-Make sure you have the address, know how to get there and know the name and job title of the person you're meeting
-Do your research - read company information/website, check out competitors and check trade magazines for latest industry developments. Interviewers will be impressed if you've made an effort to find out some information/facts
-Study the job specification thoroughly and match it to your CV, so that you can give examples of how your experience meets the job requirement
-Take with you a spare CV, pen and notepad
-Make sure that you are smartly turned out and your shoes are clean! Enquire about the dress code from your consultant if you are unsure about what to wear.
-Find out from your consultant what extra information they can provide you with, ie how well they know the client, if they've visited the premises, can they give you any additional inside information to give you an edge.
Make a good first impression
-You will be making an impression from the moment you walk through the door, so make sure that you leave everyone with a good impression. Anyone you meet may have some influence over the final decision including the receptionist, so always smile, be courteous and polite
-If there is more than one person interviewing you, look at each one and smile when you greet them. Remember their names so that you can address them throughout the interview.
During the interview
-Listen carefully to the interviewer(s) - don't be afraid to ask them to repeat a question if you didn't hear it properly, as this will help you to answer it correctly
-Think about your answers to difficult questions before you respond - don't rush an answer as you may risk not expressing your point clearly and will not sound confident
-Look at the person you're talking to but don't exclude other interviewers in the room
-If something you said didn't come across as you had meant it, don't be afraid to rephrase your answer to make sure you get your point across as you originally intended
-Don't be too critical of your previous employers - this could come across as a lack of loyalty, professionalism and integrity
-Remember interviews are a two-way thing, asking questions will make you appear more interested in a particular company/job. Some examples are listed in the next section although these can also be related to your research on the company/job
-Most of all, try to relax and enjoy the interview - the interviewer is human after all!
Common interview questions
-What are your strengths and weaknesses is a very common interview question - give this some thought beforehand and be honest. Show the interviewer that you recognise your weaknesses and indicate ways in which you are trying to improve on these
-What do you know about the company/job/product etc? This is your chance to show how well prepared you are and that you have done your research.
-Do you have any questions? This will give you a chance to show the interviewer your enthusiasm and interest.
-Make sure you have some questions in mind ready to ask. Examples could be:
--What are the other people in the team/department like?
--What training/induction will I receive?
--What are the main responsibilities for this job?
--Would I be involved in any other projects within the company on a one-off basis?
--Who would I have most contact with either within the company or clients/suppliers?
--What are the company's plans for the future and how would these affect my role?
--Where are the opportunities for future progression within the company?
--Ask the interview how long they have been with the company and what they like about working for the company.
At the end of the interview
-The interview may explain how the process will go from here. If not, don't be afraid to ask. Ask when you are likely to hear back from them but don't be too pushy as they may want to see all the candidates before moving onto the next stage
-Make sure they know how to reach you - through your recruitment consultant is ideal if the interview was through them. If you applied directly to the company, make sure they have your contact details
-Don't forget to thank the interviewer for their time, smile and shake their hand. If there was more than one interviewer, say goodbye to each one personally
-Acknowledge the receptionist as you leave, particularly if they brought you tea or coffee while you were waiting or looked after your coat/bag/briefcase etc.
After the interview
-Call your recruitment consultant as soon as possible after the interview and let them know how it went. Once they have your feedback, they can progress things depending on how you felt about it. Their job is to liaise with you and the company, handle any queries or objections raised and negotiate on your behalf where necessary
-If an interviewer has given you their direct contact details in case of queries, use it if necessary but don't overdo it.
