Interview Advice
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Interview Advice
What to do:
Prepare
Research the company as much as you possibly can, read their website; be knowledgeable about their products/services – The more you know the better!
Practice the interview with friends or family, read the job description carefully and try and cover any questions that may be put forward to you
Find out where the interview takes place, how to get there and how long it takes
Prepare a folder with plenty of copies of your CV and anything else that could support your job application: qualifications, achievements etc. Even if not asked for, it shows you are organised
Dress smart and look presentable – decide what you are wearing the day before
Get a good night’s sleep before the interview
Download our Interview Preparation Checklist HERE
The Interview
Arrive on time
Turn off your mobile phone
Greet the interviewer by his/her last name (e.g. Mr/Mrs Smith) and continue to do so unless otherwise instructed
Have a good firm handshake
Wait to be offered a chair before sitting down
Maintain a good level of eye contact with the interviewer
Always act professionally
Be enthusiastic and show it in your replies and body language
Discuss answers in full where possible, not just ‘yes’ or ‘no’ but try not to over-answer
Try and give examples of past work which is relevant to the opportunity; describe your responsibilities, capabilities and achievements
Ask intelligent questions about the job, company or industry
Here are some examples:
- Can you tell me more about the company?
- Can you describe my area of responsibility?
- Is this a new position or an existing one?
- Is there a clearly defined career path?
- Do you run any training schemes?
Close the interview by telling the interviewer(s) that you want the job, and ask about the next step in the process
Ask the interviewer(s) for their business card (or at least the correct spelling of their names if it is not obvious), this way you can contact them directly to thank them for the interview (Sample thank you emails/letters)
What NOT to do
Do not be late for your interview
Do not talk negatively or complain about your current or past employer
Do not smoke before, or chew gum during the interview
Do not swear, use slang or pause words (such as um, like or err)
Do not lie – it will catch up with you eventually
Do not ask about salary, holidays, bonuses during the interview (these can be discussed when you have an offer) You may well be asked salary requirements, but try and hold these talks after you have received an offer
Do not fail to ask any questions at all, it shows a lack of interest.