PLANNING, PREPARING FOR & HANDLING INTERVIEWS

Fully preparing for your interview is a must and is critical to ensuring you success and progression to the next stage of the hiring process.  Here are the key planning and preparation techniques to follow: 

RESEARCH

Visit the Company’s website before your interview in order to fully prepare yourself for any questions relating to the company.  Find out as much as you can about the company; it’s reputation, size, what it does and it’s history.

Your Rubicon Consultant will be able to provide you with a job description, and give you a good idea of the person who will be conducting the interview, including their name and job title. It would also be beneficial to look up the interviewer on LinkedIn where you will learn important and influential information that you can mention at interview.

It is always a good idea to make your own enquiries and find out as much as possible yourself. The Internet provides a wonderful opportunity to learn more about the company culture via social media, any news relating to their products and services and the opportunity to discover competitors.

Prepare answers to questions you might be asked, including facts you have discovered through your research, e.g.

“My experience in this area means I can help train new staff, I think that is important in a company growing as quickly as you have in recent months”

Based on your research, prepare questions to ask at appropriate times during the interview.

PREPARING FOR THE INTERVIEW

Dress appropriately and wear clothes you feel comfortable in, while remaining professional. You’ll be amazed at how much more confident you feel if you are pleased with your appearance and have made an effort.

Review the company information. It’s always a good idea to review the key information you have collected about the company so that it is fresh in your mind.

Review your CV. Refresh yourself on your key achievements and think about the questions you might be asked. Be prepared for the “tell me about yourself” prompt to ensure you get the most important messages across such as your related qualifications and why you think you suit, and want, the role.

OTHER SUBJECTS YOU MIGHT BE ASKED ABOUT INCLUDE:

Why you left your last employer.

What you liked/did not like about your previous job.

What you thought about your previous supervisor or manager.

About your salary, promotions or pay increases.

What are your strong/weak points.

What appeals to you about the job you are being interviewed for.

If you have been asked to take any documentation with you check that you have everything you need and always take a printed copy of your CV.

AT THE INTERVIEW

Arriving for the interview

Try to arrive a little early (10 minutes is good) to give yourself time to “get a feel” for the company and to glimpse through any relevant material which might be in the Reception area. You don’t want to arrive late and flustered with excuses.

Meeting the interviewee

SMILE •  SHAKE HANDS  •  SAY NAME

SMILE: Be friendly and optimistic from the moment you walk into Reception. It is surprising how many Receptionists are asked what their first impression was.

SHAKE HANDS: When you meet the person conducting the interview, shake hands firmly and don’t forget to smile.

SAY THEIR NAME: Use the interviewer’s name, where appropriate, during the conversation. It is an easy way to relate to the person you’re speaking with, just don’t overdo it!

During the interview

Be truthful, if you don’t know the answer to a question then admit it. Nobody knows everything so be honest and don’t try to bluff.

Listen carefully to what is being said but don’t be afraid to ask for a question to be repeated – if you didn’t understand it, simply say: “Could you please repeat the question for me?”

Ultimately, remember to be yourself. Interviews are an opportunity for the company to find out more about you and for you to find out more about the job. Chances are, if you are not selected for the job it wasn’t the right opportunity for you anyway, so relax!

Other Top-Tips:

Take things one-step at a time and take a moment to think before responding to questions.

Don’t smoke, even if invited to do so.

You can accept a tea, coffee or water if offered.

Speak confidently and express your views, without being argumentative.

Don’t criticise past employers or colleagues.

Above all, avoid the temptation to speak negatively about a former manager – remember who is possibly interviewing you!

For further advice speak to one of our specialist Recruitment Consultants by calling 01202 680 311