Interview Hints

It is a fact that the best-qualified candidate does not always get offered the position. A well-written CV may get you to the interview stage, but it is the candidate that performs best at interview that will be successful. It is not only skills and experience that are of interest to the interviewers. They will also consider other factors such as how you will fit in with the existing team, how enthusiastic and interested you are in the role and whether the company can meet your expectations. Enthusiasm and the right attitude can sometimes compensate for not having an exact match in terms of skills and experience.

RESEARCH

Make sure you have done background research on the company. At the very least make sure you know some background information on the company, its products and services, its marketplace and main competitors. If you are applying through a recruitment consultancy, they should be able to provide you with company information, relevant website addresses and a detailed job description. They should also fully brief you on the interview format; the company's culture and management style and help you to work towards being well prepared for the interview.

This is one of the major advantages of applying for roles through a recruitment company

Have a really good think about the company, the role and how your skills and experience relate to the company and its activities. Refer to these relevant skills throughout the interview and try and use examples when answering questions the interviewer may have. Anticipate questions you will be asked and prepare answers based on your previous experiences.

FIRST IMPRESSIONS

By reaching the interview stage you have already convinced the interviewer, on paper at least, that you are capable of doing the job. The interview is your opportunity to convince them you are the best person for the job. It is important you build a rapport with your interviewer, a firm handshake, plenty of eye contact and keeping your answers brief and to the point will help ensure you make a good impression. It is important to dress professionally. Your appearance should be neat and tidy and you should wear a smart business suit. Bring along references and any other documentation you feel could be relevant (sales figures, portfolio, thesis work, etc.). Only use these documents if you feel they are relevant. Don't overload the interviewers with paperwork. Remember the old saying: -    'You don't get a second chance to make a first impression.'

A Positive frame of mind is an absolute must.  If you don't believe you can do the job, how, do you expect the interviewer to believe you can? Remember what you lack in skills or knowledge very often can be compensated with the willingness to learn and commit to a position and or organisation

The job description

Before your interview familiarise yourself with the job description. Consider the key skills and experience necessary for the role; think of examples highlighting your strengths in each area. For all questions consider the situation, the action you took and the effect it had. To help with your preparation these are some of the most commonly required competencies:

-   Strong decision making and problem solving skills
-   Resilient and tenacious
-   Confident, excellent at planning and organising,
-   Good team player with commercial awareness.

For example if confidence is important to the role the interviewer will be looking for you to substantiate and give examples of your own confidence.

Questions

Having a few well thought out questions always creates a good impression. See our examples to help with your preparation.

Plan your journey

Aim to arrive 10 minutes early allowing plenty of time for the journey and interview itself. Obtain clear directions and plan your route in advance. If you are delayed for any reason contact your consultant immediately who will phone the client on your behalf.

Dress code

Dress smartly and professionally. Although some companies have now adopted dress down policies a suit is usually advisable. If unsure, speak to your consultant.

Consider the following:

-   Smile, this says "I'm enthusiastic", "I'm friendly"

-   Make regular eye contact

-   Be confident and alert, try to hide nerves

-   Speak slowly and clearly. Always think before answering

-   Listen, don't get distracted and don't talk too much.

-   Maintain an open stance - avoid folding your arms or fidgeting

INTERVIEW TECHNIQUES

The most important thing at your interview is to relax, be yourself and enjoy the interview.  If you have prepared well for the interview, you will be more confident and this will shine through, and remember:-

A Positive frame of mind is an absolute must.  If you don't believe you can do the job, how, do you expect the interviewer to believe you can? Remember what you lack in skills or knowledge very often can be compensated with the willingness to learn and commit to a position and or organisation

USEFUL TIPS

-   Listen It is important that you answer the question you are asked, so be sure to listen carefully to the interviewer. If you are not sure what they are asking, do not be afraid to ask them to repeat the question.

-   Talk Make sure you keep you answers concise and to the point ¨C highlight past experiences that are relevant to the question. Keep in mind what you know about the job and the candidate they are looking for.

-   Build a Rapport A strong handshake, confident manner and continual eye contact with your interviewer will go a long way towards impressing them.

-   Ask Questions Make sure that you ask appropriate questions about the company and the role, not 'What's in it for me' questions.

-   Salary Details Don't be the one to bring up the subject. If the interviewer does then be honest, however, it is important to emphasize that money is not your main objective in changing jobs, stress that you are more interested in a career, training and prospects.

Ending the Interview

Always thank the interviewer for their time, shake their hand, (if appropriate) and if you are really interested, ask them what the next step in the process will be.

COMMON INTERVIEW QUESTIONS

-   What is important to you in your job?

-   What are your weaknesses?

-   What are your strengths?

-   How would you describe yourself?

-   What do you know about our company?

-   Do you consider yourself a self-starter ¨C if so why?

-   What qualifications or experiences do you have that would make you a success in this company?

-   What jobs have you enjoyed most/least? Why?

-   What job in our company do you want to work towards?

-   What are your own special abilities?

-   Where do you see yourself in the future?

-   What can you offer us?

-   Why are you seeking new employment?

-   What attracted you to this organisation?

-   What is your greatest achievement to date?

-   Why do you want to leave your present job?

-   What is your management style?

-   How do you manage your time on a daily basis?

-   What tasks do you least like in your current role and why?

GOOD QUESTIONS TO ASK AT INTERVIEW

-   What are the main goals and responsibilities of the position?

-   What is the reporting structure of the department?

-   What type of computer and business systems would you be using in your daily role?

-   How many people are in the team / department you will be working in?

-   What are the career prospects like?

-   Ask for further information on the company products.

-   Ask about the working environment, company culture, organisation structure etc.

-   What are the company's growth plans over the next few years?

-   What is the next step in the recruitment process?

REASONS FOR FAILING AT INTERVIEWS

-   Insufficient preparation for the interview

-   Poor appearance and attitude

-   Lack of enthusiasm or an overbearing attitude

-   Limp handshake and failure to make eye contact

-   No clear career path and no clear future aspirations

-   Unable to handle objections

-   Unclear answers

-   Sole motivation to move is money

-   Unclear reasons for leaving current role

 

Reproduced with kind permission from

 

Capital Recruitment

 

www.capital.ie

capital@capital.ie