Good interview techniques are paramount! With good interview advice you stand out from all other candidates being considered for the role in question. You might appear to be the best candidate on paper, you may have glowing credentials, but a lack of preparation before the interview can let you down. Most interviews will only last one hour, you will probably not get a second chance!
Here are some guidelines for you to follow:
- 1. Make sure that you know the exact time and location of the interview and allow plenty of time to get there, most people suggest a 10 minute window. There is nothing worse than being flustered when you arrive.
- 2. Make sure that you know exactly who you are meeting and try and get some background information on them, it will be easier to understand their drivers. Try and also ascertain the format of the interview, what the process will be and who else you likely to be meeting.
- 3. Be clear for which position you are being interviewed, ideally get an advert or job specification and do some research about your future employer; it shows you are keen and will add to your confidence.
The organisation’s website is THE best source of research. Most sites now have press release or news sections that will provide you with up-to-date information. There may also be a career section and a financial information section for potential investors.
Trade publications are the next most specific source of information. Many of these journals now have their own websites with both current and archived material on them. Most national newspapers and even UKtemps News have news links with archived material that can be sourced and searched through very easily.
Networking with anyone you know who knows someone who works within the organisation to gain information that would otherwise not be available to you.
If you can bring any research or knowledge to the interview and add it to your “sell” then it can look very impressive to potential employers.
- 4. Give some thought to questions that you might be asked at interview as standard questions are quite often repeated from company to company and interviewer to interviewer. We have some example questions at the end of this section. To give you a starting point, think of the worst potential questions that you could be asked and make sure that you have sound answers to these.
- 5. Dress accordingly. In an office environment then a business suit is a must. If it is not an office environment then seek advice from the recruiter representing you. If you are unsure then you are better to be over dressed - First impressions are vital.
- 6. Know your CV like the back of your hand - it is amazing how many people fail at interview because they haven’t read their CV recently. Make sure you remember all relevant dates and if you do have gaps (which you shouldn’t) then make sure that you have explanations for them.
- 7. If you are on a visa or need to show specific qualifications / certificates for the role in question then make sure that you have these to hand and that that they are kept in a presentable folder to keep them neat and tidy.
- 8. Remember that the interview is a two way process. As well as ’selling’ yourself as best you can you should also be considering questions for the interviewer themselves. Cover aspects of the role, career development and the company culture.
- 9. Treat others as you would expect to be treated yourself - If you cannot attend the interview, call immediately to give as much notice as possible and a more appropriate date and time can be scheduled.
Don’t just fail to turn up - whatever the reason - at least call. For more interview tips visit our advice centre
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