Interview Tips

Career Clinic

To really impress in an interview think about how you can be better than the next candidate they will be seeing for the job. This will focus your attention on doing everything you can to succeed.

This includes everything from dressing smartly, doing above average research to finishing with a winning smile, handshake and expressing how keen you are on the role. Although they will have your CV you could think about printing extra copies out for the interviewer in case they don't have it to hand (ask for our amended version that we would have sent the client), as well as the job description to refer to. It looks highly organised to offer the interviewer a copy of your CV when you are there. Here are some handy tips to help you:

• Call us as soon as your interview finishes, we like to call our clients immediately with feedback.
• Do make sure you arrive 10 mins early for any interview. It's much better to have a coffee nearby and wait and if you are late and rushing can be very stressful.
• Always carry an A-Z so if you get lost, you can find your way.
• Be prepared! Find out what format the interview will take one-to-one, group session, will there be tests?
• Read the job specification carefully if there is one.
• Make sure you know your own CV inside out particularly dates without checking it. You should be able to talk through experience right from the beginning.
• Research the company find out as much as you can about the organisation and not just what is on the website. Look for annual reports, company brochures, company websites and press releases as well as looking up your interviewer on Linked In, Twitter and Facebook.
• Raise relevant points during the interview and ask questions. It shows you are interested and inquisitive. Prepare your questions before you go. Ideas for question topics include: the role; the team/department you will be working with; the company; the market and competitors; the selection process. Asking intelligent questions demonstrates an inquisitive mind.
• First impressions count. Turn up on time and dress very smartly. Chipped nail polish or untidy hair do not demonstrate attention to detail or high standards.
• Be positive and enthusiastic. Be honest and do not criticise previous employers and don�t waffle.
• Be confident try to relax and show that you have a sense of humour. Ask intelligent questions.
• Be honest, do not lie on your CV or during the interview. You will get found out. Trust is crucial to a prospective employer. Be yourself and if you do not know the answer, admit it and suggest a solution to the problem.
• Be honest to yourself when completing psychometric tests. Don't try and give the answers you think the employer wants.
• Focus on your achievements rather than any negatives or concerns you might have. Where you can, quantify your achievements and give real examples that demonstrate your skills. If there are any negative points, put a positive twist on them. For example if you are asked if you can use a certain computer package (and you haven't) rather that saying no, you can say you haven't used it yet but you are a quick learner and back this up with an example from a previous job.
• When asked about salary try to leave it to us to negotiate on your behalf.

General Do's and Don'ts

• Turn your mobile phone off.
• Don't smoke before you go in.
• Don't ask questions about promotion, money, hours and holiday at 1st interview it doesn't look impressive that you are more interested in the perks than the job. Your job at 1st interview is to get to 2nd interview. While everyone wants to know asking about progression can be off-putting to clients who are recruiting for that actual job. Better to mention that you are looking to stay in a company several years, and ask how the role might develop over time.
• Smile! Maintain good eye contact and try not to fidget. If you are prone to fidgeting when nervous, tie hair back and don't wear accessories that will distract you.
• Make sure your body language is calm and positive, careful not to gesticulate too much and use your body language to express enthusiasm.
• Don't answer questions with just a 'yes' or 'no', expand.
• End a negative with a positive never ever be negative about anything in an interview
• Be confident. Talk about your achievements but don't be arrogant.
• Listen well and don't interrupt.
• Always finish with thanking them for taking the time to see you and a good firm handshake and if you are keen on the role then do express that, and say you will look forward to hearing feedback soon.
• Never forget to be super friendly to the Receptionist, this is often noted and discussed when you have gone!

Spotlight Consultants are here to help so please ask us if you have any questions or need further help.