You rarely get a second chance to create a good first impression, so in brief:
Be prepared and know your CV
Do some company research
Dress smartly
Arrive on time
Have some questions prepared
Before the interview
Ensure you have a full job description and are aware of the format that the interview will take.
Do some company research. The company website is a great place to start. You may well be asked what you know about the company, so impress the interviewer with your knowledge i.e.: What the company does, how long they have been established, the size, structure, turnover, competitors, their market and aims for the future.
Ensure you know where the company is and ideally do a “dummy run”. Always allow additional time for unavoidable delays. Arriving late or flustered does not create a good impression.
Check the time of the interview and who will be interviewing you.
On the day
Take a contact number with you.
Dress appropriately – a suit is usually a “must” for interviews and portrays professionalism.
Ensure you are well groomed and tidy and that you are not chewing gum.
The interview
The interview is a two-way process and also an opportunity to ensure that the job and company are right for you.
Here are some top tips:
SMILE! Ensure you come across as friendly, approachable and enthusiastic.
Be polite to all staff you meet – you never know, they could well influence the recruitment process
Listen carefully to questions and allow the interviewer to finish speaking before responding
Don’t worry about pausing before you answer a question as this shows you are considering it seriously.
Where possible, give practical evidence of any statements you make
Never criticise former employers
Maintain eye contact, relax and show interest in what the interviewer says
Be prepared for questions such as:
What do you know about our company?
What interests you most about the role?
Why should we appoint you?
What is important to you in a role?
What was your greatest success in your last position?
How would your Manager or colleagues describe you?
You will usually have the opportunity to ask questions at the end of the interview – think about what is important to you, but some questions might be:
What training can I expect on joining your company?
Are there any drawbacks to my application?
How many candidates are you interviewing for this role?
When will you be making a decision?
Finally…
Make sure you have confirmed your interest in the job.
Conclude the interview with a handshake, remembering to thank the interviewer for their time.
After the interview contact your consultant and let them know how the interview went.