No matter how many interviews you’ve had in the past, they can still be nerve-wracking, especially when you’re going for that dream job.
Once you reach the shortlist, our consultants will prepare you to meet your potential employers, giving you a thorough briefing with a list of the questions most likely to be asked, and a profile of the company and its operation - in short, all the information you could possibly need to make a great impression.
There is no right or wrong way to prepare for an interview. However having spent several years conducting recruitment interviews, we have seen what the good candidates do right and what the wrong candidates fail to do.
We hope these guidelines help!
1. The first 10 seconds
The majority of interviews are decided in the first seconds of contact, when the interviewer makes their initial impression. Get this wrong and no matter how well you acquit yourself under intense questioning, if the interviewer had some reason to feel an initial doubt, the chances are that you will not be successful. You need an easy smile, you need to look your interviewer confidently in the eye as you shake hands and you need to handle the small talk at the beginning of the interview effortlessly. Remember the names of the people who are interviewing you if you were not previously advised of this.
2. Do your homework
What is the size of the company? What is its turnover? Where are its offices? What are its main products / services? What reputation does it have? What is its brand or selling point, the thing that stands it apart from other companies? This will be crucial if you are asked why you are applying. Who is interviewing you? Find out as much about your interviewer as possible. You may find you have a common interest that you can use to establish a link with him/her at the very start of the interview.
3. Know your own CV
Prepare responses to any weak points such as low grades or previous career choices that you have made this is paramount . Know your achievements and make sure you communicate these precisely – Too many people forget how successful they are.
4. Be savvy
Make sure you know what issues are currently affecting the clients industry as your interviewer may want to start off with a few general questions. Be upto date on competition and what their news is.
5. Have your answers ready
A good interview is like a good exam. You know what questions you are about to be asked and you know what your answers will be. You will always be asked about your strengths and weaknesses, and some standard questions depending on client so have concise answers planned. This should ensure that you don't waffle and lose the interviewer's attention.
6. Presentation
Show the interviewer that you are 100% serious and have thought about it. Give yourself plenty of time to get ready, and think about the image that you will be presenting.
Clothing
Good suit that is preserved only for interviews preferably dark, along with white shirt and strong tie and clean shoes. Jewellery should be kept to a minimum -Feel sharp and on top of the world
Appearance
Make sure easy things like your hair and nails are taken care of. Always leave a minute or two when you arrive to use the clients facilities, and check there are no marks on your face or debris from the journey to the office caught in your hair. Use this time to wash your hands, ensuring they are not clammy for the forthcoming handshake.
7. Be on time
It is inconceivable that you will be late - it is the worst possible impression that you can make. Ensure you know where the interview will be taking place, and that you know how long it will take to get there in the event that the roads are bad or the Tube is down. If possible, arrive some time before the interview, and find a café nearby where you can relax and read through your interview notes. Don't arrive to the actual interview more than 15 minutes early.
9. Composure in communication
You are likely to have at least two interviewers. Deliver your responses equally; don't ignore anyone. Straight after your interview they will probably have a chat about you, and you don't want one of them to begin the conversation saying how you never made proper eye contact. So don't panic: make good eye contact, keep your delivery steady and don't rush or gabble in your eagerness to get your answers out. Don't look at your watch during the interview. If you forgot to switch off your phone and it rings, don't answer it.
10. Have your own questions planned for the end of the interview
The more questions you have left to ask at the end of the interview, the better. It shows that you are imagining yourself working for your potential employer and are looking at the practicalities. If you think of enough questions beforehand, it is more likely that you will still have a few left unanswered by the end.
After the interview, if you find out that you have been unsuccessful, don't be afraid to ask for feedback.
We hope these points help and Good luck!
Good luck!