Job Interview Tips

Below are some top tips to help you make the most of your interview

Before you go to your interview

It may sound like common sense, but you may be surprised how many candidates make the mistake of not doing their homework before walking into an interview. The easiest way of finding out what your potential new employer is all about is to look at their website. This will boost your confidence on the day and put you in a better frame of mind to deal with any questions asked.

You have only minutes to impress 

Latest statistics show that it takes the vast majority of recruiters just ten minutes to make their mind up about a candidate. And a quarter of interviewers make a judgement about an individual after just five minutes.

So how do you go about making a good impression in those crucial first few moments? Avoiding the following simple errors will do a lot to help your cause:

 

  • Never arrive late.
  • Do switch off your mobile before you step into the room.
  • Do not bad mouth your current or previous employers.
  • Always dress in a business like manner.
  • Remember you don’t get a second chance to make a good first impression.

Stay calm, listen and be honest

Professional interviewers attempt to provoke a reaction, often causing candidates to get into an argument with the interviewer or getting completely flustered. You can however avoid being caught out by doing your preparation. You will have been given a job description for the role, re-read it before you go in, identify the areas in which you excel and determine how the challenges of the new job will enable you to develop your skills further.

Try to think of what questions the interviewer is likely to ask, and have your responses ready. Some of the common questions include:

  • “Where do you see yourself in 5 years”
  • “What are your strengths and weaknesses?”
  • “Describe a situation when your work was criticised”

Be honest with your responses but always try to be positive even when criticising yourself , for example you may say “My main weakness is that I am a bit of a perfectionist”
Remember, it’s more about not getting flustered and thinking on your feet than having the right answer.

Have your questions ready

Just spending half an hour on a company’s website can give you a definite advantage – look for recent press releases, new launch products or services, awards & achievements. You could even print out their web pages and take them with you into the interview, to let the company know that you have researched them.
Remember the job description; ask an intelligent question towards the beginning of your interview to demonstrate that you’ve done your homework.

Remember the 3E’s

Enthusiasm, Enthusiasm, Enthusiasm.
Of two identically qualified candidates, Employers will without fail go for the one that shows interest and enthusiasm. Show them that you really want the job.

Finally

Good Luck, and please telephone us straight after your interview to let us know your views.