Interview Tips

Key interview tips

  • Research the job and company thoroughly - Try to know as much about them and their products and services as you can. The website is usually the best place to find information. Preparing will make you feel confident and you won't be nervous if you are asked specific company-related questions. Try to find out something ‘extra’ that will make you stand out – Their biggest competition, Recent Awards, Global or national locations, benefits etc.
  • Prepare questions - Sharp questions will show that you are proactive and want to make sure that this company is the right place for you. Take a pen and a copy of the job spec in to the interview to refer to and make notes on.
  • Make eye contact - It shows that you are focused and confident
  • Show interest in, and enthusiasm for, the company.
  • Dress professionally – It’s irrelevant what dress code the company has – always dress in Business Attire for your first interview. Suits, Crisp shirts, clean shoes, no bare legs or too much flesh on display!
  • Try to keep your answers down to 60 seconds - Clear, concise and interesting!
  • Listen carefully and answer questions directly. If you are unclear about a question, ask the interviewer to clarify.
  • Be prepared to discuss how what you've done in the past will affect how you'll perform in a future role. Give examples that demonstrate your value.
  • Always call your Recruitment Agency after the interview to give your feedback. Express your interest in the position and find out what the next stage is.

Useful Web Links for Interview tips, help and advice

Dos and Don’ts of interview etiquette!

Dos
  • Do practice a Good Firm Handshake on your friends before the interview!
  • Do dress for the job you want, not the job you have! You make the greatest impact in the first 17 seconds of the interview, and in that time all the interviewer really has time to take in is your personal hygiene, your wardrobe choices and your handshake.
  • Do wear tights (for ladies only!!) – Bare legs are a big interview mistake!
  • Do your research! Why are you better than the many other qualified, charming modern people who have applied for this job?
  • Do leave the interview with a firm goodbye speech stating why you want the job and why you'd be brilliant at it.
Don'ts
  • Don’t fidget!
  • Don’t arrive late. Look up where you've got to get to and leave with 30 minutes to spare for traffic, emergency toilet trips, and so on. It’s better to be 30 mins early than 5 mins late!
  • Don’t chew gum!
  • Don’t interrupt the interviewer or talk over the top of them. Make sure you listen properly to everything they say.
  • Don’t be too negative about a previous employer / colleague – back stabbing and bitching never creates a good impression!
  • When the person asks what your weaknesses are, use only the ones that can be turned around into a lesson learned or a positive.