Interview Advice
You’ve got past the shortlist stage and been granted an interview – congratulations! Now your task is to convince the interviewer that you’re the best candidate for the job, will fit in with the team and add value to the company. The interview is also your opportunity to find out if the job matches your own requirements and aspirations. Our best advice is to be yourself, but be professional and to make sure you plan and prepare fully – your COS Consultant will help you with this at your ‘interview brief’.
Planning and Preparation
1...Research the company. Look at their website or company literature and if possible talk to people who have worked there or know about them to get a good understanding of where they stand in the marketplace, who their competitors are, their products or services, their history, success, etc. This will give you confidence to answer questions about what you know about the company and should give you ample reasons for why you may want to work for them.
2...Familiarise yourself with the job description and person specification, paying attention to key tasks and responsibilities – this will enable you to focus on any relevant experience you have to show that you can handle the requirements of the role.
3...Find out who will be conducting the interview, what their individual responsibilities are and what they will be looking for. This will help you prepare answers in advance to the types of questions you may be asked.
4...Consider your strengths and weaknesses – in general, but particularly in relation to the requirements of the role. You will probably be asked about these so it’s vital to think about them in advance so you can demonstrate how your individual strengths will make a difference and add the most value and be able to point out how you compensate for any weaknesses.
5...Write down several questions you would like to have answered – interviewers expect candidates to have prepared questions as it shows interest, enthusiasm and preparation. It’s important to have at least 7 (since some may be answered in the interview process) and to write them down (since you are liable to forget some due to interview nerves). Think carefully about what you would need to know to make an informed decision if you were offered the job, but try to focus on things like expectations of the role, future plans of the company, other team members, reporting structure, training and development, further career opportunities, working environment, etc., rather than asking about salary and benefits at a first interview.
6...First impressions really are important and you could be discounted within the first 60 seconds due to how you present yourself. Decide in advance what you will wear and make sure everything is clean and pressed. Interviewers generally expect candidates to wear a suit or to dress fairly conservatively, regardless of the role or industry, with clean, tidy hair and polished shoes. Men should wear a tie; ladies remove chipped nail varnish; wear light make-up; minimal jewellery; no plunging necklines or too short skirts.
7...Be punctual. Plan your route beforehand, know where you will park (have change ready if needed) and how long it will take to get there. Aim to arrive 5-10 minutes early. You’ll be less stressed and more able to relax, be yourself and give your best if you’re not worried about being late.
The Interview
1...You may be nervous but try to ‘walk tall’, shake hands with confidence, smile and maintain good eye contact (but don’t stare!).
2...Sit straight, try not to cross your legs and don’t fidget or play with your hair/clothes.
3...Pay attention throughout the interview and clarify anything you don’t understand. It’s important to be sure of your facts and much better to ask a question than to answer incorrectly.
4...Listen carefully to questions and answer them fully but succinctly – stick to the relevant points and don’t waffle.
5...Show that you have researched the company – through the questions you ask and the answers you give.
6...Ask open/probing questions to obtain the maximum information.
7...Don’t give negative comments about past employers or colleagues, ever.
8...Allow the interviewer to dictate the pace and maintain control of the interview. Don’t monopolise the meeting and don’t interrupt.
9...Make sure you create an opportunity to let the interviewer know how they will benefit by employing you and what you will contribute to the organisation. Use the interview to sell your relevant skills, experience and strengths – and remember to give examples to demonstrate your ability.
10...Ask if the interviewer has all the information they need, what is the next stage in the process and when you will be informed.
11...Express your interest in the opportunity with enthusiasm – no employer will make an offer to someone who doesn’t appear enthusiastic at the interview stage!
12...Leave with confidence, a firm handshake and a smile.
Good luck!
