Interview Advice

Preparation

Think about the questions you may be asked and have answers ready. 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. Predict questions covering every significant decision you have clearly made, including moving house, and moving jobs. 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 to possess.

Do some research – look at the employer’s web site.

Turning up

Dress smartly - not casually.

When travelling to the interview, make sure you have the telephone numbers of the interviewer and / or Human Resources contact there.

Make sure you give yourself more than adequate time to get to your destination, you need to be punctual. If running late, use that telephone number and tell them – they may be impressed with your communication skills!

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

'Do not forget to 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 earth shattering reason why you should not (e.g. there just will not be time – you have a train to catch and weren’t expecting to be there all day and complete 3 tests).

Keep maximum eye contact but do take notes (if your hand doesn't wobble!) as this shows professionalism.

Save your questions – then ask them when prompted to. Ask them in a logical order and by all means from a written list if you wish.

Don't focus on money but be ready to ask about money as one of your questions, and preferably not as the first question. But if you are motivated by money, 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 are likely to be welcomed.

Don't be afraid to ask for documents such as Annual Report and Accounts, organisation chart, 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 personalities.

Be polite and courteous throughout. It never hurts to leave a positive impression.

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

Offer thanks and goodbyes, and shake hands (a firm shake not floppy, but don't break their hand either) with all the interviewers.

Further Advice

For further advice on how to hone your interview skills contact Karen Lewis or Carol Arman-Addey on 01474 813052.