INTERVIEW HINTS AND TIPS
You rarely get a second chance to create a good first impression, so in your first interview these few things are crucial:
- Be prepared and know your CV
- Do some company research
- Dress smartly
- Arrive on time
- Have some questions prepared
BEFORE THE INTERVIEW
Ensure you have a full job description and are aware of the format that the interview will take.
Do some company research. The company website is a great place to start. You may well be asked what you know about the company, so impress the interviewer with your knowledge. For example, what the company does, how long they have been established, its size, structure, turnover, market, aims for the future, and current competitors.
Ensure you know where the company is located and ideally do a “dummy run”. Always allow additional time for unavoidable delays. Arriving late or flustered does not create a good impression.
Check the time of the interview and the name and position of the person who will be interviewing you.
ON THE DAY
Take a contact number with you, just in case you are delayed.
Dress appropriately – a suit is usually a “must” for interviews and portrays professionalism.
Ensure you are well groomed, tidy and not doing anything which may be seen as inappropriate behaviour for an important job interview (for example, no chewing gum).
THE INTERVIEW
The interview is a two-way process, and is your opportunity to ensure that the job and company are right for you.
Here are some top tips:
- Ensure you come across as friendly, approachable and enthusiastic
- Be polite to all staff you meet – you never know, they may well have a say in who does or who does not get offered the job
- Listen carefully to questions and allow the interviewer to finish speaking before responding
- Don’t worry about pausing before you answer a question as this shows you are considering it seriously
- Where possible, give practical evidence of any statements you make
- Never criticise former employers or work colleagues
- Maintain eye contact, relax and show interest in what the interviewer says
Be prepared for questions such as:
- What do you know about our company?
- What interests you most about the role?
- Why should we appoint you?
- What is important to you in a role?
- What was your greatest success in your last position?
- How would your manager or colleagues describe you?
You will usually have the opportunity to ask questions at the end of the interview – think about what is important to you. Questions you may wish to ask include:
- What training can I expect on joining your company?
- How many job seekers are you interviewing for this role?
- Are there any parts of my CV over which you have concerns, or feel others applying for this position have covered better?
- When do you envisage making a decision?
FINALLY…
Make sure you have confirmed your interest in the job.
Conclude the interview with a handshake, remembering to thank the interviewer for their time.
After the interview contact your Select consultant and let them know how the interview went.
Thoroughly Recommend
“Caroline and her team took the time to listen to and fully understand our requirements. They demonstrated their understanding by presenting us with a short list of candidates all of whom could have filled the post. Thoroughly recommended for their fantastic service, thank you.”
Select Client – Google Review – Select Appointments St Albans
Second to None
“I have worked with and for ‘Select Appointments’ since Aug 1st 2017. I have nothing but absolute praise for the care and attention I have received whilst working under their ‘umbrella’. The interaction and provision of work, remuneration and holiday entitlement is in my opinion second to none, I would certainly recommend the agency to anyone with full and utmost confidence.”
Select Candidate – Google Review – Select Appointments Norwich
Best agency in Cambridge
“Select Cambridge is an excellent agency specialised in offering jobs in the Hospitality sector. The quantity and quality offered make it the best agency in Cambridge. Personally, I have had the opportunity to work with […] an excellent consultant, attentive to the details and needs of her employees. I highly recommend it for those who are considering joining this sector.”
Select Candidate – Google Review – Select Hospitality Cambridge
They Invest the Time
“I have worked with the Select team on both assisting me recruit as a customer and more recently as a candidate. Having first worked with Select on a couple of recruitment projects with great success she was my first call when I needed assistance with my own career move.
For me the difference with Select is that they invest the time to understand your requirements both as a business customer and as a candidate and match you to the right people or positions. Unlike a lot of Recruitment companies the communication is strong from the Select team with regular updates and you never feel like just another candidate in a drawer. Dedication, passion, professionalism and commitment are the qualities that set them apart from the rest and I cannot rate the Select team more highly.”
Select Client & Candidate – Google Review – Select Appointments Lowestoft
Very Supportive Team
“I worked with the very supportive team from Select. He rang just before every appointment I had with my new employers to offer advice and support. He was also on the end of the phone when I asked for advice about my current position. Needless to say, I was offered the job I was recruited for and had a very good experience with Select.”
Select Candidate – Google Review – Select Hospitality Peterborough
Able to Get Results
“Select have been absolutely amazing from the get go. I haven’t had any problems with finding a job, pay or communication. The team found me a new job within 1 week and another job after the contract ended on that one.
I would heavily recommend this company as not only are the staff so friendly, they are able to get the results that you want from employment. After years of working with other agencies and having many problems, Select come out on top and will be using them in the future. I found an amazing job and was so sad to leave it as I have continued my journey at university.”
Select Candidate – Google Review – Select Appointments Chelmsford
Lovely Agency to Temp With
“Lovely agency to Temp with. Always there for advice and respond quickly to any queries I have had over the last couple of months. I would like to thank the team for the incredible service they have provided me, very professional and they really care about their work.”
Select Candidate – Google Review – Select Appointments Oxford
Cannot Recommend Them Enough
“Select Appointments are an AMAZING agency!
My consultant believed in me and saw my strengths. He gave me back my work confidence then found me my dream job. Nothing is too much trouble. The team are with you every step of the way ensuring that you are well prepared. I cannot recommend Select highly enough.”
Select Candidate – Google Review – Select Appointments Northampton
Genuine Care
“Probably the very first agency that provided amazing customer experience to me. Staff are very professional and friendly to the point where they have managed to find something that suits me in the first 30 minutes of walking in for the first time. Paperwork isn’t as burdensome as in other recruitment agencies which is a big plus. I got an impression of genuine care from them due to the fact that they were always in contact with me and whenever I had an enquiry they responded asap.”
Select Candidate – Google Review – Select Appointments Lincoln
Dedication is Abundantly Clear
“I am an IT Engineer specialising in Apple systems. Over the course of 1 year I entertained many recruiters claiming their understanding and ability in finding a position that suited my expertise.
Chris Lo is the 1st (& only) recruiter in my experience that not only dedicated & understood my goals, but also had the technical education to fully understand my abilities and provide appropriate prospects. This lead to my current position with a company & group of people I want to stay with indefinitely.
Chris’s dedication is abundantly clear; extremely communicative and driven nature, exemplifies his passion and character.”
Select Candidate – Google Review – Select Appointments Croydon