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.
Always go the extra mile
“I have been working with Select for the past few months and they have helped me to fill key support roles in my team with high quality candidates. The company is a real pleasure to work with, the team always go the extra mile and are very effective in matching the right candidate to the role. I highly recommend working with them.”
Select Client
Extension of our own operation
“The team spirit and customer focus prevalent at the Select office in Crawley is clearly obvious to all and my team now see Select Appointments, simply, as an extension of our own operation. It is a pleasure doing business with Select Appointments.”
Select Client
Looked After Very Well
“Select were pro-active in finding me temporary work and, as a result of one of their short-term assignments, I was called back by the same company for five weeks and then offered a six-month contract by that company. I was looked after very well by Select, administratively and in finding me work, and I am most grateful for their efforts on my behalf.”
Select Job Seeker
Bent Over Backwards
“I felt that Select bent over backwards to ensure that our vacancy was filled by the most suitable person; thank you!”
Select Client
I Absolutely Love My Job
“I just wanted to pass on my sincere thanks to you and your team. I absolutely love my job and have now been made a permanent member of staff because it was such a great match to my skills. I am so glad that I came into your agency!”
Select Job Seeker
Cannot Thank Him Enough
“I am very thankful for what Select have done for me. At first, I was getting no interviews and literally no hope for any jobs. I applied to Select for an advertised job, which was in my area of expertise and my Consultant thought I was highly suitable for this job and he gave me a chance, so he put me forward. He sorted out all the interviews, communicated well with me and never left me out of sync. I cannot thank him enough for the high standard of customer service and perseverance to get me the job that I am in now!”
Select Job Seeker
Completely Understand Our Requirements
“We have been extremely happy with the service Select has given us. Our Consultant seemed to completely understand our requirements and saved us a huge amount of time putting forward the right people for our vacancies. We will definitely be using Select again!”
Select Client
Changed My Life
“I am so happy you have no idea! You have helped change my life and I can now start a fresh and long lasting career. I cannot thank you enough for considering, helping and guiding me all the way through.
I will certainly be recommending you and Select recruitment to anyone I know. Thank you for everything!”
Select Job Seeker