Top Ten Interview Tips
1. DO YOUR RESEARCH - You must do your research on the company, the wider industry and competitors, as well as on the interviewers themselves. Tools such as LinkedIn can help.
2. KNOW THE FORMAT - You should also know what the interview format is (i.e. competency-based, performance-based, any presentations, tests, etc.) and adapt your preparation accordingly. While you cannot predict with certainty which questions will be asked, you can still prepare for various scenarios. Remember that the interviewer will potentially be scoring the interview. Think carefully about where you can score points.
3. DRESS APPROPRIATELY - It seems obvious, but first impressions really do count. You should dress smartly and professionally in a manner befitting the company for which you are interviewing.
4. BE EARLY - Plan for travel disruption and remember there may be a queue at the client reception desk. Ideally, you should be signed in and waiting for your interviewer 5-10 minutes before the allotted time. If, for whatever reason, you are going to be late, phone and let your interviewer(s) know.
5. PROPS - Have a pen and pad handy in case you need to take notes. Take copies of your CV as well as any relevant certificates or references which the interviewer(s) may be interested in. REMEMBER TO SWITCH YOUR PHONE OFF.
6. BE NATURAL - It’s inevitable that you will be a little nervous; however, it pays to be yourself. Try to let the interview flow in a natural, conversational style as opposed to allowing it to become a ‘them versus us’ scenario. The best interviews are interactive and, above all, natural in style.
7. RELATE YOUR ACHIEVEMENTS - Think about your achievements and how they relate to the company and the role you are being interviewed for. You should have several examples prepared and these will form the basis of the interview. Try to personalise them, especially in competency/performance-based interviews. For example: "My current company completed a successful project x and my involvement was y…..” Really emphasise YOUR successes. Be clear and concise, don’t waffle and above all, SELL YOURSELF.
8. ASK QUESTIONS - It’s important that you ask questions; however, ensure that these are not scripted or formulaic. Think about relevant questions around the company culture, team environment, etc. Unless otherwise stipulated, you may consider asking questions as they arise rather than waiting until the end. This enhances the interactive nature of the interview.
9. CLOSE THE INTERVIEW - Before the interview ends, be sure that you have communicated everything you wished to. Make sure the interviewer(s) is/are left in no doubt that you can excel in the role and that you WANT the job. Remember that your competition is going to be doing exactly the same. Finally, make sure you know what will happen next.
10. FOLLOW UP - Often, interviewers urge you to get in touch if you have any further questions. If appropriate, it can be a good idea to send the interviewer an email thanking him/her for the opportunity and at the same time reiterating your enthusiasm. When you are out of the interview remember it is crucial that you call your RZ Consultant to give him/her your post interview feedback.
Good luck!
Craig Yule, Senior Consultant, RZ Recruitment, October 2010
