Interview Preparation

Before the interview:

• Research the company
• Check the address and plan your route
• Dress appropriately
• Prepare extra copies of your CV to take
• Take a note pad and a spare pen or pencil just in case, but avoid taking copious notes at the interview
• Turn off your mobile phone
• Think about your key skills, competences and achievements
• Think about what your objectives are

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Anticipate questions and prepare some responses, here are some questions you may be asked:

• Tell me about yourself
• What are/were your primary responsibilities in your current/previous vacancy?
• What is your current/last salary package?
• Why did you leave/are you considering leaving?
• What are your main accomplishments in this position?
• Describe a typical workday
• What are your weaknesses?
• What are your career goals?
• What are your short-term/long-term objectives?
• What is your management style?
• What was the most challenging aspect of your job?
• What are you looking for now?
• What other kinds of positions have you applied for recently?
• What do you know about us?
• Do you prefer to work by yourself or with others?
• How would you describe your personality?
• Describe a major goal you set and what steps you took to reach it?
• What steps do you take to overcome a problem?
• How would your managers describe you?
• Describe a time when you have had a conflict with a colleague. How did you overcome it?

Plan some of your own questions (2 or 3 maximum). Ensure they are relevant to your application. This may be covered at the end of your interview, and you will want it to end on a positive note.

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At the interview:

• First impressions. A firm handshake, with an enthusiastic greeting and a good amount of eye contact and a brief self-introduction should make a good first impression
• Keep your right hand free, as this is the hand that you will greet your interviewer with
• Be polite to the support staff you meet including those at a recruiter. They count too and may influence a decision in your favour
• Break the ice. In most interviews small talk will fill the small gap before the point of getting down to business

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During the interview:

• Let the interviewer lead the conversation early on
• Try not to monopolise the meeting
• Keep an attitude of ‘what can I do for the company’
• Stress your positive points that are relevant
• Talk about what appeals and what you can offer
• Keep your replies simple
• Don’t make unnecessary negative remarks about current or former employers
• Look interested, smile, nod and keep eye contact
• Sit “tall” – do not slump back in the seat
• Don’t fiddle with pens, keys or other objects
• Speak confidently and ensure your body language and gestures are positive and appropriate

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Some questions you may want to ask:

• What will be my responsibilities?
• Where will I fit into the overall organisational structure?
• Who will I report to?
• Who are your customers?
• What are the organisation’s future plans?
• What is the potential for career progression in this role?
• Will travelling be required in this position?
• Will relocation be required now or in the future?
• When will you decide on the appointment?
• What is the next step?
• What are the greatest challenges of this position?
• What is the reason for the vacancy?
• How do you think I fit the position?

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Closing the interview:

• Let them know you’re interested in the position, and why
• Clarify what the next step is
• Ask them what else they need to know about you
• Summarise why you feel you can do the job