Interview Guidelines

If you have been invited for an interview, that’s great however this excitement can easily turn sour if you fail to prepare properly. Preparation can be the defining factor between success and failure. Below are a few interview tips to assist you. If in doubt, remember we offer interview preparation coaching.

Understand your CV
Your CV is the first impression an employer has of you so make sure you remember exactly what is written as it is common for an interviewer to work through your employment history asking you to describe various aspects of your previous and current positions. Also be prepared to expand on information already stated on your CV and be able to illustrate your competencies in more detail by demonstrating past situations through behavioural examples.

Know your strengths
Listing your main strengths can be very helpful. Aim for ten key strengths that make you an ideal candidate for the position. Then if asked to list your strengths, you can do so with confidence. It is always a good idea to be able to give expanded examples of how you have applied your main strengths in previous positions.

Do your research
Prior to an interview it is vital that you do your research, this is extremely important. If you have applied to multiple jobs with a range of different companies it can be all too easy to give this a miss. Don’t! Go on the internet and find out as much information as possible about who the company is and what they do and remember to write down and practice any relevant questions that you may want to ask. You must demonstrate a strong interest in the position and the company so you create the right impression.

Know the position you’ve applied for
This is as important, if not more important than the last example. Before attending an interview please review any information you have been sent regarding the position and if you have a job description, know this inside out. You should highlight the essential qualities required for the role and match them to your own skills and experience. This will enable you to have the best chance of being the perfect candidate!

Dress to impress
Always select your interview clothing carefully. Even if you are aware that a position does not require you to wear a shirt and tie for example, it is advisable to always dress smartly to create the best possible first impression.  The golden rule is to over dress rather than under dress! It is best to avoid wearing excessive make-up, perfume and overly bright colours. Don’t wear too many piercings and if possible cover up any tattoos. Make sure that you are neat and tidy and you have washed thoroughly that morning. It may seem funny however personal hygiene issues can seriously spoil your chances in an interview, don’t let this happen to you.

Know where you are going
It is advisable to plan how you are going to get to the interview in advance. Check out train times, bus schedules and traffic reports. It is a good idea to use Google maps to obtain directions as you don’t want to be rushing around at the last minute looking for a map or driving in the wrong direction and arriving 15 minutes late!

Don’t be late
When attending an interview it is always better to be very early than very late. In the event of arriving early you can always go for a coffee or read a book, however if you are late there is nothing you can do as the damage will have already been done. If you must be late, always call to explain the situation. On the other hand, it is equally poor form to arrive too early so the most appropriate time is about 5 minutes prior to your actual interview time.

Initial impression
Hopefully, you will have already dressed to impress. However when sitting down at the interview be aware of your body language and posture, always stand or sit up straight and be sure to smile and give a quality handshake (not too weak and not too firm!)

Confidence
An interview is a time where you are allowed to talk openly about what you are good at. You are essentially trying to sell an outstanding product in a very competitive market. No salesperson has ever been successful under selling their product so it is essential that you outline to the interviewer what you can offer the company and the benefits of employing you. You may get asked challenging questions so be prepared to respond!

Don’t be distracted
When you are nervous you can easily be distracted. If you have jewellery or accessories at hand make a conscious effort not to fiddle with them. Always concentrate on the interviewer and the questions he or she is asking. If you are being interviewed in a café, which is common practice these days, make sure you do not look around the room and always stay focused on your interviewer.

Be honest
It is always best to be honest when discussing your employment or educational experience. Present whatever you have to say in a positive way even if there are certain areas of concern. If there are any issues with past employers try not to attack them. If it is absolutely essential to mention something please illustrate how you feel constructively and be professional.

You may be asked questions about specific skills required to do a particular task. If you don’t have these skills it is best to admit it as opposed to trying to explain your way round it! Demonstrate that you are eager to learn and the interviewer will be clear on what you can and cannot do and will be able to highlight any areas where training may be required.

Be positive
No matter how tempting it may be, never bad-mouth your previous employers. It is always far more credible to focus on positive achievements and experiences. If you are asked about your reasons for leaving your current role, simply stating that you are seeking career advancement or a career change is perfectly acceptable. It is never looked upon as a bad thing if you have the desire to progress your career!

Speak correctly
Don’t talk too much or too fast and try to be aware of your speech when you are being interviewed. Remember that it is ok to sit in silence for a moment and take a breath before answering a question. Don’t under any circumstance cut off the interviewer when he or she is talking, always let them finish what they are saying. Be clear and concise with your answers.

Question time
If you have prepared properly it is inevitable that you will have some questions you will want to ask about the company. This is a good thing as it illustrates your interest in the company and the position you are applying for. Ask sensible questions and make sure that you don’t ask questions related to the salary package as this will give the impression that you are only interested in the financial benefits of the role! Salary should only be discussed after a job offer has been made.

Politeness
Always remember to say thank you and say that it has been a pleasure meeting the interviewer. If you feel that you want the job, there is nothing wrong with letting the interviewer know. This will demonstrate your enthusiasm and desire to join the company!

If you would like further help with interviews, please refer to our Interview Coaching section or call 0800 867 287