Preparing For The Interview
With careful planning and research, the interview situation can prove to be less of an ordeal than anticipated. Creating the right impression is paramount. Major problems can arise when candidates are unprepared. Companies expect to see that some research has been carried out before interviewees come to see them.
Always double check the location, date, time and name of the interviewer. If practical, visit the premises before hand and check the route and timing.
Before you enter an interview, recall what you know about the Company and decide which aspects of your experience to stress ie: those which fit their requirements.
Research the Company and its products - any information you can obtain could give you the edge in an interview. General information can be gathered from web sites and trade journals. Ring the Company and ask for literature ie: a report and accounts. Prior knowledge will give you confidence, enable you to relax and should arm you with a battery of useful questions.
Research yourself. Make sure you have considered you own strengths and weaknesses, successes and failures before commencing on any interview.
If you are going for an interview through Macildowie Associates, we will ensure that you have all the necessary background information, regarding size of company, function and location, and any other details which will help you succeed, such as whether the interview will be conduced by the personnel department or a line manager.
Interview Technique
The interview is still the most common method by which decisions on job offers are taken, although this is sometimes backed up by other recruitment methods, for example, psychometric aptitude tests.
It is a mistake to sit back and expect experience and qualifications alone to get you the position. Personality is at least as important. A confident approach will single you out as a candidate who must be taken seriously. Your job is to sell yourself to the interviewer.
Most interviews tend to follow a basic pattern:
- Asking you questions to establish ability and suitability for the job
- Telling you about the post and the Company
- Giving you the opportunity to ask questions
- Telling you what will happen next
First Impressions
The importance of making the right first impression cannot be overstated. An interviewer's opinion of you begins to be formed from the minute you arrive. Punctuality is therefore paramount - ten minutes early is good practice. Greet the interviewer with a firm handshake and a smile - it goes a long way to help break the ice and dispel nerves. Having said that, allowances are made for nerves and they can be an indication that you are taking the interview seriously rather than treating it as 'just another interview'.
Good presentation - is vital. An untidy appearance will mark you down in the eyes of the interviewer. Ensure that you appearance is clean and tidy - a dark suit (preferably navy blue or grey) is always a 'safe bet' for both men and women.
Don't slouch - take an upright but fairly relaxed position. Avoid gazing round the room (irrespective of how impressive your surroundings are).
Attitude is always important - even if you are uncertain about attending the interview, go into it with a positive attitude. Remember - it is easy enough to reject a position you may feel is unsuitable once it is offered to you, but not as easy to retrieve an interview after suddenly discovering that it's exactly the job you were looking for.
Speak clearly and concisely - do not mumble or try to disguise any dialects or regional accents - it only causes more problems for you as the interview wears on. Technical questions can sometimes cause problems - think carefully before answering and make sure you answer shows initiative, common sense and imagination. If you don't know the answer - say so!
Use of voice, eyes and your overall posture - go a long way in creating the right impression. Look but do not stare at the interviewer. Good eye contact is essential. In the event of panel interviews, try not to direct all answers and questions at one person. Look at and speak to the whole panel.
Asking Questions
Now is your chance to impress the interviewer with a good choice of question. Remember, the interviewer is looking for someone who genuinely wants the job.
Questions should be asked at a reasonably general level but should be relevant to the company/industry/market. Prior research should bring to mind the right questions. Questions about products and markets are always more interesting for the interviewer to talk about. Try and save a good question for the end of the interview.
Salaries and benefits. Generally speaking, do not discuss these matters until the second interview stage, unless the interviewer raises the subject. The same principle applies to working hours, pension schemes and health benefits - these matters can be dealt with in detail later or via personnel.
Feedback
After the interview, contact Macildowie Associates for a full briefing and feedback in order to understand how you performed, and to know whether you are to be offered the position you want, or need to amend your interview technique in some way.