Interview Advice
Once your CV has done it's job the next phase is the interview itself. This is an important phase in the recruitment process.
Make the right moves in the interview and your in with a chance. Make the wrong moves and the recruiter will be more interested in the next person walking through the door.
Interviews can be scary at times, especially for those who are inexperienced. It will show the recruiter your knowledge, understanding, characteristics and personality. Some companies use some unexpected questions to help assess your personality. Others might ask you to do a psychometric test to see how your personality fits in with the job. However, interviews also give the you the chance to ask questions and to find out more about the company.
Below are some basic guidelines to help you when the interview comes.
Before the Interview
The key to an interview, or anything in life, is the preparation. Here are a few things to consider:
- Research the company. Visit their website or find and read any news articles you can find about them.
- Write down any questions that you have regarding the company.
- If you are changing career or going back to a career you left then research the industry. Look at the latest magazines or websites associated to that industry and read up on the latest developments.
- Check who will be interviewing you. Will you be interviewed by one person or by a panel of six people? Will the interview be your supervisor (if you get the job) or is the interviewer the company's MD?
- Dress appropriately for the interview. Prepare what you're going to wear in advance.
- Re-read your CV and make additional copies to take to the interview.
- Plan your journey to the interview and check for any potential delays. Always get to your interview early.
The Interview
You should always try to make a good first impression at the interview. You should be prepared for what ever they through at you. At the interview, try to:
- Get to your interview on time. Better yet, try to get there at least 5 minutes early. If you are delayed because of some unexpected reason, make sure you let your interviewer know. It's better to wait for the interview than to let the interviewer wait for you!
- Always switch off your mobile phone when you get into the recruiter's office.
- Always be friendly and courteous to everyone you meet from the minute you walk in the recruiter's doors. You never know who's going to have a say and who you might work with (if you get the job).
- The firm hand shake. When shaking hands, make sure your grip is firm. This shows confidence but make sure it's not firm enough to fracture their hand.
- Be aware of your body language. Everyone feels nervous at an interview but if you appear too nervous then the interviewer could feel that your not up to the job. Use positive body language, be confident but don't come over as over confident!
- If you are interviewed by a panel then make sure you talk to everyone rather than directing your answers to just one or two people.
- When answering questions, always answer in a positive manner and try avoiding making any negative comments about your previous jobs or employers.
- Ask questions as well as answer. Asking the interviewer questions about the company and about the job shows that you are really interested in the company and position that you are applying for.
- Never ask about salary unless the interviewer brings it up first. Even if it is brought up, never commit yourself to specific figures until you have been given time to think.
- Never cut in. Always let the interviewer finish speaking before you respond.
- Once the interview has ended, ask the interviewer when you can expect to hear back from them and what is the next step.
Remember, success at this stage depends on you not getting too nervous and to think on your feet.
Just be honest and give your answers with reasoning. Apart from that, just be confident!
After the Interview
Once the interview is over, the job hunting process shouldn't just stop there for you. It is always good for you to go back and analyse your over all performance, learn from your experience and prepare for the next step.
- Try to recall the questions that you were asked in the interview. How you answered them and if you could improve on them in the future.
- If possible, you can send a thank you email to the interviewer, thanking them for taking time to interview you. This can also give you the opportunity get a response or feedback from the interviewer.
