THE INTERVIEW

There are possibly three main areas to consider:-

Body language
Thinking on your feet
What to say
BODY LAN!AE
An experienced interviewer will be looking at how you compose yourself during
the interview and these are some of the points you need to consider.
"osture - Sit up-right, look keen and interested but not too wooden. If you lean
back this maybe seen as a casual attitude and, therefore that you are not very
interested in the job. It is however, important to look and feel relaed and
therefore, a compromise can be reached as it would be wise to adopt a number of
poses when either listening or talking.
Hands - !eep control of hands as they have a tendency to let people down at
interview by almost having a mind of their own. It sometimes works to clasp
hands lightly together but be careful when folding arms as this can be seen as
being defensive and evasive. "n open stance normally suggests that a more open
and honest discussion will take place. It is advised that you should not keep
touching your face as this is a sign of nerves just as playing with hair of #ddling
with something like a pen or button etc. may also be construed as nervousness
and a potential weakness. If the interviewer shakes your hand, do not shy away
always shake hands #rmly and maintain eye contact.
#a$e - "lways maintain eye contact with the interviewer as this not only shows
that you are interested in what is being said but also looked upon by some people
as a strength of character, however do not stare. It is important to smile and look
as if you are enjoying the interview even if you are etremely nervous$ If the
interviewer enjoys talking to you they are more likely to want to meet you again.
TI%E TO THIN&
The company should already have received a copy of your %&, plus a brief
'ersonal 'ro#le that we put together on you. The client will be looking to see how
you compose yourself and how well presented you are. (ther than that, the
interviewer will have speci#c )uestions that they will ask to gather more
information or to test your aptitude and*or opinion in certain areas or on speci#c
issues. They will be trying to envisage you doing the job, #tting into their culture
and adopting their working practices successfully. They will check your eperience
+if relevant,, epertise, speci#c skills, attitude and how you are likely to interact
with the other members of the team. -e sure that you are prepared, which will
reduce the time you have to think on your feet. 'repare before hand answers to
the )uestions below. +.ou will be asked some, if not all of these )uestions in some
way shape or form,
What are your strengths and 'eaknesses(
-e honest$ /elate your answers to a working environment. 0on1t say that you
can1t wallpaper but your very good a painting walls$ This is not relevant to the
interviewer so they do not want to hear it$$
0on2t pretend you have no weaknesses because everyone has some. (n the other
hand don2t put your self down, because you could be talking your way out of a
job. 0iscuss your weaknesses as though you have recognised them and strive to
overcome them. 3I used to have bad time management, now I prioritise my
workload #rst thing every morning3. 3I like to take control and be involved in
everything. I sometimes #nd it hard to delegate but when I have the results have
been positive.3
Why do you 'ish to lea)e your $urrent e*+loyer(
0o not bad mouth your current employer even if you are devastatingly
unhappy
Why do you 'ant this ,o-(
-e positive, tell them it provides a challenge or pick on one point that really
interests you and be speci#c. If you1re vague you won1t be convincing.
What *oti)ates and de.*oti)ates you(
"gain be honest but relate it to work issues. 0raw on previous eperience and
don1t be afraid to use eamples
What do you en,oy *ost a-out your $urrent ,o-(
Try to relate this to work issues and bring in +if you can, similarities between
the job you are being interviewed for
What has -een your greatest a$hie)e*ent(
What has -een the -iggest *istake you/)e *ade(
What did you learn fro* this(
This isn1t designed to catch you out, the interviewer is looking to see how you
overcome a crisis, there is no wrong or right way to answer this. If you haven1t
made a mistake then tell them, but make sure you are being honest because
everyone knows that we all make mistakes.
What skills $an you -ring into this $o*+any(
4ocus only on skills that are relevant.
What do you e0+e$t to a$hie)e in the ne0t 1 years(
-e ambitious but realistic
This list is not ehaustive and therefore it may be wise to sit down beforehand and
think about )uestions that you may be asked or have been asked at previous
interviews.
WHAT TO 2AY
It is likely that you will be talking for two thirds of the interview. It is important,
therefore, that you are precise and o5er detailed and eact answers to )uestions
without wa6ing. -efore answering think 78hy have they asked that )uestion and
what information are they looking for9: .ou need to be natural when in
conversation and be positive with your replies. There is nothing worse than
someone who doesn1t answer the )uestion and gives vague replies. ;Sitting on the
fence1 will do you no favours and may demonstrate indecisiveness or lack of
conviction. It is important to be assertive without being confrontational. "lso don1t
ramble keep answers brief and relevant - don1t go o5 at a tangent$
2!%%ARY
"lways be yourself in an interview situation as a good interviewer will see through
a performance. "ll the preparation in the world will not guarantee you a job but it
will give you the advantage over the candidate who hasn1t done any preparation
at all.
INTERVIEW TI"2
<ere is some information which may help you to successfully get over the
hurdles of attending an interview$ Some of them you may #nd blatantly
obvious, but sometimes we can forget the most obvious things$$$ /emember to
switch o5 your mobile phone.
A""EARAN3E
.our appearance speaks volumes even before you1ve said a word. So:-
-e smart and well groomed. "lways wear classic smart business dress
8ear something you feel comfortable in
!eep all jewellery and make up minimal and suitable for an o=ce environment.
>atural is -est$$
"RE"ARATION
4ind out the basic information about the company - employers are impressed by
those who show initiative.
8hat is the company product or service9
<ow many sta5 do they employ9
"re the company part of a larger group9
4ind out about the job - learn all you can about the job in )uestion and decide why
you are right for the job.
/ead the job spec carefully
?ake notes of your relevant eperience
>ote down valid points that you feel are relevant to the job in )uestion
"lways plan your route carefully prior to attending an interview.
"!N3T!ALITY
E)en if you are ke+t 'aiting you $annot a4ord to -e late5 O-)iously 'e
are all so*eti*es una)oida-ly delayed5 If this ha++ens get to a +hone
-o0 and $all your $onsultant 'ho 'ill infor* the $lient5 If your inter)ie'
is out of o6$e hours al'ays take a note of the $lients nu*-er 'ith you
so you $an $all the* dire$tly5 There is no e0$use for not infor*ing
so*eone you 'ill -e late for an inter)ie'7
2TR!3T!RE O# THE INTERVIEW
Interviews generally follow a set pattern. The interviewer will:-
Tell you about the company and the job
"sk you )uestions to asses your abilities, personality and motivation
"sk if you have any )uestions
Inform you of the net stage of the process and when a #nal decision will be
made
AT THE INTERVIEW
The )uestions you ask are e)ually as important as those asked by the interviewer.
Treat your interview as a two way discussion. -y asking the right )uestions you
can ascertain eactly what the job will entail. 4ollowing are some pointers when
asking )uestions at an interview.
-e con#dent, positive and look directly at the interviewer when you talk and
listen
Speak clearly, be enthusiastic and epress a keen interest in the position
Try to keep your hands still
!eep to the point don1t ramble$$$
"lways be honest
2O%E "O22IBLE 8!E2TION2
%an you tell me more about the company9
%an you describe my area of responsibility9
Is this post a new or eisting one9
8ho will I be responsible to9
%an you show me where I will be working9 +'robably better on a second
interview,
"re there any times when the company*department is busier9
8hat are the promotion prospects9
Is there a clearly de#ned carer path9
0o you run any training schemes9
0o you have any other branches or o=ces9
"re you part of a larger company9
"re they a >ational or an International company9
8hat type of clients do you deal with9
8ill you be holding second interviews9
(bviously, do not ask all of these )uestion. Select a few which are relevant and
you feel comfortable asking. This list is not eclusive and do ask other )uestions
as well.
2O%E 8!E2TION2 THAT %AY RE8!IRE AN2WERIN
8hat do you know about us9
0escribe your present duties and responsibilities9
8hy do you want this particular job9
<ow would you describe yourself9
8hat are your strengths and weaknesses9
In a job what is important to you9
8here do you see yourself in #ve years9
I hope that at this stage you feel slightly more con#dent about attending an
interview. 'lease call me immediately after your interview to let me know your
feedback. I would appreciate your honesty at this stage.