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Interview Advice

Candidates
Before the interview:
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  • Find out everything you can about the company from annual reports / brochures / web pages etc.

  • Prepare your own questions about the company and job.

  • Double check that you have the correct day and time.

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On the day:
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  • Take the company name, address and contact details with you, together with a location map. You will need these and may have to call the company if you are delayed.

  • Take a copy of your CV with you.

  • Dress accordingly

  • Aim to arrive 10 minutes earlier than your interview

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When you are greeted:
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  • Greet your Interviewer with a smile and a firm handshake.

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Remind yourself that you are there to:
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  • Convince the interviewer that you are the person for the job

  • Show that you can fit in with the company and the team.

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In the first 5 minutes:
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  • Make a good first impression. The first few minutes of an interview are extremely important.

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More key points:
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  • Look attentive by leaning forward and do not slouch

  • Listen carefully to questions, and acknowledge with a nod and a reply.

  • Don't waffle. Express your answers clearly and concisely.

  • Be prepared to support your answers with facts and figures

  • Maintain eye contact with everyone present

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As you leave:
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  • Thank the Interviewer for their time and leave with a firm handshake.

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Factors that can cost you the job:
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  • Getting to the interview late

  • Being unprepared

  • Poor manners

  • Complaining about previous employers

  • Making excuses

  • Looking scruffy and unclean

  • Lacking enthusiasm and energy

  • Being evasive or vague with your answers

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Questions the Interviewer might ask you

  • What motivates you?

  • What do you dislike doing?

  • What problems did you encounter in your last job?

  • Can you work under pressure?

  • Where do you want to be in the next few years?

  • What do you know about this company?

  • What can the company offer that your previous company cannot?

  • What did your duties entail?

  • What was your greatest success?

  • What has been your biggest failure?

  • How often were you off sick?

  • What was your previous salary?

  • What salary are you looking for now?

  • Why are you leaving your current employment?

  • What skills do you think you need to do the job?

  • Why do you want the job?

  • What can you offer?

  • Why should we employ you?

  • How ambitious are you?

  • Do you prefer to work in a small, medium or large company?

  • Describe your strengths

  • Describe your weaknesses

  • Are you a leader?

  • Do you work well within a team?

  • Are you self-motivated?

  • Can you act on your own initiative?

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Questions you might want to ask the Interviewer

  • What will be my duties?

  • Where will I fit into the overall company structure?

  • What do you expect me to do in the first 3 to 6 months?

  • Where are your company expansion plans?

  • What are the promotion possibilities in this position?

  • Will travelling be required in this position?

  • What training do you provide?

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