Ab Initio
13
How to have a successful interview?
Before the interview:
Dress code - First impressions count so dress smartly and to impress. Remember gents – top button done up and shoes shined. Ladies, go easy on the make-up, perfume and jewellery.
Plan your journey time - Check train/tube/bus times, parking facilities, length of journey and allow time for delays. Aim to arrive at reception 10 minutes before the interview time. First impressions count - the moment you walk through the door, make a conscious effort to smile, be polite and warm as you introduce yourself at reception.
What to take -
- CV and spare copies for your interviewers, - prepared questions,
- proof of identification, - copies of qualifications, training and memberships,
- professional references.
- The employer may require additional items so make sure you check the interview instructions
If you have no references to take, make sure you line-up two referees as these will be required prior to you starting employment. Make a note of your interviewers’ names, so you can refer to them during the interview - it is much more personable to refer to them by name as you engage in conversation … and embarrassing if you forget.
Re-read your CV and the job description - Familiarise yourself with what you have written. Don’t get caught out with questions about details that you cannot remember. Prepare in advance examples of when you have demonstrated the skills that are outlined in the job description.
Research - Ask yourself “What do I know already about the organisation?” Gain an overview with easily obtainable information: e.g. company structure, key people, core business, locations, company values, interesting news articles etc. It is very common for interviewers to ask you a generic question about ‘hot topics’ in the industry. Researching relevant trade press and articles will help you build credibility and demonstrate your interest in working in the sector. Invest time here and it will pay off.
Based on the job description and your CV, prepare varied examples that demonstrate your competencies and skills. For example, if the job description states that effective communication is essential, think of an example you can use during the interview which showcases your effective communication skills. Also, remember to demonstrate your communication skills through your behaviour during the interview. Don’t claim to be a good communicator then sit in the interview chair not making eye contact and mumbling. Keep your examples varied to show how interesting you are. Examples may be from previous professional experience, your university studies, hobbies, volunteering etc.
During the interview:
Questions - Good questions show understanding, help to clarify and can “pass the ball” over to the interviewer. They also show you are professional, prepared and credible. The interview should be a two-way forum. Ensure you ask questions to help you decide whether this is the right opportunity for you – for example, strategic goals, the culture and development opportunities.
Money: do not discuss salary, unless the interviewer does. The interview should be about your skills, motivation and suitability for the role. The financials can be discussed afterwards.
Be open and honest, if you try and exaggerate or make-up experiences you will easily get caught out.
Answer all questions honestly but in the best, most positive light. For example, explain how you overcame a problem or difficulty rather than just what the problem actually was. Too many people are over-critical of their current / previous employer(s) or peers which set alarm bells ringing in the interviewer’s mind. Do not bad mouth old employers.
Body language: Good eye contact, a firm handshake and a nice smile will send out a positive and open approach. If you have more than one interviewer, ensure you engage and deliver your questions, answers and gestures to all.
It is crucial to communicate enthusiastically that you really want the job. For example, “…I can tell you now that based on what I’ve heard today I could see myself working for you…”. Reinforce this by offering a possible start date.
Closing the interview - Close the interview with the following question: “If I am successful, what will the next stage in the process be and when am I likely to receive feedback?”
Phone interviews - Ensure that you find somewhere private and quiet to do the interview. Ideally, use a landline, but if you can’t, make sure you have enough battery on your mobile phone and are in a high-signal area - you don’t want your phone to cut out mid-interview.
Think about how you will build rapport with the interviewer over the telephone. Try to vary your tone of voice to keep the interviewer engaged, speak slowly and clearly to ensure effective communication. Demonstrating active listening with positive sounds e.g “ah-ha,” “yes, ” “I see” etc. Smiling as you speak will help with positive delivery.
After the interview - Don’t assume the interview is over just because you have left the building e.g. don’t light up a cigarette or take off your tie as soon as you get out of the door. Follow up with a thank you email to everyone you met at the interview.
Write-up a short interview review - what went well, what questions you struggled with etc – this will help your preparation for future interviews. You may land the first job you get, or it may take a few attempts to find the right role for you. Resilience, positivity and persistence during your job search process are crucial. If at first you don’t succeed, try, try and try again!