Embrace the Interview and get yourself hired

Use our interview tips to increase your chances of getting your dream job….

Planning for an Interview:

·    Understand the Job - Before the interview ensure you have a good understanding of the job and its requirements. Ask for a 'Job Description' where possible, use this to think about examples of where your experience matches the criteria the employer has set out for the position.

·    Research the Company - Use the company’s website and social media presence to find out as much information as possible about their culture, contracts, product offerings and market presence. We would  normally advise to make a note of 3-5 key points on the company

·    Research – Find out who you will be interviewing with and do some research to see if there is common ground – www.linkedin.com can be a great way to do this.

·    Understand the Interview Format - Interviews can take the form of a one on one, a panel or even an assessment day. Make sure you know which format you are going into so you know what to expect.

·    Question Time – You will have the opportunity to ask some questions in the interview as some point. Questions around training, career progression, company plans and company culture are always well received. They will reassure the employer you are committed for the long term. Try to avoid asking about salary, holidays and sick pay unless prompted to do so. Employers will always provide this information in due course.

·    Social Media – Ensure you have a social media presence that represents you positively. Organisations have been known to check this, so make sure it reflects who you want them to see (In particular - www.facebook.com, www.linkedIn.com, www.instagram.com, www.twitter.com)

·    Go Prepared - It won’t harm you to take along a copy of your CV, References, Industry Certificates and Qualifications

·    Plan Your Journey - Ensure you know exactly where you are going, plan the Journey (and a plan b if you are using public transport) and set off early. (https://maps.google.co.uk)

The Interview:

·    Arrive Early - 5-10 minutes is about the target time you need be at the organisations reception.

·    Dress Code - Find out what the dress code of the business is and try to match this with your interview attire, it is always better to overdress if in doubt.

·    First Impressions Count - Remember you only get to make a good first impression once, so eye contact is key and offer a confident (not too hard!) handshake when you greet the interviewers. Only sit down when invited to do so.

·    Relax – Most employers will want to know you can handle high pressure situations. So take a deep breath, take time to consider your answers, they are only human too!

·    Be Honest – There is no point lying in an interview to get the job, you will be found out at reference stage or shortly after starting.

·    Next Steps - Make sure you know what happens next before you leave so it sets your expectations on feedback etc.

·    Leave a Good Final Impression – As you leave thank them for their time and if the role is of interest, don’t hesitate to let them know that.

Follow Up:

·    If appropriate, it will never harm your chances by following the interview up with an email to thank the interviewer for their time. It also gives you an opportunity to express your interest in the role and in particular where you can add value.

·    You should have asked for the next steps in the interview. So make sure you stick to their timeframes. If they say it will be a week, I know it will be hard but stick to it, they will need people in their business that can listen.

THINGS TO AVOID!!!:

·    Being late.

·    In the interview, don’t put your personal belongings on the desk- It creates a barrier and can look untidy.

·    Even if you have had the trip from hell, don’t mention it, positivity is key early in the interview.

·    Never interrupt the interviewer whilst he/she is talking.

·    Don’t respond in negatives or criticise previous roles and employers.