Interview Preparation
Before the interview…
Find out exactly where the Company are based.
- Is there parking available?
- Do you need to call ahead in order to get past security for the building?
- Do a trial run to ensure you leave in plenty of time to get to your interview at least 15 minutes before the time state More importantly, this will give you an indication of how long you will be travelling on a daily basis and if this will fit with your personal circumstances.
Find out exactly who you will be meeting and their position within the Company.
- Find out if they are on LinkedIn/ Facebook so you have an advantage over other candidates and know what to expect.
Do your research on the Company!
- Get as much information as you can from your consultant; previous candidates they may have placed at the Company, their background, what is good about the working environment.
- Take a look at the Company website, particularly the “About Us” and “Careers” pages. Make sure you have some information so that you are able to demonstrate your interest in the Company.
- Research the Companies competition
- If you already work in the industry speak to existing employees and ask them why they like working for the Company.
Go through the job specification with a fine tooth comb!
- Pick out the key words in the specification and prepare examples of when you are demonstrating these skills in your current role.
- Are there any points in the specification that you have not covered before or do not have experience of? Be prepared to answer questions related to this in your interview.
Know your CV!
- Make sure you know your CV inside out; dates, reasons for leaving each role and most importantly your achievements in each position.
- Be prepared that if you felt it important enough to put in your CV- they will find it important enough to ask you about it at interview!!
Find out the structure of the interview:
- Will it be an informal chat with the line manager?
- Will you be meeting the Director if you are successful?
- Will the interview contain Competency based questions?
- Are there any tests involved?
Do you need to prepare anything specifically for the interview? And are there any materials you use in your current role which you could present in your interview to demonstrate your skill set?
Ensure you have prepared answers to all standard interview questions. Think of some questions to ask them.
As well as researching the Company, try to look at any recent news articles and changes to the Company so that you are able to ask your interviewer what effects this has had on the business/ industry.
Questions the Interviewer may ask you…
- Strengths & Weaknesses
- Why do they want the job?
- What do they know about the company?
- Examples of Customer Service and how they have handled situations
- Aspirations / Where do they see themselves in 5 years?
- If they were an animal what would they be and why?
- What do you want to achieve in life?
- Why do you want to work for this company?
- What did you learn most in your last job?
- If I obtained a reference from your last employer what would it say?
- How do you spend your free time?
- Of all the jobs you have done, which did you enjoy the most and why?
- What has been the most difficult career decision you have had to make?
- What is your greatest achievement to date?
- What motivates / demotivates you?
- What makes you angry / frustrated?
- Tell me about yourself
- How would you deal with an irate customer?
- How would you persuade your current Manager to spend money on new equipment?
- What major challenges did you face in your previous role? And how did you overcome them?
- What are your salary requirements?
- Tell me about any issues you’ve had with a previous boss?
For our downloadable interview tips and preparation, Click Here: http://www.veryimportantpersonnel.co.uk/InterviewTips.pdf
GOOD LUCK!