Interview Tips

An interview is like a sales presentation and an opportunity for you to present and sell yourself to a prospective employer. This is usually a two stage process; the first meeting giving the overview as to the job and person fit, the second being more in depth, running through the role and your attributes in more detail. This is the time for highlighting your skills and abilities to the employer and satisfying any questions that you have about them. Be prepared to answer questions on anything that you have included in your CV.

Take time to research and read through all the information that you can find about the company; their website will be a good place to start, most information can be found on the company website and ideally this should be the first source of information.

  Some tips:
» Present yourself in a corporate and professional manner, offering good eye contact to interviewer, listen carefully and answer concisely, and if required, ask for the chance to elaborate.

» Remember that what you say in the interview is what the interviewers will base their decision upon – you only get once chance and if you don't tell them, they won't know you did it!

»  Some interviewers apply a relaxed approach as they want to see the 'real' you.  You can be relaxed, but remember it's a formal interview and don't cross the line.  The interviewer still wants to see that you are professional and will be client facing.

»  Smile and be solutions orientated. You will bring solutions not problems

»  Never be negative about your previous role or employer, even if you think they are terrible!  This may put doubt in your interviewer mind that you might be one with the issues!

»  Always be solutions orientated and show where you have solved problems or learnt from your mistakes and how you have imparted your knowledge to others and helped them to learn.

»  Print off a current copy of your CV in case you need to refer to it and make sure you know what's on the CV inside out!

» Try to stay calm, don't rush your answers try to give consideration to all of them. If you need a moment just say to your interviewer can I have a second to think about that.

»  Stay positive. If you are asked about your continued interest in the position, answer in the affirmative, the interviewer is trying to perceive your thoughts. Decisions are always better made when you can stand back from the situation. Should you be offered the position there and then, show your pleasure, say thank you and let them know you will let them know after a little time to contemplate.