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USEFUL TIPS AND EXPERT HELP

Below you will find some key guidance points to consider when preparing for an interview. It is by no means the complete list but it will be a good starting point at the very least!

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Should you want to consider engaging expertise to compliment your job search, feel free to reach out and we can create the most appropriate package for you. This could include the likes of guidance with your approach to finding a new role, detailed feedback on your CV, practise interview sessions, help with job offer negotiations and any other aspects of your career which you might want assistance with. This is also suitable for those moving or relocating to London for work purposes.

 

Changing jobs is one of the most important decisions in your life so it makes sense to invest in putting yourself in the best position possible!

KEY INTERVIEW ADVICE

You've submitted your CV or made your application, made it through the initial screening process and now you have been invited for an interview. Given the current market conditions, it will be important you demonstrate during the process that you're the best candidate for the position! Being fully prepared and showing you have done an impressive level of research are two of the key factors in being successful at interview.

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If you have not received an interview confirmation by email with the relevant details from your recruiter then follow up with them. Ask for details of the interview structure, i.e. who will be interviewing you, for how long, and perhaps how many other candidates are in the mix?

 

​It will be vital to have an in-depth knowledge of the company so conducting research prior to your interview will be imperative. There is a lot of information on company websites which will prove useful but it will be important to search for articles, PR's etc. to show you have gone that extra mile - DIFFERENTIATE YOURSELF!

DURING THE INTERVIEW

  • Speak fluently and confident about describing yourself, highlighting what you can offer the company and backing up your statements up with "real life" examples.

  • Know your CV thoroughly and be prepared to elaborate on your skills and experience, make sure you have all your facts and figures clearly at hand.

  • Be enthusiastic about your career and what you have achieved but avoid unnecessary detail until prompted.

  • Always use positive language to describe your past career history and never criticise former employers, bosses or colleagues - you may be considered as disloyal with such comments.

  • Never interrupt - even where the answer is obvious, wait for the interviewer to finish before you reply. 

  • Having good body language is critical, for example, have a firm handshake and keep good eye contact throughout the interview

  • Listen actively - there is always something more to learn about the organisation.

  • Prepare several questions to ask at the end of the interview, make a note of these if you feel you might forget them.

​When practising interview questions and answers, try and think of examples you could use to describe how you have dealt with different situations. Here are some examples of interview questions:

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"Tell me a little about yourself"

The best approach to answering this broad open-ended question is to focus on aspects of your background that make you qualified for the position. From there you can talk about your interest in this particular job and company.

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"Tell me about your last job"

Most interviewers are looking for a link between your last position and the role that is on offer. This is your opportunity to highlight the skills you have gained from your previous role which you can potentially transfer to the role on offer.

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"What are your weaknesses?"

This one can be tricky as it's difficult admitting your downfalls to those you don't know! Think about weaknesses where you can circle it back to being a positive or that you can at least show an ability to adapt and improve.

Additional questions to consider include:

  • What do you know about our company?

  • Why do you think you might like to work for our company?

  • Why did you choose to work in this industry?

  • Why should we employ you rather than an alternative candidate?

  • Why do you wish to leave your current job?

  • What do you think determines a persons progress in a successful company?

  • Which jobs have you enjoyed the most? Why?

  • Which jobs have you enjoyed the least? Why?

  • Describe a difficult situation, how you handled it and what you learned from this experience.

  • Why did you leave your previous jobs?

  • How would you describe yourself?

  • Give examples of your major achievements to date.

  • Have you experienced failure?

  • How do you get the best out of people?

  • How would you describe your management style?

  • How do you motivate yourself?

  • How do you manage your time?

  • How do you react to pressure?

  • Do you prefer working alone or as part of a team?

  • To what sort of people do you most easily relate/

  • Have you ever found it difficult working with a specific colleague?

  • Where do you see yourself in five years time?

  • What would your current boss say about you?

  • What contributions have you made in your previous jobs to justify your current salary?

  • What are your strengths?

  • Do you enjoy having to make decisions?

  • What level of salary are you expecting? (It's best to answer this with a range)

  • How do you spend your spare time?

  • What are your hobbies?

  • What was the last book you read?

Questions provide your final opportunity to sell yourself to the interviewer(s). You should use this opportunity to find out a little bit more about the organisational structure, your prospective future role within it, the challenges within the job and the career potential if you prove yourself over time.

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This is also your last opportunity to demonstrate your interest in the opportunity; through asking intelligent questions about the position and the company's culture and people, you can make yourself stand out amongst the competition. 

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WHAT QUESTIONS TO ASK

NEED SOME EXPERT HELP?

Want to give yourself the best chance of success? If you would like to avail of interview practise and/or assistance on your career journey, drop us a note to find out how we can help you. Bundles of 5 or 10 hours of private 1-to-1 hour consultation slots are available.

 

We are confident we can increase your chances of success by at least 25%!

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