Interview Tips

The most difficult part of getting any job is likely to be the interview – when you come face to face with a prospective employer and just when you need all the confidence you can muster it seems to disappear. Getting through interviews and making them work effectively for you is something that everyone can do – all you need to do is plan.

PLANNING:

Find out as much as you can about the job and the company. If you have access to the web, see if the company has a web site and search for inside information. Local reference libraries can often help or you can contact the company direct and ask for information.

Plan your route, giving yourself plenty of time to get to the appointment – ideally you should aim to arrive 5-10 minutes early to give yourself a chance to look around and relax.
Think very carefully about what to wear – the importance of first impressions cannot be overstated. Make sure that you look smart and professional. (This industry is very focused on presentation and they will be looking at you to see if you are smart enough to sit in front of their clients).

Think about what you want to achieve from the interview. Remember it is as much for you to find out about them as the other way round.

ON THE DAY:
DO:

• Be positive. When you meet the interviewer look directly at the person, smile and give a firm handshake – this shows confidence.
• Listen
• Reply to any questions clearly and concisely
• Take a note pad and pen and have it out on your lap
• Make a note of points to return to
• Be courteous to everyone you meet
• Be honest

DON’T:

• Take you MOBILE PHONE in
• Interrupt
• Fidget/Fiddle with jewellery etc.
• Let your mind wander
• Be afraid to sell yourself – they will be expecting you to
• Just answer with a yes or no – they will be expecting you to expand

QUESTIONS:

Some questions that you may be asked are:

• Why do you want to join us?
• What can you bring to the job/company?
• Why did you leave your job/why are you leaving your present job?
• Tell me about your last/present job?
• How will you set about tackling this job if you are successful?
• What is your understanding of the role you are applying?
• What experience do you have that relates directly to this role?
• How would your best friend describe you?
• What are your strengths/weaknesses?
• Give me some examples of when you have worked to deadlines or targets.
• What do you know about this company?
• Where do you see yourself in 5 years?
• Why should I give you this job?
• Do you have any questions?
• The last question is your opening to gain more information about the company and cover any aspects that need further information.

HANDLING DIFFICULT QUESTIONS:

Many employers now ask questions designed to discover how you would deal with certain situations and how you would behave. For instance ‘describe a situation where you have shown yourself to be flexible’ or ‘describe how you dealt with an unexpected situation’ are both ways of trying to find out more about the way you operate as a person.
Producing answers isn’t as difficult as it may seem, particularly if you have given some thought to these type of questions coming up. You can draw on your past experience and you don’t necessarily have to contain yourself to the workplace.

Questions for you to ask:

• Who owns the organisation? Is it part of a larger group or does it have subsidiaries?
• Who are your main competitors?
• Does the company have future plans for development?
• How did you get to where you are? (The interviewers always like to discuss themselves)
• How long has the company been established? (They may have already covered this at introduction)
• What is career progression like within this company? (Shows that you want a career not just a job)
• What will my role include? (They may have already covered this)
• Is there training provided? (Make sure that you word this so that they don’t think that you only want their training)
• How does the commission scheme work? (This shows that you are motivated by money)
• (Don’t forget the 3 W’s:- Who, Where, and When)
• Do not be afraid of asking questions.

THE END OF THE INTERVIEW:

N.B. Most important questions you should ask:

• Do you have any reservations about me or my ability to do the job? If yes, ask what their concerns are and as with any objection try and overcome them!
• Where do we go from here? / What happens next?
• Remember to thank the interviewer for seeing you and again shake their hand firmly and confirm that you want the job.