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Interview Tips

The interview is the most important part of the recruitment process, determining your suitability for a role but also giving you the chance to establish if the role and organization are also right for you.

Whilst no two interviews are the same and the fact that there a many different styles of interview (e.g. Competency based, Technical, Panel, Informal) there are a number of key points that apply to any interview. Properly focusing upon these will massively increase your chances of success.

How many opportunities do you think have been missed or careers impeded by bad interview techniques or preparation?

Do you think that you can improve your own performance at interviews?

*** Most decision-makers know within the first thirty seconds of meeting you whether they want to hire you or not. This means that the way you present and introduce yourself is absolutely crucial in getting the job***


Preparing for the Interview

  1. Know exactly where you're going and the time of the interview as well as the interviewer's full name.
  2. Find out specific facts about the company. The company website is usually the most helpful. Take your time in getting to know the company (i.e. structure, products, and history).
  3. Prepare 3-4 questions to ask at the end of the interview. This will demonstrate your interest in and knowledge of the company. Questions to ask could include:
    • a detailed description of the position
    • culture of the company
    • company growth plan
    • most successful products or services
    • the type of people that have done well
  4. Practice answering questions the night before with a friend to gain confidence.
  5. Dress conservatively wearing a suit and pay attention to all aspects of your dress and grooming. Tip: Arrive early and head to the bathroom to gain your composure and double-check your appearance.


Questions the Company May Ask You Include

  1. Why do you want to work for this company?
  2. Why do you want this particular role?
  3. Where do you see your career going within the next 3-5 years?
  4. What was your last salary?
  5. What do you know about our company?
  6. What accomplishments are you most proud of?
  7. What are your strengths? What are your weaknesses?
  8. How do you work within a team environment?
  9. Give me an example of when you showed initiative in your job?
  10. Tell me about a time you didn't agree with a teammate or colleague. How did you handle it?
  11. Why are you leaving your current position?
  12. Why should we hire you?


The Interview

  1. Plan on arriving at least 10-15 minutes early. Give yourself lots of time to get to the location especially if taking public transportation.
  2. Great the interviewer by his/her surname. Smile!
  3. Shake hands firmly and look them in the eyes upon introduction. Tip: This is probably THE most important thing you can do so practice in the mirror or with a friend the night before.
  4. Wait until being offered a chair before sitting down. Sit upright and look interested. Smile!
  5. Answer questions by explaining when possible. Don't simply answer 'yes' or 'no'. Be factual and sincere without 'over answering' questions. Smile!
  6. Never lie.
  7. Stay positive during the interview. Don't talk negatively about present or former employers or companies.
  8. Thank the interviewer for his/her time and consideration of you. Smile!


Finally, make sure to contact your consultant after the interview to let him/her know how it went.