Interview Techniques

To get to interview stage you will have succeeded in qualifying in the preliminary screening process. The interview is usually carried out by line / department manager and / or Human Resources personnel.

Some people love interviews and others find the process daunting, there are a number of things you can do to help ensure your best possible performance on the day. If you enter the interview in a positive state of mind you are more likely to find it an enjoyable process increasing your chances of ultimately being offered the role.

Whether you relish the prospect of an interview or not here is some useful advice worth following:

Before the Interview

• Find out as much as possible about the organisation that could be your future employer.
• Check you have read the job advert or description if you have access to it before the interview
• Ensure that you meet the requirements and that you have a positive answer for any areas you may not fully meet.
• Make sure that you know the correct name and position of the interviewer.
• Check that you know the companies interview procedure, e.g is it a one or two stage interview? will there be any psychometric testing ?
• Ensure you plan your route on a map and allow plenty of time for heavy traffic / cancelled trains etc.
• Take a copy of your CV with you and any references you may have.
• Wear smart attire, and as a general rule conservative dress is preferred, ensure your shoes are clean too.
• Read through your CV and make sure you know it inside out.
• Prepare some questions to ask towards the end of the interview, a good example being "what are your realistic expectations of me in say the first 6 - 12 months?" or "what is the department business plan over the next 2 - 3 years?" or "what challenges do you foresee in this role"
• Prepare some model answers for any tricky questions that you may be asked.

The Interview

Give the interviewer a firm handshake and keep eye contact when you first meet.

• Under no circumstances should you interrupt the interviewer during your meeting.
• Sit down with your back straight and try to keep your hands on the table making sure not to fiddle with anything,
• Listen carefully to the questions, think about your answer and if you do not understand the question ask the interviewer to rephrase it.
• Keep your answers concise and do not stray from the point.
• When answering your questions make sure you back up your answers with evidence from your past experience.
• Focus on your achievements when asked interview questions and portray every response in positive way, even negative elements of your previous experience can be tuned in to positive ones.
• Unless you are asked do not ask what salary / benefits will be on offer in the first interview.
• At the end of the interview you could ask if there are any areas the interviewer would like further clarification on.
• If the role is of interest to you then please tell them that you are keen on the position.
• It is worth asking the follow up procedure; when you should expect to hear back from them.
• Please call your recruitment consultant immediately after the interview to pass on your thoughts on the company and role.