Interview Tips

“All our dreams can come true, if we have the courage to pursue them.” –Walt Disney

Do your research

As part of your interview you will be asked specific questions about the organisation.

  • Make yourself familiar with the company website and other online sources such as LinkedIn or simply running a Google search.
  • Get a feel for their corporate style and culture;
  • Think about how your role fits within the organisation and relates to their mission and aims;
  • Look at the latest developments in the industry as a whole to demonstrate your understanding of the sector;
  • Ensure you read the job description and understand the key skills and competencies that the organisation is looking for;
  • Think about when you have performed similar tasks so that you can demonstrate this at the interview.

Prepare yourself

Preparation is the first essential step towards a successful interview.

Thus, it is important to:

  • Know the exact place and time of the interview, the interviewer’s full name, the correct pronunciation and his/her title.
  • Plan your route and allow plenty of time for travel;
  • Dress conservatively and preferably in darker colours, pay attention to all facets of your dress and grooming.
  • If you are asked to bring identification, qualifications, certificates or reference details, ensure they are ready well in advance of your interview.

The Interview

You are being interviewed because the interviewer wants to hire somebody – not because he/she wants to trip you up or embarrass you.

Through the interaction which will take place during the interview, he/she will be searching out your strong and weak points, evaluating you on your qualifications, skills and intellectual qualities and he/she will probably probe deeply to determine your attitudes, aptitudes, stability, motivation and maturity.

Company interviewers are continually amazed at the number of applicants who drift into their offices without any apparent preparation and only the vaguest idea of what they are going to say.

  • What do you know about the organisation? Give a few examples;
  • What are your strengths and weaknesses? Focus on strengths that will enhance your ability to perform in the role. Weaknesses should be justifiable, or at the very least you need to explain how you have overcome them. Saying you have no weaknesses demonstrates lack of awareness;
  • Refresh your memory on the facts and figures of your present/former employer. You will be expected to know a lot about a company that you have previously worked for;
  • What are your key achievements from your previous role? Give one or two clear examples of what you have achieved;
  • What experience do you have from previous roles relevant to the position you are interviewing for? Give examples;
  • What are you looking for from your next role?;
  • Have a mock interview with a friend based on the questions above.

Positive body language

  • Be well mannered and positive to all staff you encounter;
  • Try to relax but remain confident;
  • A firm handshake and good eye contact will make a positive impression;
  • Speak slowly, concisely and remember to smile.

Ask questions

It is likely you will be asked whether you have any questions at the end of the interview.  Always prepare a minimum of one or two questions for your interviewer to demonstrate your interest in the position or organisation. For example, ‘What training is offered?’ or ask about the organisation’s plans for the next two months. Try and demonstrate your research on the company through the questions you ask.

After the interview

  • Ask when a decision is to be expected and what the process is from here;
  • Be proactive and follow-up any interview and always ask for feedback;
  • At the end of the interview, thank the interviewers for their time and reiterate your interest in the role.

BEST OF LUCK!

At CW Recruitment & Consulting we work closely with our candidates to help find your ideal role and prepare you for that all important interview. To find out more about our expertise please contact us.