How to Prepare for a Job Interview and What to Do When You’re There
Preparation for your interview
Background research
- Always prepare thoroughly for your interview by researching the company fully, your agency will have provided you with background information, but as most companies have a website you can look at this information for yourself. By ensuring you are fully prepped about the company it will avoid any embarrassment and will ensure that you are confident about the company.
- Make sure that you know where you are going. We will have supplied directions and/or a map. Try to do a practice run so that you know exactly where your interview will be held. This will ensure no last minute panics!
- Prepare a list of questions that you want to ask at the interview. You may find it helpful to write some of them down in case of a memory block during the interview!
Arriving
- Aim to arrive 15 minutes early for your interview. You can take this time to prepare yourself. Go in at least 5 minutes before your interview time.
- If you are running late, you need to let us know at least 15 minutes before the interview is due to begin. Apologise as soon as you arrive if you have been late. We will have rung ahead on your behalf but it is wise to offer an apology yourself.
First Impressions Count
- Always dress smartly for your interview. Either wear a suit or appropriate office wear. Men should always wear a tie. Make up, perfume and cologne should all be kept to a minimum as should be bags and folders. Nails should be clean and shoes should be polished!
- Remember to be polite to everyone you meet in the office. They may be asked their opinion of you when you have left.
- When you meet the interviewer, offer a firm handshake, smile and make eye contact. Call the interviewer by name.
- Make small talk (but don’t babble!) whilst on the way to the interview room – it helps to relax and be yourself.
The Interview
During the interview:
- Maintain eye contact and keep a positive posture and attitude during the interview.
- Be aware of your body language – i.e. do not slouch or keep arms and legs crossed.
- Listen to the questions properly before answering them – it is okay to pause before answering.
- You will probably be asked to explain your CV. Be positive and ensure that it is achievement driven.
- Be open about your success and failures in a role. Sell yourself and your skills.
- Be positive about your abilities and experience, show your enthusiasm and most importantly be yourself – it’s true that personality really does count!
The Questions:
Here’s some questions that you may be asked:
- Why do you think that you are suitable for this role?
- What are your strengths?
- Describe your weaknesses
- Where do you see yourself in 5 years time?
- What motivates you?
- Why did you leave your last role?
- What salary are you expecting?
- What do you know about us?
- Do you have any questions for us?
Here’s some questions you may want to ask;
- What would I be doing the majority of the time?
- What is the most rewarding aspect of this role?
- What would I be expected to accomplish in this position
- Who are the key people I would be working with?
- Is there any job related training?
- Can you tell me about others who work within the team
- How do you think I fit the positions?
- What are the greatest challenges in this role?
- What is the time scale and decision process for the position?
- When are you looking for somebody to start?
Ending the interview
- Always thank the interviewer for their time at the end of an interview.
- Leave them in no doubt that you are interested in the role, saying “I am very interested in the position what would the next stage be? It is also a good time to clarify what the next step may be by saying “I would really like to work for this company; I think that it is a great company and I am confident I could do the job well. What is the next stage of the selection process?”
- When you leave the interview call your recruitment agency immediately so that they can get your feedback – it could been the difference between a job offer or not.
- Finally relax and wait to hear from them!
Good luck with your job hunting.