Applicant Services Interview Advice Always remember that you need to convince the interviewer that you are the best possible person for the job. Before you enter the interview room, you are just another name on the list. Make sure that by the time you come out, yours is the only name on the list. It is our job to sell you to the client up to this point. Once you are in the interview, YOU are the only salesperson in the room. Sell your skills and make the client need you. Remember it's always better to get the job offer then decide if it's right for you. You can't decide whether to accept a job that you have not been offered. Stay calm, think clearly and don't let tricky questions and being under pressure put you off your stride. Consider your answers. Prepare Make sure you know exactly where the interview will take place and the name and position of the person you are due to meet. Work out your route in advance and allow a generous margin of error in case of unforeseen circumstances. Use these links to help you plan your route and arrival times http://www.easymap.co.uk - Route Planner http://www.thetrainline.com/ - Train Times and route planner http://www.rac.co.uk/ - Traffic Updates Ensure that you have the telephone number of the company you are going to see handy so that you can let them know if you are running late - this is generally forgiven where as unannounced lateness generally isn't. Always inform us of lateness as well as the client. We can help smooth things over for you. Find out roughly how long the interview will take and arrange other appointments accordingly - don't leave your car on a meter and end up worrying more about being clamped or towed away than getting the job. Research We of course will have given you as much information about the project and company you are interviewing with as possible but you may find that digging a little deeper also boosts your confidence at the interview. A Company website is a potentially excellent source of suitable information. Being even a little knowledgeable demonstrates to the interviewer that you have gone to the trouble to see whether you'd fit into the team and make a successful 'career' out of a 'job'. Make sure you ask intelligent questions but try not to ask 'how much holiday' and “do you provide free lunches” kind of questions. Appearing to be mercenary is the last thing you want to do. Quiz yourself There are a number of questions that you will find yourself being asked by interviewers. Learn them, prepare your answers, and practice them on friends. Common questions are "Why are you interested in this position?" "Tell me about your current boss". "What are the most satisfying / frustrating things about your current employment?" "What are your strengths / where do you think your weaknesses lie?" "Why do you think we should give you this job? "Where do you see yourself in 5/10 years time?" Dress to impress First impressions last !. If you look untidy that's how you'll be remembered. Always wear a suit and tie or neat skirt /dress and polish your shoes. Even if you are attending a second interview and you know the organisation allows less formal work dress, maintain a professional / formal approach, as you don't know who you may happen to meet, the Managing Director may pop in to meet you ! It may sound obvious, but be civilised and remember your manners. Shake hands firmly with people you are introduced to look them in the eye and shake hands again when you leave. Be Assertive Find the right tone in which to present your positive aspects. You have to talk about your achievements to show you are the right person but do it without being boastful. Under no circumstances should you spend a significant portion of the interview running down your current employer - this is viewed as negative. Turn weaknesses into strengths Don't pretend you have no weaknesses because everyone has some. On the other hand don't put your self down, because you could be talking your way out of a job. Discuss your weaknesses as though you have recognised them and strive to overcome them. "I used to have bad time management, now I prioritise my workload first thing every morning". "I like to take control and be involved in everything. I sometimes find it hard to delegate but when I have the results have been positive." These kinds of statements will throw you in a positive light. Have a positive attitude Above all, don't wait until after the event to decide that you wished you'd tried harder to get the position. Always go in with the intention of getting an offer, only then do you really have the chance to weigh up how this opportunity compares with others. Many people, with the benefit of hindsight, have regretted they didn't take a particular interview sufficiently seriously - don't let yourself be in this "if only" category!