Improving your performance in Interviews
The short time spent at an interview can directly affect your future career aspirations.
It is therefore essential that you present yourself to greatest effect. You are there
because you qualify to be considered for this post. Both you and the interviewer are
there to decide if you, the job, and the Company are a good match. Honesty and
candour are essential. If successful, you need to know that you got the job for all
the right reasons. The following suggestions may assist you and in conjunction with the
guidance provided by our consultants will ensure you make the most of this opportunity.
Obvious as they may seem, these points all contribute to a successful
interview.
Preparation is
essential to a successful interview. Companies are often surprised and disappointed by the
number of unprepared candidates they see. Always ensure:
You know the exact location and time of interview.
You know the interviewers name and title.
Find out some information about the company. This information is often available on
their web site or at a good reference library, alternatively ask your
recruitment consultant to assist
you.
You are up to date with information concerning your current employer, e.g. Products,
Processes, Ownership, Market Sector, Turnover, Profit etc.
Prepare a list of questions you
intend to ask - check this list is complete by discussing this list with your consultant.
Remember they are there to assist you in finding the right opportunity - not just a
job. The job interview may be the only time in the
entire process that you have the opportunity to make a personal and professional
judgment about the company and the only time the employer will have to make a
judgment about you. The job interview is your best opportunity to gather facts about
a job and to sell yourself to a potential employer. Remember, at times the
employer will also try to sell the firm to you. If things go well, you will have to
reply to an offer. You need enough information to make that decision.
Some questions you may like to ask:
a) Why is the position currently available?
b) Are induction and training
programs available?
c) Company growth plans?
d) Promotion prospects for the right candidate?
e) The next interview steps?
Dress appropriately for the interview.
Don't know where your interview is ? check the way on the A-Z -
www.multimap.com
Want to find out train times for your interview? www.rail.co.uk
Remember: The
reason for the interview is that the employer wants to recruit someone to fill a position in
their organisation - not because they want to embarrass you. Throughout the interview
the employer will be evaluating your strong and weak points, qualifications, skills and ability
to perform in the position they have available.
The following points should therefore be remembered:
Arrive on time or early - never late.
If asked to complete an "application" form do so neatly.
Greet the interviewer with a smile and a firm handshake.
Do not slouch, relax or smoke in the interview - even if the interviewer suggests you do
so.
Look the interviewer in the eye at all times.
Avoid answering questions with a "yes" or "no" answer. Always relate
your experience to the question being asked.
Remember to ensure that you make the interviewer realise they need you in their organisation
- sell yourself, your abilities and your experience in the best possible manner.
Be prepared to answer questions like:
" Tell me about yourself ".
" What kind of position are you looking for? "
" What are your strengths? "
" What are your weaknesses? "
" What do you know about our company? "
" Why do you want the position? "
Don't lie, always answer truthfully and frankly.
Ensure you do not demean your present
employer or competitors.
Avoid discussing political or religious subjects.
Do not ask about salary, holidays, bonuses etc., at the first interview -
make sure that they want you first.
Toward the end of the interview is when
the interviewer will be most impressed with you. As soon as you leave, the memory of
you will begin to fade. This is the time to gain the most commitment from the
interviewer, either an offer or to progress to the next stage of selection.
If you are interested in the position, make this clear and always ask for it, even if
your consultant has told you additional interviews are required.
If you are offered the position and wish to accept - do so immediately. If you
wish to think it over, ask for the offer in writing.
If no offer is made, do not be
discouraged. Often the interviewer may have several
candidates to see before a decision can be made. Ask how you compare to candidates
seen so far. Ask if you have demonstrated that you can do the job.
Ask what reservations, if any, the interviewer may have about you.
Summarise the interview briefly, confirming that all relevant points have been
covered and how your abilities match the needs of the employer.
Ensure you have covered the following before leaving the interview:
a) Why you are interested in the position and company.
b) What you have to offer the company.
c) You CAN and WANT to do the job.
Provided you have covered these points you have done all you can.
Thank the interviewer for their time and considering you for the position.
Call the consultant who referred you to
the position as soon as possible. The client will often call them, and
they need to know
your views on the interview, the job and the Company. They can ensure that any point
you failed to express in interview can be done so now on your behalf, to reinforce your case.
The consultant will wait to get your reaction on how the interview went before speaking to
the company. Any delay in contacting your consultant may result in delay in the company
being contacted and possibly result in a negative response.
INTERVIEW TIPS 
