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Confirm your appointment with
your Consultant. Make sure that you have the correct address and time and that
you know the name of the person you are to meet.
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Be Prompt. This indicates
courtesy and a commitment. Allow for traffic delays and potential
miscalculations of time and location. |
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Dress Professionally. A first
impression is the strongest. You should always dress in a suit for the
interview. Remember the client will expect that you will have on your best suit
for the interview and that once you have joined the firm, then you can dress to
company standards and expectations.
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Know your subject. Do
some basic research on the company. Use the internet and ask around as
others may be able to supply you with information. Having knowledge of the
company shows your interest and enthusiasm.
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Brush up on your work history.
Review as much of your recent and past work experience as you can. This will
help you to recall promptly your work history and not stumble in the interview.
If you are applying for a sales oriented position, then you should have
available for the interviewer actual facts and figures. You are not expected to
divulge confidential information, but be able to discuss actual kpi’s in
comparison to target. If you are a permanent or temporary recruiter, then be
aware of either Sales results or number of hours or temps out etc.
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Let the Interviewer
talk. Be courteous to the interviewers and let them take the lead –
especially early in the meeting. Some interviewers have a set agenda/list
of questions they have to get through. Ask your questions when related
issues are addressed by the interviewer. Most interviewers will ask you if
you have any other questions before ending the interview, so you will get
your turn.
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Stress your
accomplishments. Always remember to market yourself to the best of your
ability. Don’t be shy about your success, but be prepared to have it
verified if necessary! If your results were because of a team effort, then
say so. It also shows that you are able to work, as part of a team and
that may be what the interviewer is looking for.
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Don’t be negative about
your current employer or boss. Understand that not all companies suit all
staff and leave it at that. You could state that the culture of that
organisation didn’t suit you.
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Ask good questions. Be sure to
ask questions relating to business issues and operational procedures in
addition to questions that will address the factors on your wish list.
Interviewers are impressed with candidates who show knowledge and interest
in the position and organization and even about their competitors.
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Use examples. Answer
questions directly and concisely but vary the length of your responses and
answer questions in a variety of styles and approaches. Use examples and
imagery rather than lecturing to expand on points and issues. It is always
best to not go on and on. If the interviewer needs to know more, then they
will continue on with that line of questioning.
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Be yourself. Project yourself
as flexible by showing there is more than one way to handle a given
situation. Avoid controversial subjects such as politics, religion and
other issues that generate strong emotional reactions, but don’t always
agree with the interviewer. If you are pressed for answers on a subject
on which you disagree with the interviewer, be honest but not
argumentative. Walk away from the interview with a balance between
flexibility and independence.
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Bring two clean copies of your
resume along with a complete list of references and contact numbers to the
interview. Make sure that they are relevant, preferably of the person
that you reported to directly. Ensure that you have permission from these
referees allowing the client to contact them.
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Use positive body
language. Remember to smile and use posture that demonstrates confidence
and a positive self-image. Face your interviewer and sit up straight.
Don’t forget a firm handshake! Don’t appear too relaxed in the interview.
Most interviewers expect a few nerves. Never use inappropriate language,
even if the interviewer has a relaxed style.
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The salary question. Be
prepared to discuss your current salary and other related earnings such as
car package or bonus. Prospective hirers want to understand how you are
compensated, and what your expectations may be, in order to ensure your
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Other questions that may be asked include:
- Tell
me about yourself
- What
are your key strengths/weaknesses?
- Why
are you leaving your current employer?
- What
interests you about this job?
- What
are your long-term goals?
- What
do you like most about your current position? Least?
- What
do you feel you can contribute to this organisation?
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Describe a typical day at your office.
- Do
you supervise or manage people? If so, to what extent?
- What
are your technical competencies?
- How
would you describe your abilities as a team player?
- What
is your leadership style? Do you enjoy being a leader?
- How
would you or past employers describe your personality?
- How
do you perform under pressure?
- Give
me an example of when you encountered a problem at work and how you
resolved it.
- What
do you like to do outside work?
- Why
do you want to work for this company?
- What
do you think that you have to offer this company?
- Be
prepared for hypothetical questions where you will be asked to explain
what you would do given a certain situation. These types of questions
address how you respond to situations in a short amount of time. They
also attest to the extent of your business knowledge.
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