you prepare well it may just help you out of that awkward situation …
    • “What are your weaknesses?”
    • “What do you think of your current boss?”
    • “How would you react if I told you that, so far, your interview was terrible?”
  • Decide on examples & evidence you can use to demonstrate the required experience and skills for the position.
  • Test your journey the day or week before your interview. Make sure you know the times of trains or other means of transport to get you there on time. Aim to be about 15 minutes early. You can read their marketing material or simply sit and compose yourself.
  • Remember you may be in there for a couple of hours or more, so you might want to use the bathroom before you go in …
  • Have an early night!

On the Day

First impressions count. But so do the second, third and fourth … Remember this at all times – from the minute you get up in the morning, all the way through until you walk out of the interview (and are out of sight!)

  • Be smart. Wear conservative clothing. Wash your hair, clean your teeth, apply classic makeup, clean and file your nails (everyone). Polish your shoes.
  • Call us if you are going to be late. As long as you have a good enough reason, it won't go against you.
  • Make sure you have enough change for the tube/parking.
  • Take a copy of your CV with you.
  • Turn off your mobile phone/pager/alarms etc.
  • Greet people in a polite and friendly manner. Remember, everyone you meet could be offering their opinion. And the person in the lift with the bad hairdo and coffee stains down his shirt ? He could be your interviewer – who knows. A smile and a firm handshake go a long way.
  • Be enthusiastic.
  • Have faith in your own capabilities.
  • Don't be frightened of a slight pause while you digest a question and prepare the answer. It's better than rushing an answer and waffling.
  • Speak clearly and calmly. Always try to elaborate your answers — don't just answer ‘Yes’ or ‘No’.
  • Maintain good body language. Sit up straight, don't fiddle with your hair/nose/buttons, and keep eye contact.
  • Smile. At the end of the interview, shake hands and thank the interviewer for his/her time. If you enjoyed it or found it interesting, tell them. And say you look forward to seeing them again.

After the Interview

Sit down, have a cup of tea, and relax. Congratulate yourself for giving such a good interview.

Your consultant will call you to see how you felt it went as soon as they know the interview is over. Timing may not be quite right, so feel free to call us if you want to.

When we have some feedback from the client, we will let you know, hopefully with some news of the next interview or a job offer.