Interview Advice
Job interviews can be a daunting prospect at the best of times, this section has been written to provide a few pointers which should get you on the right track.
General Interview Advice
- Make sure that you are clear about the role that you are being interviewed for.
- Confirm the time/ location and try and establish who will be interviewing you.
- It is always a good idea to take a dry run, just to take the pressure off finding the company on the interview day.
- Leave in plenty of time, try and report to reception at least 10-15 minutes before the start time.
- Research, try and find out as much as you can about the company before the interview - you may want to print some notes so that you can refresh yourself in the car prior to going in.
- Dress code should be formal business attire, including a tie for gentlemen, unless specifically advised by the company. (It's always better to be overdressed rather than underdressed).
- Know your own CV - it's likely that the interviewer will use this as a basis for his questions; you should also take at least one copy of it with you.
- Try and be positive during the interview and avoid negative comments about your current employer.
Pre interview check list
You should take the following items (placing these in a smart business folder can create a good first impression).
- Map / Directions
- Telephone Number of company (in the event you are running late or lost)
- Names of interviewers
- Pen / Paper
- Two copies of your CV
- List of questions that you would like to ask. (see example questions for a few ideas)
At the interview
- If asked to wait in reception, scan the area for press cuttings or notices that might prove useful during the interview.
- On meeting the interviewer remember to make eye contact, smile and offer a firm handshake.
- During the interview remain focused at all times and make sure that your body language is giving a good impression.
- After the interview is finished - it's a good idea to offer another firm handshake with eye contact and thank everybody for taking the time to meet with you.
Example Questions
Review the following questions and think about the answers that you would give.
KILLER QUESTION: Why are you looking to leave your current role? (This question has tripped up many an experienced candidate)
Try and keep the answer to this question positive whilst trying to be as honest as possible. It is not ideal to criticise your boss or current employer too heavily. Try and focus on positive reasons like enhanced career opportunities / stability.
Questions that you could be asked:-
- Tell me about yourself.
- Why do you want this job?
- What are your long-term aims?
- What can you bring to this job/company
- What are your strengths/weaknesses?
- What do you enjoy most/least?
- What's your greatest achievement so far?
- What would you like to be better at?
- How would your colleagues describe you?
- Why should we give you this job?
- What attracted you to this company?
- What do you know about our business?
- How would you fit in with our culture?
- What do you think the most important qualities for this job are?
Questions that you might want to ask:-
Good example questions
- Can you describe a typical day?
- What training does the company offer?
- What kind of opportunities are there for development in the company?
- I read about your new product/take-over of/new order for/plans to...
- Can you tell me more about that?
Questions to avoid
- How many holidays do I get?
- When will I get a pay rise?
- What is your grievance procedure?
