A Guide

“Failing to plan is planning to fail”

90% of candidates don’t prepare in advance of an interview because they don’t know how to.

The 10% who do prepare always stand out.Don’t risk playing it by ear if you really want the job.

The purpose of interviewingFor the Employer;Most tried and trusted method of selection (although not

necessarily the most effective)Chance to further explore your CVAssess how you will fit into their team/business culturallyAssess you against the requirements of the jobShow you the working environmentTest your interpersonal skillsTest how your past behaviour might influence your

future behaviour.

The purpose of interviewingFor the Candidate;Meet the person you will work for and potential

colleagues.Sell yourselfSee the working environmentAssess the culture of the organisationAsk questions

RememberIf you have got as far as an interview you have already

made a significant impression

An interview is a two-way process – you have something that they want too!

First ImpressionsResearch shows that first impressions are made up of the

following;

55% visual impact (dress, facial expressions, body language)

38% tone of voice7% what you actually say

You don’t get a second chance to make a first impression.

Advance PlanningUnderstand the job you have applied forRead through job description/person

specification/original advert if you have one.Questions will arise from these documents.

You can anticipate what will be asked.Review your CV and think which areas are likely to be

probed within it.Can you satisfactorily explain short stays in previous jobs

or gaps in employment?

Advance PlanningWhat would you ask if you were the recruiter?Ask a friend to think of potential questions.Most interviews are predictable – there is no mystery.Think about the questions you will wish to ask them.

Advance PlanningResearch the organisationReview any company literature they may have sent youLook on the internet (company website/topical articles)Check out the newspapers / trade magazinesRing up and ask!

Most employers will ask what you know about them!

Advance PlanningDress smartly & simply (unless specifically instructed

otherwise.Neutral colours are best.Polished & comfortable shoesMinimal jewellery/accessoriesSimple ties/socks for menCheck clothes closely for stains, loose buttons, worn

heels etc.Consider appropriate bags / document carriers HandkerchiefAvoid overwhelming scentsMake sure you feel comfortable.

Find out where you are going..

Advance Planning

Do a ‘dry run’ if necessary

If unclear, call in advance and ask for precise directions.Check out public transport routes/timesIf going by car, find out if there is parking.Don’t leave all this to chance on the day.

On the day of the interviewGet a good night’s sleep.EatIf it is a fairly high profile organisation, check out the

news on the internet to see if there are any topical stories.

Allow for the rush hourCheck the traffic reportsIf on public transport – confirm if running on time.

On the day of the interview

Check out the weather – coat & umbrella!!Make sure you have a direct contact name and number

with you in case you are delayed en route and need to call.

ArrivalIf chewing gum, get rid of it before you go in.Turn mobile off.Time it right – too early can be as bad as too lateReport to contact as directedAlways be pleasant to reception staffIf there is company literature in the waiting area, have a

look through (it may give you some good material to make reference to in your interview).

If it is raining and you have a cumbersome umbrella and coat, perhaps ask receptionist if you could leave these somewhere.

Ask for rest room so that you can check your appearance.

WaitingTake in your surroundings

You will get lots of clues about the culture of the business by the items on display and the people you see around you.

Try to relax and breathe.Remember all the other candidates will feel the same

GreetingWhen greeted by interviewer, always stand.Look them straight in the eye and smile (wait for them to

offer handshake).If offered, give a confident, steady handshake.

In the interview roomExpect anything up to about 3 people.Handshakes – “pleased to meet you”SmileWait to be invited to sit down.

In The Interview RoomIf offered a drink, good idea to get glass of water.Body language – make yourself comfortable but don’t

slouch.Hands relaxed on lap (don’t grip the arms of the chair!)Take a deep breathBe concise and to the pointPace your voice pitch and speed – nerves may make you

speak too fast.

In The Interview RoomBe honest and sincere with your answers – never lie.Imagine you are talking to people that you know in a

relaxed conversation style.Nobody wants to trip you up or make you feel

uncomfortable. Most recruiters try to put the candidate at ease.

In The Interview RoomLook enthusiastic and interestedRemember – the interviewer may be nervous too.Try to strike rapport

Light humour in appropriate placesSmilingGood eye contact

Typical Opening QuestionsWhy are you applying for this position?Why are you leaving your current job?Why do you want to work for our company?Tell me about yourself …………….

Mentally prepare a short statement providing 3 or 4 key points.

Anticipating The QuestionsIncreasing number of companies now apply ‘funnelling’ technique which asks for specific examples of situations

Process;Opens with general question & funnels down to specifics.Don’t be intimidated or put off by this techniqueMeans of separating genuine informationPrepare sets of examples in advance.

Example-Based InterviewingThis is sometimes known as a competency based

interview and is very common.The interviewer is looking for you to give a specific

example of when you have done something. Thoroughly examine each aspect of the person

specification which show the competencies matched to the role.

Prepare examples from the past when you have demonstrated each of these competencies

STAR ModelThe STAR model allows you to demonstrate the competency;Situation – When did the behaviour occur?Task – What was expected of you or what did you

set out to doAction – What did you do? The interviewer will be

asking for how you demonstrated this behaviour / competency

Result – What effect did the action have on the outcome?

TipsIf necessary, take a second or two to think before you

answer a particular question (sipping water is a good delay tactic).

Don’t be afraid to ask the interviewer to repeat a question if you don’t catch it or understand it.

The difficult questionsPersonal weaknessesMistakesPressureConflictHobbiesShort stay jobs/gapsCurrent employer

Closing the interview - your questionsInterviewer should invite questions from you at the end of the interview.

This is a very important part of the interview

Consider in advance 2 or 3 well thought out business or role related questions.

Avoid long lists – be respectful of interviewer’s time and other candidates who may be waiting.

Failure to ask at least one question could be viewed that you are not interested in the role.

Closing the interview – your questionsQuestions to avoid;Salary and benefits Holiday entitlementSickness entitlementsAnnual pay risesAny negative publicity about the business (past or

present)

Closing the interview – your questionsOpportunities for personal developmentHow role will develop over medium and long termStructure of the team you would be working in.Training A typical day in the roleCompany’s strategic objectivesReference to any (positive) topical items you may

have read about in respect of the organisation.

Closing the interviewConsider a response to the following possible question at the end of the interview;

“Is there anything else you would like to say?”

Closing the interviewPrepare a suitable but concise ‘closing statement’ which

reinforces your interest in the role.e.g. “I would just like to say that having learned more

about this role, I am even more interested in being considered.”

You should also ask what the next stage of the process will be.

Closing the interview

What if you are not invited to ask questions but you wish to do so?

Politely ask if you may quickly do so.

LeavingPart with a smile and a polite thank you.

General TipsAvoid responses like “it’s in my CV.”If you feel you have answered a question badly at some

point, you may wish to refer back to it later and re-explain your answer.

Don’t lieAvoid wafflingNever gossip about other people.Never criticise your current employer.

General TipsDon’t be evasive in your answers – tackle them head on

even if they are difficult.Remember, there are often no right or wrong answers.Don’t be afraid of silencesDon’t forget – it’s a two-way exchange!Just be yourselfDon’t be scared of making mistakesThey want to hear your thought processesLooking for potential rather than perfection

Any questions?