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Part of the service that we offer all of our candidates
is to provide a full briefing of the company and the role before
an interview. The consultant will have visited the
client on starting the assignment
and will therefore be in a position to offer first
hand advice. This is an invaluable resource, don't
let it pass.
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| There is some sound advice to take on board before
attending interview in order that you are fully prepared
and confident to make a strong first impression. |
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| Research the company and role thoroughly
Although you will have been well briefed on company
and the role for which you have applied, it is worth
conducting your own research before attending the interview.
Industry publications, websites and company literature
are all good sources from which you can gauge key information. |
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 Dress
code |
| Your appearance will create an immediate
impression on the client. You should always wear
business attire regardless of the level of position,
unless agreed otherwise. Remember 1st impressions count!
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| Mix
I's and WE's |
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Be aware of how you answer questions by using the words
I and We at appropriate intervals. |
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| Too much emphasis on what 'I can do …'
or 'I have achieved …' or 'I have implemented …' can
leave the interviewer doubtful of the validity of the
information that you have offered - Why did you take
on all of the responsibility? Why was no-one else involved?
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| Similarly, over emphasising what 'We do
…' or 'We have achieved …' or 'We have implemented …'
may imply that you are incapable of developing your
own ideas or working autonomously. It may simply leave
an impression that you are too dependent on your colleagues
and therefore a poor team player. |
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| Ask
pertinent questions |
| Remember, the interview is a two-way process.
You will be judged on your ability to ask good questions.
Use all available resources to prepare questions that
relate to the organisation and the role itself. What
plans are in place, if any, for future development/expansion
or new markets? What challenges does the role offer?
What issues are present that you may have to face? |
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| Ask
'hurt' questions |
| 'Hurt' questions are an effective tool,
used to identify any challenges or issues that the company
is currently faced with. This is a good opportunity
to empathise by recalling similar situations faced by
your company and to discuss how you overcome them. |
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| Be
enthusiastic |
| All your efforts in progressing an application
will be wasted if you do not show a degree of enthusiasm
during the interview. For the first time, the interview
is able to gauge first hand, your level of interest
following your application. It could prove to give you
a competitive edge at the decision making process. |
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| Close |
| Try and gauge some commitment from the
client. Tell the interviewer your thoughts on the company and the role itself.
Offer comments as to how you feel the interview went
and invite them to do the same - would they like to
see you again? |
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| Report back to the consultant immediately
following the interview. It is likely that the client
will want to speak to the consultant later that day
and will need your feedback in order to ascertain the
next step. |
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| Be
yourself! |
| Perhaps the most important aspect of the
interview. Be honest. Familiarise yourself with the
content of your CV before the interview. Not having
met you before, it is likely that the interviewer will
use your CV as a base for the interview itself. |
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| PRESENTATION |
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| "You never get a second chance to
make a first impression" |
| Always be aware that from the moment you
walk into a building, let alone an interview you are
being assessed. People involved in the selection process
are only human and they admit to making assessments
very quickly. Therefore the first few seconds and minutes
are critical. YOUR appearance is crucial. What follows
is a breakdown of things to pay attention to: |
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Hair: Should be clean and well groomed
Beards & moustaches: Well trimmed and tidy.
Spectacles: Should be clean and properly adjusted. Also
your glasses should not prevent eye contact with the
interviewer.
Teeth & Mouth: Bad breath and unclean teeth can
ruin chances at interview.
Hands: Ensure your hands and nails are clean
Body odour: Don't have it. Personal hygiene is so important
in making that all-important first impression.
Clothes: Should be neat and tidy and well fitting. In
general a suit is highly recommended as your clothes
and the way you dress say a lot about you and your confidence.
Try and avoid presenting a gloomy, downbeat appearance.
Shoes: Must compliment your outfit and be clean.
Outside weather wear: If you are using public transport
or have to park and walk to an interview, then an umbrella
can be invaluable in ensuring you do not turn up looking
like a drowned rat.
Accessories:
Handbags / Cases: These should not be fiddled with,
and should be stowed in an appropriate place.
Jewellery: As a general rule keep it to a minimum, the
same with strong aftershaves and perfumes. |
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| PERFORMANCE |
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There are all sorts of clichés and advice about the
interview process. Things like "relax and be
yourself" must be a favourite along with "Answer
the questions honestly and openly". This is not
bad advice, but it can work against you if it is taken
to extremes. In real terms an interview is a performance
with you as the principle actor. Whether you are a
star or a flop determines the outcome of the interview.
Besides the advice already provided, one of the keys
is effective communication.
The interviewer, besides assessing your suitability
to a position, is also asking the question "why
should I employ you as opposed to somebody else?"
Therefore you have to reflect to the interviewer what
you have to offer and why it should be you who progresses
through the process to be offered a position. YOU
have to promote yourself by clearly communicating
your capabilities and the attributes that make YOU
the person for the job.
There are positive things you can do that tie in
with your general planning and preparation that can
enhance your interview technique and that is PRACTICE.
You can rehearse your interview technique either with
a partner, mirror or with the aid of a video camera.
What this can do is indicate a number of areas you
may need to address. Areas that rehearsal usually
highlights are:
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How you behave under stress
Poor speech in quality and content
Nervous mannerisms
Irritating habits
Negative body language or exaggerated use of body language
Bad posture |
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| These are of course negative. Some people
are "natural" at assessments and interviews
and shine. By a process of self-analysis though you
can consciously work to control them. It is worth considering
these points though and if any of them are applicable
then be aware of them and take corrective action. It
could be the difference between success and failure.
Therefore consider these points: |
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Make sure you understand questions asked
and think about your answers.
· Pause and then provide a considered response speaking
slightly slower than usual
· Speak clearly
· Choose the right tone and vocabulary to match to formality
of the occasion
· Use varying pitch to add interest and colour to your
voice |
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| PLANNING,
PREPARATION, PRESENTATION, PRACTICE and PERFORMANCE |
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| If you consider these then you will enhance
your chance of success. Also remember that communication
is absolutely essential in any interview or assessment,
whether it be written or verbal. It is worth taking
the time and trouble to practice and if necessary enhance
these skills as the ability to promote oneself positively
is often the difference between being offered a position
or being rejected. |
