FAIL TO PLAN AND YOU PLAN TO FAIL! 

Always spend time preparing for your interview.

Before your interview find out everything you can about the company and the interview process. Establish if there will be any tests carried out and how many people will be interviewing you.

Visit the client’s website. You should try to anticipate the general questions which they will ask and also prepare some questions to ask them.

To do well at the interview you will need to convince the interviewer you are technically qualified to do the job. You will also need to show that you are sufficiently motivated to get the job done well and that you will fit in with the company’s organisational structure and the team in which you will work.

You should dress smartly for the interview and should leave home earlier than you need to on the day of the interview – you may be delayed by traffic or for other reasons.

At the interview itself you must be positive about yourself and your abilities – but do not waffle.

First impressions are extremely important. Smile, give a firm handshake and be confident.

Example Questions:

What do you know about this company?

This is your chance to impress the interviewer with your knowledge of their company and a good opportunity to clarify any information.

Why do you want to work for this company?

Emphasise the positive reasons why you want to join their company. For example, nature of work, interest in the industry, long term career progression, an opportunity to use and develop your skills; avoid aspects such as I need a job at the moment, money or shorter hours.

What interests you about our product (or service)?

Again, your research into the company should aid you in answering this question.

What qualities do you think will be required for this job?

Think carefully about this question. Stress the positive aspects which have attracted you to applying for this position and how your skills reflect the qualities required.

What can you contribute?

This is your chance to shine. Tell the client about your transferable skills and your achievements in your previous position(s) which are relevant to the new position you are applying for.

Be prepared to back up your answers with examples. More and more companies are using competency based questions at interviews. The interviewer will be looking for evidence of your skills and ability.

Example of competency questions:

• Explain how you go about scheduling your activities on a day to day basis?
• When faced with a complex project, how much of your time do you spend preparing for it?
• Describe a time when you have been asked to help out others from another team or department?
• Describe a situation in which you had to work under pressure

When the interview is drawing to a close, establish what the next steps are. If you are interested in the job- tell them!

Good luck! Feel free to contact Absolutely Recruitment if you require more detailed advice.