Interview Tips

Our Top Interview Preparation Tips

1. Dress in a manner which the interviewer would feel was appropriate for this role in the company.
2. Take a copy of your CV with you to every interview. They are often mislaid and it is embarrassing if you are asked for a copy and cannot produce one.
3. Assume that at best your CV has been skimmed for the most basic details, and be prepared to give details about yourself which are prominently displayed on the CV.
4. Before the interview think back to previous interviews and the questions that came up then.

   What were your key achievements?
   What are your strengths and weaknesses?
   Why do you wish to leave, or have you left your present employer?
   What are your career aspirations?
   Why are you interested in this position?
   What do you know about this company & why do you want to join?
   

5. Beware of thinking, “I’m wonderful. Ask me any question, because I will have the answer”. If it is worth having the interview, it is worth 15 minutes preparation time before you attend to think about the likely questions and have mentally prepared some answers. If you do not, you will think of the ‘best’ answer to a question when you are halfway home in the car afterwards. It is then too late!
6. Beware the opening question; “tell me a bit about yourself”. This is a not a question, but merely an icebreaker. Give a brief career synopsis, but take no more than a couple of minutes. If any question takes longer than that to answer, you have probably started rambling. Never attempt to answer a question that you do not understand. Ask for clarification & always be specific in your answers.
7. As early in the interview as possible you should endeavour to ascertain their view on the particular role that you are being interviewed for. A question such as “what sort of person do you feel will best fill this role”, will allow you to give much more appropriate and relevant answers from then on. Use this question to build rapport and to move the discussion from an interview to a business meeting.
8. Be enthusiastic, sit on the edge of your chair if necessary. Never ever give the impression of being laid back or lacking dynamism.
9. As the interview is brought to a close you will have an opportunity for questions. This is your chance to get some feedback & ask about timescales. When asking a question, remember; at the first interview, ask strategic questions, at the second tactical questions & the final one, detailed questions.
10. Even if you are happy in your present job, make the very best impression you can at the interview and ‘get in the driving seat’. This role may not be right, but there may be a much better job coming up at the Company in the future, which could be the perfect promotion for you. You never know!

Typical Interview Questions >>