Handling Interviews |
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Interviews are a necessary evil when it comes to job hunting. No matter how well-qualified you are for a job, your personality and personal presentation will still count when your prospective employer sizes you up. But no worries - you can develop the skills required to make the interview an occasion you need not fear, and one which you can approach with confidence.
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Index |
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What interests you most about this job? |
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Informative Answers: |
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Questions to the interviewer |
Conclusion |
Post-interview action |
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Get organised - be prepared |
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Know who it is you're meeting, where and how to get there |
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Take contact details, spare CV, pen and notepad |
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Go in armed with information to impress the interviewer with your research |
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Before you go, read company information, visit competitors' websites and read trade magazines for the latest industry developments |
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Know yourself! Study the job specification again and match it to your CV so that you can provide evidence that you meet the job requirement |
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Wear a smart but comfortable outfit - a good first impression is a must |
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Your first impression |
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When you walk through the front door, remember you're already making an impression on your prospective employers |
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Anyone from the receptionist to the managing director may directly or indirectly influence the final selection of candidates, or even the job winner |
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Inside the interview room, you'll be introduced to the other interviewers if there are any - look at them when greeting them, smile and carefully remember their names so you can address them throughout the interview |
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If the sun's in your eyes, or the chair is wobbly, say something rather than squirm and fail to concentrate on the interview; competent people find solutions and never settle for second best! |
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Questions to you |
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Relax - imagine you're having a conversation with a friend |
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Listen - sometimes, people get so caught up in their feelings they forget to actually listen to the questions; slowing the pace will help you hear the questions and answer them correctly |
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Before you respond to more difficult questions, think about your answer and how you want to express them - this will help you speak more confidently |
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Why not practise talking slowly and evenly before you go - record your answers and listen to your pace and tone |
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Body language demonstrates how comfortable you are with your subject matter - if you're enthusiastic about what you're saying, smile and let your hands do the talking (but don't overdue it) |
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Look at who you are talking to - but don't exclude other interviewers present |
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If you said something you didn't mean, and are worried it could damage your chances, simply rectify it by restating what you really wanted to express - don't hold back; it could be your only chance to get that point across |
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Be factual and honest about strengths and weaknesses - show that you recognise your weaknesses as characteristics you're striving to improve |
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Can you work well under pressure? |
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Use the opportunity to give a comprehensive but brief answer focusing on several examples showing your ability to cope well under pressure. |
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What interests you most about this job? |
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To answer this question properly you need to fully understand the job description. Make sure you ask plenty of questions, then you should be able to respond with some specific explanations that show your enthusiasm. Some good responses include: challenging, exciting, scope for learning and developing, teamwork etc. This question can also be used so that you can gather more information from the interviewer regarding the role and the company's expectations. |
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Why should I hire you? |
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Keep it brief and to the point. Each point should demonstrate your relevant skills and experience which would make you an ideal candidate for the role. A precise answer shows that you understand the role and what you can bring to it. |
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Challenging questions |
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These questions are designed to test qualities, such as leadership, teamwork, ambition, resilience, flexibility, integrity. The interviewer also uses them to get to know you. If you don't have an opinion or answer, then don't give one and always answer honestly. |
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How would your colleagues describe you? |
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Why should I give this job to you? |
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How do you feel about working long hours/weekends? |
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Which part of this role is least attractive to you? |
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Do you prefer to work alone or in a group? Why? |
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What are you looking for in a company? |
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Can you give an example of when you had to delegate authority and/or responsibility? |
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What systems do you use to keep track of things that require your attention? |
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Have you ever had to discipline or correct a friend on the job? How did you handle it? |
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Some Informative Answers |
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Where do you see yourself in five years time?
Your answer will depend on the nature of the role and your career ambitions. Be careful not to sound too ambitious, the interviewer may be your future boss. The safest option is to express your desire to grow with the company. |
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Why do you want to leave your current job?
Avoid stating any personal reasons, such as ‘I didn't fit in with the company environment'. Instead consider using one or more of the following reasons such as looking for a more challenging role, location, career advancement and job security. |
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What did you like or dislike about your last job?
Hiring someone who easily fits into the existing team is very important to the interviewer so avoid criticising former colleagues. Mention things that would impress them, such as ‘My former boss underestimated the importance of attention to detail'. |
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How long would you stay at this company?
If your CV reveals a tendency for you to move around, you could emphasise your desire to settle down with the right company, and that you feel this is it. Alternatively why not turn the question back them and ask "Will this company be able to offer me a long term future?" |
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Why have you changed jobs so frequently?
Emphasise that the variety of jobs has been good experience and that you are now more mature and settled. Questions like this can be turned around to portray a positive image, but be careful not to dwell too much on the subject or over justify yourself. |
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How long have you been looking for another job?
If you are currently unemployed and have been looking for some time, try to minimise your gap in employment by mentioning other activities in which you may have been involved, such as studying or charity work. If you work in a specialist area and want to continue in this field, point this out. |
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How do you handle criticism of your work?
Try to portray an attitude that all criticism has a benefit, and provides a chance for improvement. Give an example of a poor idea that was criticised, rather than sub-standard work, which you had produced. |
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Do you prefer to work alone or as part of a team?
Team players are usually favoured, but it is best to show that you function |
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Questions to the Interviewer |
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This is a chance to show your enthusiasm and interest! It's crucial to have several questions prepared in advance - these could include: |
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What are the other people in the department like? |
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How would their roles impact on mine? |
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What training or induction is given? |
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What would be my core responsibilities? |
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What sort of one-off projects might I be given? |
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What interaction would I have with other departments of the company, or with clients or suppliers? |
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What scope is there for taking on extra work or being involved in any other aspects of the company? |
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What plans do you have for expansion - how would these impact on my role? |
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Where are the opportunities to progress within the company? |
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Conclusion |
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There may be an explanation of how the process will continue - if not, then ask; also try to find out when you should hear back - but don't push - some recruiters will not want to commit themselves to timescales until they have had time to consider all the candidates |
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Make sure the appropriate people know where you can be reached |
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Finally, thank your interviewer for his or her time, shake hands |
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Remember to say a personal goodbye to each person you talked with |
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Don't forget to acknowledge the receptionist as you leave, particularly if you have been looked after while waiting, such has having been given tea or coffee or if your coat and bag or briefcase have been taken care of
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Post-interview Action |
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Give your recruitment consultant a ring and let him or her know how it went |
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Your consultant is employed by the company to liaise with you, and can also handle any queries or objections raised, or persuade the employer to wait while you supply more information
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Some interviewers may give you their direct line in case you have any further queries - take advantage of this if necessary but don't overdo it; allow a reasonable amount of time - a week is ideal
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It's occasionally a good idea to write a letter confirming your interest and thanking the company for its consideration. A timely but subtle reminder like this could pay dividends! |
