Make your first impression count
Your CV has already paved the way and inspired the interviewer to meet you
in person. Every element of your arrival for an interview should be detailed. Before
you leave home, make sure you know exactly where you have to go. Give yourself
enough Ame to arrive and do a final pre-interview check - a casual aDtude to
Amekeeping is one of the most frequently menAoned negaAves by interviewers. If
you're going to be late, ensure your consultant is aware so he or she can let the
client know.
Make sure you know the exact name and Atle of the person you're meeAng.
On arrival, take the opportunity to absorb the general atmosphere - do the people
in recepAon seem relaxed? How do they dress? Is there an average profile of staff
passing through? You should already have found out as much as you can about the
company, but you can read any in house magazines, brochures or corporate
communicaAons and take these with you if allowed. Many interviewers will
specifically check back with their recepAon staff about your general conduct whilst
waiAng; if you have Ame, engage the recepAonist in some open quesAons about
the company - he or she oOen has years of experience and will be only too happy
to chat.
Smart dress is of course a prerequisite. Suits, for both men and women, are
the best bet. If you have doubts, play safe and choose the conservaAve opAon.
It may seem obvious, but remember to smile.
ParAcularly on meeAng the interviewer, this is the best ice breaker. And don't
forget to shake hands – both when you arrive and when you leave. If you're offered
tea, coffee or water, then do accept if you would like some - this is a good way of
relaxing.
Responding to [Link]: inspiring confidence
Many ques*ons can be an*cipated in advance and it's wise to have some well
constructed answers that you can tailor more closely on the day. It's sensible to have a
number of key phrases to use. Remember to always try and make your answers posi*ve.
Q1: Tell me about yourself. (The interviewer is really saying " I want to hear you talk." "
Who are you" )
A1: This is just to get things started, but it is a very common ques*on. Write a script, and
rehearse it so that it sounds impromptu. Spend a maximum of four minutes describing
your qualifica*ons, career history and your range of skills. Emphasise those skills that are
relevant to the job on offer.
Q2: What have been your achievements to date? (The interviewer is saying ' "Are you an
achiever?")
A2: Again, this is a common ques*on, so be prepared. Select an achievement that is
experience-related and fairly recent. Iden*fy skills you used in this achievement and say
what the results were.
Q3: What do you like about your present job? (The interviewer is really trying to find out
whether you will enjoy the things the new job has to offer.)
A3: This is a straighOorward ques*on. All you have to make sure is that your 'likes'
correspond to the skills etc.
Required for the job an offer. Be posi*ve, describe your job as interes*ng and diverse, but
do not overdo it. AQer all, you are leaving!
04: What do you dislike about your current job? (The interviewer is trying to find out
whether the job on offer has responsibili*es you will dislike or which will make you
unsuitable.)
A4: Be careful with this one! Do not be too specific as you may draw aTen*on to
weaknesses, which will leave you open to further problems. One approach is to choose a
characteris*c of your present company, such as its size, its slow decision-making etc. Give
your answer with the air of someone who takes problems and frustra*ons in your stride
as part of the job!
Q5: What are your strengths? (The interviewer simply wants a straighOorward answer as
to what you are
good at.)
A5: This is the one ques*on that you are definitely going to get, so there is no excuse for
being unprepared. Concentrate on discussing your main strengths. List three or four
explana*ons of how they could benefit the employer. Strengths to consider include
technical proficiency; ability to learn quickly; determina*on to
succeed; posi*ve a[tude; your ability to relate to people and achieve a common goal.
You may be asked to give examples of the above, so be prepared.