Top Tips for Interviews

When you are invited to attend an interview it means that the employer believes you may be a good match for the job opening, and he or she wants to understand more about you and your experience to date.  The interview is used to determine whether you are suitable and qualified for the position.  It also provides you with the opportunity to find out more about the organisation and to see if both it and the job matches what you are looking for.

Your CV has given the employer a taste of your skills and experiences and they will want to explore this in more depth, so you must ensure that you can talk confidently about what is written on your CV.  Try to focus on skills that are relevant and valuable to the position you are interviewing for.

• Get organised, be prepared!  Make sure you check the date, time, location, travelling time and the name of the person whom you are going to meet
• Research detailed background information on the position, the company, its ownership, products, competitors, industry and market information
• Do think about the position and the responsibilities it will entail as well as how you would plan to achieve required results
• Plan your journey carefully so that you know where you are going and arrive a few minutes early
• First impressions are key, wear something smart and professional, but also comfortable.  Be aware of your body language, smile and give a firm handshake on meeting, maintain regular eye contact throughout and sit upright!
• Remember communication is about being a good listener, as well as talker
• Listen to the questions, remember to be positive, factual and concise in your answers.  Where relevant, provide evidence to back up your main points, give specific examples which relate to your skills, background and accomplishments.  Try to avoid "yes" or "no" answers
• Always be honest about your strengths and weaknesses and answer questions truthfully
• Do not make derogatory comments about your current or former employers
• Interviews are a two way meeting so don’t be afraid to ask open questions throughout, you don’t have to wait until the end – this will confirm your interest and enthusiasm, creating a better rapport with your interviewer
• If you’re impressed with what you’ve seen and heard about the company and those you have met, be sure to say so, explain why and exactly what you could contribute to the company and role in question
• Don't enquire about salary, holiday entitlement or bonuses at the initial interview stage unless you are positive that the interviewer is interested in hiring you
• If you are not clear what happens next, ask what the next stage will be and re-affirm your interest
• Never close the door on an opportunity.  It is always better to be in a position of choice when deciding on your next career move

Your Ultimate consultant will also ensure that you receive all the necessary interview preparation to give you the best chance of being successful.  All our consultants have relevant, in-depth sector experience and are happy to help with any queries you may have.

Click here for Sample Interview Questions and Answers

Click here for Sample Questions to ask at Interview