Interview Advice

Preparation

Think in advance about the questions you may be asked and have answers ready. Expect the unexpected - you will probably receive a couple of awkward ones! You will be asked questions about your life and career to date. Read your own CV and memorise it. Predict questions covering every significant decision you have made, including choosing a career, moving house, moving jobs, buying a car. Questions will be asked about your professional experience. Be ready to set this out and to evidence it - you can be challenged on any experience you claim.

Do some research: look at the employer’s website and note down something interesting you saw in it to evidence the fact that you have viewed it.

Turning up

Dress smartly, not casually.

When travelling to the interview, make sure you have the telephone numbers of the interviewer and of Human Resources to tell them if you are running late.

Make sure you give yourself more than adequate time to get to your destination, try to be slightly early: they may be impressed with your reliability!

Be courteous to everyone you meet including the receptionist and the person who brings you your coffee.

Turn off your mobile 'phone

At the Interview

Listen carefully to the introduction. Interrupt only if you need to correct a misconception.

Follow the running order dictated by the employer unless there is some reason why you should not (there will not be enough time: you have a train to catch and weren’t expecting to be there all day and complete 33 tests).

Keep maximum eye contact, but DO take notes if your hand doesn't wobble as this shows professionalism.

Save your questions to the end or ask them when prompted to. Ask questions in a logical order from a written list.

Don't focus on money but do be ready to ask about money, though preferably not as your first question. If you are in fact motivated by money (and there is nothing wrong with that) don’t be afraid to say so.

Ask about the strategy and prospects of both the employer and the specific department for which you are being considered. Questions on staff retention and promotion ladder are likely to be welcomed.

Ask to see documents such as Annual Report and Accounts, organisation chart and job description if not already seen.

Be "quietly confident".

Look and sound enthusiastic (unless you don't want the job).

Speak up and look up.

A small amount of humour may not go amiss, but it is wise to avoid mentioning names.

Be polite: it leaves a positive impression.

At the end, make sure you have asked about the ongoing selection process – what will happen next, and when?

Offer thanks and goodbyes, and shake hands (a firm shake not floppy, but don't break their fingers as happened recently).

Further Advice

For further good advice on how best to hone your interview skills telephone Jules Finn-Johnson or Carol Arman-Addey on 01474 813052.

WE WISH YOU THE VERY BEST OF LUCK!!