Recruitment Candidate Area Interview Techniques

Interview techniques …because you want the choice to be yours

Your consultant will brief you fully before an interview to ensure you understand the role and help you make a good impression. However, there's a lot you can do to ensure you secure a job offer. Here are our tried-and –tested tips for success:

Research

The more knowledgeable you are about the company the more proactive and committed you will appear.

Check out the company's website for up-to-date information
Ask for a copy of their brochure/annual report
Keep an eye out in the business press for any relevant articles

The job description

Before your interview, familiarise yourself with the job description
Think of how you can demonstrate that you have the key skills and experience necessary for the role
For every example you give, consider the situation, the action you took and the effect it had. For instance, if initiative is important to the role the interviewer will be looking for you to give examples of where and how you've used your initiative. The line of questioning could include:

Give an example of when you have seen an opportunity to improve or make a change to your own work?
What did you do?
Who did you involve and why?
What was the outcome?

To help you with your preparation these are some of the most commonly required competencies: decision making and problem solving, resilience and tenacity, confidence, planning and organising, team work and commercial awareness.

Interviewers will want to see that you can:

present yourself confidently and make a good first impression
appear calm and confident under pressure
be assertive about your needs/requirements without being aggressive

Your CV

Read your CV again and be prepared to talk about it in more detail
If you have gaps in your CV or have not stayed in a job for long, make sure you can give positive reasons
Based on the skills detailed on your CV, consider what you will actually bring to the company and role

Plan your journey

Obtain clear directions and plan your route in advance
Aim to arrive ten minutes early allowing plenty of time for the journey
If you are delayed for any reason, contact your consultant immediately who will telephone the client on your behalf

Dress code

Dress smartly and professionally
For women, we recommend a matching suit, tights, court shoes, and understated make-up and jewellery
For men, we recommend a matching suit, tie and smart, clean shoes
Although some companies have now adopted dress down policies, a suit is still advisable. If you're unsure, speak to your consultant

Body language

Consider the following:-

A firm handshake shows you are confident
Smile says "I'm enthusiastic", "I'm friendly"
Make regular eye contact
Be confident and alert, try to calm any nerves
Speak slowly and clearly, take time to think before you answer
Listen carefully, try not to get distracted and be careful not to talk too much
Maintain an open stance - avoid folding your arms or fidgeting

Closing

Always thank the interviewer and ask what the next stage of the process is
Remember to telephone your consultant with feedback as soon as possible

General tips

Dress professionally. An employer is more likely to recruit someone who will best represent their company
Be prepared
Give clear and concise answers, don't waffle
Speak confidently and remember to sell yourself
Take time to formulate answers
Thank the interviewer and express your interest in the role

Don't

Be late
Exaggerate your experience or qualifications
Discuss the salary at the first interview unless specifically asked
Criticise any previous employers
Show lack of career planning by appearing unfocused
Leave your mobile phone switched on

Questions for you to ask

You will always be given the chance to ask questions yourself. Remember, this is your opportunity to see if this is the job for you. Even if the interviewer has answered most of your questions, have a few prepared to ask at the end. This can help demonstrate your interest in the job.

Questions you might want to ask include:-

How does the department fit into the "bigger picture" of the company?
What are the personalities of the team or manager?
What sort of person is the team looking for?
How long was the last post-holder in the position?
Are any internal candidates interested in the position?
Could they describe the company culture?
Do they run an induction programme?
What sort of training is on offer?
How long has the interviewer worked for the company?
Why do they think it is a good company to work for?
How well does the interviewer feel your skills meet the job requirements?
What is the next stage following the interview? (This is particularly important.)

Try to avoid asking about the salary, particularly at your first interview. Your consultant should be able to advise you on the salary range and package on offer.