Interview Tips

We aim to provide you with the tools to make that all important first impression at interview stage. Below are a few tried and tested tips to aid you in your job search.

Preparation:

Company background – Before your interview, you should prepare yourself with as much information about the company and the role as possible. Look at the company website – this should provide background information and the history of the company and the products/services offered by the company. Your consultant may also be able to offer additional information on the culture and nature of the company.

Location – A definite advantage is to know exactly where you are going! Ideally, visit the site before your interview so you know how long it will take you. If this isn’t possible, ensure you have accurate directions and a map. You should also leave extra early in case of traffic.

Dress code – First impressions count and you should always dress formally for an interview, even if the environment you will be working in will be casual.

The interview: When you arrive at your interview, be polite and positive – make eye contact, smile at the interviewer and shake their hand.

Questions you may be asked – All interviewers will ask questions, so try and prepare answers prior to the interview, below are a few that you may be asked:

Why are you looking for a new role/leaving your current position?
What do you enjoy doing most about your current/previous role?
What do you least like doing about your current/previous role?
What is your ideal job?
What do you know about the company/what have you researched?
Why do you want to work for our organisation?
Why are you interested in this position?
What is your interpretation of the role?
What can you bring to the role?
What are your strengths and weaknesses?
What strengths can you bring to the team?
What would you find challenging about the role?
Where do you see yourself in five years time/future aspirations?
How would your friends describe you?

When you are answering questions, bear in mind the role you are applying for and try and answer with that in mind. Also, the interview is an opportunity to sell yourself and the skills you can offer, so make the most of each answer! When answering, also try and support what you say with specific examples.

Questions to ask – Be prepared - It is also advisable to think of a few questions to ask the interviewer. Here are a few ideas:

The reason why the position has come available?
The culture of the company?
Any induction of training programs?
What are the company's best selling products or services?
What is the next stage of the interview process?

Finishing the interview:

At the end of the interview, try and get a feeling of what will happen next – whether they are doing second interviews and when they would be. Also, sound enthusiastic for the role and genuinely keen to work at the company and try and establish how soon they will be coming back with a feedback or response.

Good luck!