Interview Advice
Effective presentation is fundamental to a successful interview. Finding out about the company and its activities not only helps you to present a good impression at interview, it also helps you decide whether you want to work for that organisation.
Follow the pointers on this page to give yourself the best possible chance at your interview.
Prepare properly for the interview
One of Recruitment Zone's Consultants will contact you prior to attending the interview to ensure that you are fully aware of the arrangements. If a consultant hasn't contacted you then please ensure that you contact the office prior to attending the interview.
Obtain a detailed specification of the position that you are being interviewed for.
Profile the company through their website, internet, trade journals and company literature and familiarise yourself with the client's products and services. Remember you are being interviewed because you 'want to work for them' not because 'you just want a job'!
Present the right image
Good personal presentation is the absolute key to success. The phrase “First impressions count” is never so true as in an interview situation. It has been said that many interviewers will form an impression of you within the first 30 seconds. Unless our consultant tells you otherwise then dress code is formal (shirt and tie etc).
Remember the following important points about body language:
Strong handshake – conveys confidence
Smile – shows you are relaxed
Avoid fiddling with pens, jewellery etc
Good eye contact – conveys honesty as well as confidence
General Points
Make sure that you leave enough time to get parked (if driving) and make sure that you know exactly how to get to the client site.
Take the Recruitment Zone phone number with you so that you can call them to notify the client if you are likely to be delayed.
Even if you are unsure about taking the position that you are being interviewed for always go to the interview in a positive frame of mind and try and get to the offer stage. You want to get an offer because then you will have a choice. Stay Positive and try and get an Offer!
Do not get involved in salary negotiation at the interview. Always convey an easy going and open minded approach. Remember the most important aspect is the job content and not the salary. Recruitment Zone have strong client relationships and it is our job to negotiate the package on your behalf.
Remember many of the large employers keep interview records on file for several years so be very careful about turning up, particularly at large client's sites, with a 'half hearted' attitude. There are many candidates out there who have made this mistake in the past and it can take a long time and a great deal of persuasion to get you back in.
Don't be over-confident about your market value. A great deal of damage can be done to a candidate's reputation by over-valuing their worth. It is far better to be cool, calm and composed at an interview.
Closing the Interview
The final and most important part of the interview is the closing of it. This is your chance to prove how keen you are to get the job and get some instant feedback.
Remember, no matter what skills you have, a prospective employer cannot buy keenness and it will always give you that extra edge.
Good closing questions to be said at the end are;
- Have you any reservations about me?
- Do you think I will fit in with the team?
- When can I start? (said with a smile!)
- When will I know the outcome?
The first two are good because they will give you the chance to iron out any misconceptions or objections they may have and therefore give you a second chance. |
