Tips

This document is designed to help you - the reader prepare, for an interview.

So you've decided to search for a new job. You've got your CV together, searched and applied for jobs and now reached that crucial stage of interviewing.

The first advice is Don't Panic! Your interviewer is only human and is doing their job properly by trying to recruit the best person available.
You know what will happen: you'll arrive at the interview location, meet the interviewer and discuss your career/education, the company and the role available.

It could last from 15 minutes to over two hours. But how do you get the most out of it? Well we would advise you to do your homework a few days before the interview and remember "Honesty is the best policy!"

1. Research the Company
   You should learn as much as possible about the company you are going to see, its philosophies, goals and future plans.
   
   In an interview you may be asked: "What do you know about us?"
   
   If you don't know anything about the company, it's not going to look good!
   
   The more you know and understand about them, the more accurate a "feel" you should have about how you might fit in. Then, during the interview, you can use this information to your advantage. For example, you can impress them with your knowledge of their Fast Track Award scheme, then explain how your experience of working with Fast Track firms would benefit them. Or if they are Quality Oriented, you could make them aware of your personal commitment to quality.
   
   Your aim is to show them that you are like-minded and would be a good addition to their team.
   
   By showing them that you've taken the time to research their company, you demonstrate by example that you are the type of person that gives 100%.
   
   Also by preparing yourself you should feel a certain level of control so hopefully you'll feel more confident within the interview itself.
   
2. Sell Yourself
   Why not sit down and list your strong points. If you're having trouble, don't worry, your probably just modest - perhaps ask a colleague to help you. Then if an employer asks you the dreaded question: "What are your strong points?" you can provide a short summary.
   
   Also, make a list of your qualifications. This might include years of experience, education, specialist training and technical skills, "inside" knowledge of a product or market place. This list could also include transferable skills like communication and leadership.
   
   Think of an example where you have done an exceptional piece of work - by that we don't mean a super-human feat, just an example of a situation where you have done a good job. Practice telling the story. Make it short, snappy and informative.
   
   For example: "At Plugs Incorporated I noticed a faulty machine was responsible for 30% of the damage taking place. I met with the manager who was reluctant to spend money on a new machine but once he was shown the new machine would pay for itself within 6 months, saving the company over £10,000 a month, he quickly came around. We both worked around the clock to get the new machine fitted that very weekend."
3. Be Proactive
   If the interviewer asks you if have any questions, how will you respond?
   
   It's not generally considered a good idea to ask about the number of days holiday you will get, the company's sickness policy or whether you're allowed cigarette breaks.
   
   It is, however, a good idea to think about what you genuinely want to know and write the questions down.
   
   Ask probing questions about the role available, the company, its future plans and how any external factors might affect the company. What opportunities are there for advancement? Are there any training programs available or plans for expansion?
   
   Think of some relevant and intelligent questions, write them down and be prepared to ask them at the appropriate time.
4. How have you done?
   You normally get a good idea of how things have gone, but don't be afraid to ask. If you like the role and the company, tell the interviewer. Being keen has to be a good thing!
5. Interview Basics
   • Re-read your CV prior to an interview. This is the interviewer's outline of your career - and in most cases the basis of questions asked during the interview.
   • Dress to impress. You know what's appropriate, look the part. First impressions count!
   • Organise any paperwork. A copy of your CV, letters of recommendation, references, performance evaluations, questions, a map.
   • Get there early. Look at the map and if possible drive there prior to your interview date.
   • Go out of your way to be polite, not only to the interviewer, but anyone else you might meet - They could be your colleagues in the future and you'll have wanted to make the right impression.
   • Smile, use a firm handshake and make direct eye contact. Demonstrate a sincere interest and enthusiasm for the job.
   • Always display loyalty to your former employers... no matter what they did (or did to you) never, never, say anything negative about them.
   • Keep positive! Never say "NO" or "I don't know" in an interview. If you are asked a question and are unsure of the answer then simply give a positive response. "I'm not sure, but it won't take me long to find out!" It's a can do attitude that will impress the employer.
   • Listen and adapt. Be sensitive to the style of the interviewer.
   • Relate - Try to relate your answers to the interviewer and his or her company. Focus on achievements relevant to the position.
   • Role Play. Use the general questions provided below to practice your answers.
6. Questions you might be asked
   Below are questions you may be asked in an interview.
   
   Try and answer them prior to your interview - you don't want your answers to sound rehearsed, but knowing how to answer a question will avoid awkward silences.
   

   • Tell me about yourself (try to hold your response to 2 minutes).
   • What do you know about the company?
   • Why should we hire you?
   • What can you do for us that someone else can't?
   • Where do you see yourself in 5 years time?
   • Describe your team leading/management style?
   • Why are you looking for a new job?
   • How would your boss describe you?
   • What were the three most significant accomplishments you made in your last job?
   • Can you give examples of work you performed under pressure?
   • What salary are you expecting if we were to offer you the job?
   • Why do you want to work for us?
   • What other positions are you considering?
   • Have you kept up to date with training?
   • What are your strong points?
   • What are your weak points?
   • If you took the job what would you accomplish in the first year?
   • What was wrong with your current or last position?
   • What questions didn't I ask that you expected?
   • Do you have any question for me?
7. Questions you may ask
   Here are some questions you might want to ask.
   

   • Why is this position open?
   • How often has it been filled in the past five years?
   • What were the main reasons for the role becoming vacant?
   • What would you like done differently by the person who fills this position?
   • What are the day-to-day duties of the role?
   • What do you need to have done within 3 months?
   • What are some of the long-term objectives of the role?
   • What promotional opportunities are available within the company?
   • What significant changes do you foresee in the near future?
   • Are there any training schemes available?
   • What do you like about working here?
   • How do you think I have done?
8. The End
   Well that's it. We would like to wish you the best of luck for your interview and hope that Jobs2View has helped you in your job search.