Interview Tips
Your interview is basically common sense and a little preparation. From your CV, your potential employer can see that you have the skills to perform the role for which you have applied, so a first interview will generally take place to talk about you. Employers will want to discuss your CV in further detail, gain an insight into your personality, your aspirations and motivations, how you would fit in with the existing team, etc.
The following are guidelines to help you through the interview experience and make it as painless as possible;
Before
- Research the company thoroughly (most will have a website you can browse) and compose at lest a couple of questions that you can ask at your interview. They should convey to your interviewer your genuine interest in the role and the company so issues such as future plans, company stability and staff retention levels are good examples.
- Plan your journey leaving plenty of time for delays, traffic jams, etc.
- Reread your CV to prepare yourself for any questions that your interviewer may have
- Remind yourself of why you have the relevant skills for this position and be prepared for any relevant technical questions that may be pertinent to the role
- Make sure your suit / interview attire is clean and pressed and shoes are clean and tidy. First impressions are EVERYTHING.
Arriving
- Always arrive 5-10 minutes early and ALWAYS phone ahead if you are running late so ensure you have the correct telephone number with you
- Introduce yourself with a confident firm handshake and once seated, leave your hands on your lap – not crossed which conveys a feeling of negativity
- Most interviewers make a decision on your suitability within the first five minutes, which is why your attire and appearance is essential. Be confident and cheerful and engage in eye contact.
During
- Make sure you give the interviewer as much opportunity as possible to talk about the role so ask your pre-rehearsed questions about the company and opportunity
- Remember that as much as you are selling yourself, the interviewer has to sell the role to you too so ask them what is good about the company and this position in particular
- Remember that your interviewer is hoping that you are the right person for them so give them the impression that you can really see yourself in this role
- NEVER be defensive or aggressive if you are asked difficult questions about previous jobs or decisions; you need to show that you can perform under pressure
- Avoid argumentative discussion with the interviewer. If you encounter a difference of opinion, direct the conversation to an alternative, positive subject.
- Avoid openly criticising your current or previous employers. Always talk about your experiences in a positive manner, although highlighting areas of a role which could be improved is acceptable, if presented in a constructive manner.
- Never bring up money early in the interview and ideally wait until your interviewer does so. You want to seem motivated by the role as a whole, not purely by the money.
- Keep to the point when answering questions or providing examples. Answer fully in an informative and lively manner but do not talk for more than a couple of minutes at a time and do not “waffle”!
- If you are asked to describe your strengths, provide straightforward examples and be modest. When detailing current or previous duties and responsibilities mention what you enjoyed about them, what technical skills you have gained, what you achieved and how this has helped you.
- If you are asked to describe your weaknesses, always try to explain how you have overcome this problem or difficulty. You should prepare this answer beforehand.
Ending
- Always ask your interviewer if he has any doubts or reservations about your suitability for the role. If they do, you can attempt to overcome them there and then.
- Thank the interviewer for the appointment and say you have enjoyed meeting them.
- Always ask what the next stage will be and when you should expect to hear their decision.
- Ensure that you convey genuine interest in the role – if a potential employer has to choose between two equally suitable candidates, the most enthusiastic will be their more likely choice.
Most common reasons for rejection
- Poor appearance and poor hygiene
- Lack of enthusiasm for the role
- Poor grammar, diction or inability to express your opinions clearly
- Too forceful or aggressive attitude
- Criticism of former employers
- Lack of research on the company
- No prepared questions about the role and the company
- No valid reason for leaving your current employer
- Failure to look your interviewer in the eye
Final Tips
- ALWAYS look your best
- ALWAYS ask at the end of the meeting if there are any reservations
- ALWAYS offer a firm handshake
- ASK for a tour of the office and to see where you would sit if you were to get the job
- ASK to meet other members of the team you could soon be working with
Popular Interview Questions
The following are areas and specific questions that are likely to be raised in your interview. Think about how you would answer them and ask the opinions of family and friends when considering those of a self-assessment nature.
Questions about your CAREER
- Why did you apply for this position?
- What do you consider to be one/two of your most important accomplishments?
- How much supervision do you receive in your current job?
- What are the biggest disappointments in your current job? (BE BRIEF – 1 or 2 examples only)
- Why are you leaving your current job?
- What's important to you in a job? What elements do you look for in a new employer?
Questions about your abilities
- What makes you the right candidate for this job?
- What would you say is the most important thing you are looking for in a job?
- If you have been informed of, or detected yourself, a weakness or problem in your job performance, what have you done about it?
- Do you prefer working on your own initiative or with other people?
- What things do you prefer to avoid in a job and why?
- What were some of the things about your last job that you found most difficult to do?
- What did you particularly like about your last job?
- Do you feel you were well or poorly managed? Can you give examples?
- If I asked your present/most recent employer about your ability, what would they say?
Questions about YOU
- How would you describe your personality? Thoughtful or decision maker?
- How would your wife / husband / partner / parents / friends describe you? What would they say are your weaknesses?
- What kind of things do you feel really confident doing?
- What do you consider to be your greatest achievements?
- What things would you describe as frustrating and how do you overcome them?
- What do you think are the most important characteristics a person must possess in order to be successful?
- What would you describe as an obstacle that you have overcome?
- What or who has been the most important event / person in your own self-development?
Questions about your CAREER GOALS
- What is your long-term career objective?
- Where do you see your career in five years time?
- What skills and knowledge need development and improvement to get you there?
- If you were to be offered this role, what would you aim to achieve?
Questions about your EDUCATION
- What qualifications or certifications have prepared you for this role and why?
- Have you undertaken any recent courses in your present role? How have they helped you to develop this position?