Interview preparation
Preparing for the Interview
PREPARATION
Review your CV actually sent to employer and read over the application form prior to the interview. Employers often use this as a basis for questioning, so make sure you are clear on your skills, job history and qualifications. Prepared to explain gaps in employment or short stays in jobs in a positive manner as these are areas commonly probed at interview.
Do your homework, research the company find out as much as you can about your prospective employer, you may be asked what you know about the company or why do you actually want a role here. Review the job specification or job advert, this will provide you with the skills, experiences and the main responsibilities being sought for the role.
THE INTERVIEW
It’s natural to be nervous, remember is that the employer has asked to see you because they think you are capable of doing the job. The interviewer should put you at ease and get the best out of you, they are not trying to catch you out.
Once you have introduced yourself, sit up straight, keep good eye contact and don’t fidget. During the interview concentrate, actively listen, respond positively, be enthusiastic and remain polite and respectful throughout. Your main aim is to reinforce the excellent impression made by your CV.
ANSWERING
Don’t rush your answer, make sure you have understood the question and give yourself time to think about what you want to say. Try to back up with examples. If you cannot think of an answer then ask if you can move on and return to that question at the end. If you cannot think of a work example, if relevant, use experiences gained from a hobby or past-time, you may be secretary treasurer of local club, or have organized charity events.
TYPES OF INTERVIEW
There are several different types of interview
Traditional Interview
Normally the manager of the position will conduct this as they want to know more about you and get a feel if your skills match those of the job requirements. You will be asked questions based on your CV experiences.
- What can you can offer this company?
- Why would you be good for this job?
- Tell me about yourself.
Competency Based Interview
Designed to investigate an applicants’ specific skill or ability. Questions relate to their behaviour in specific circumstances usually reinforced with a real life example.
- How do you maintain good working relationships with your senior staff?
- Give us an example of a situationwhere you had to deal with a conflict.
- Give us an example where your listening skills proved beneficial.
- When did our communication skills made a difference to an outcome?
Panel Interviews
A range of company staff such as HR, Sales and Senior Management conduct panel interviews to save time and get collective opinion of the candidate. Each member of the panel may ask you questions relevant to their area of responsibility. Focus your attention on the interviewer asking a particular question.
ASK QUESTIONS
Be prepared to ask some questions to help clarify if the job is really for you. Just make sure these haven’t already been covered during the interview.
- What do you feel will be my biggest challenge in the first 6 months
- What are the opportunities for career progression?
- What are the training opportunities?
- How much travel is involved?
- What are the targets for the first 3 months?
CLOSE - WHAT NEXT
Closing on a confident note, leave the employer with a good final impression. Smile, thank them for their time, say you enjoyed discussing the job and that you look forward to hearing from them soon.
