Interview tips
The key to a successful interview is research and preparation. Find out about the history, performance and structure of the organisation you are interviewing with. You will almost certainly be asked, “Why do you want to work here, and what do you know about us?” Find out as much as you can about the size of the company, their market, products, how they operate and their culture.
Before you get there
Presentation
First impressions and last impressions are crucial. An interview may last for 30 minutes or more but studies have shown that someone forms judgments about you within four minutes of meeting you and that these judgments affect their subsequent impressions. Research shows that first impressions are made up of the following:
Interview Questions “Tell me about yourself”
Answer: This is a commonly asked question designed to ‘loosen’ you. Try to briefly describe your qualifications, career history and your range of skills without rambling. Emphasise those skills that are relevant to the job on offer.
“What have been your achievements to date?”
Answer: Select an achievement that is recent. Identify skills you used in the achievement and quantify the benefit.
“Are you happy with your career to date?”
Answer: Do not give a negative response, as your interviewer may question why you have not addressed your career concerns sooner. The answer should always be ‘yes’ but if you have hit a career plateau or you feel you are moving too slowly, then you must qualify the answer.
“Tell me the most difficult situation you have had to face and how you tackled it?”
Answer: Select a difficult work situation that was not caused by you. Explain how you defined the problem and what solution you applied to overcome the problem.
“What do you dislike about your current role?”
Answer: A good approach is to focus on aspects that inhibit your growth, such as the role not challenging you or that there seems a lack of opportunity for progression beyond your current role.
“What are your strengths?”
Answer: List just three strengths and provide brief explanations of how they could benefit the employer
“What are you weaknesses?”
Answer: Don’t say you don’t have any, we all have weaknesses. Either use a professional weakness such as a lack of experience (not ability) on your part in one area that is not vital for the job and mention the steps you are taking to combat it. Or, use a weakness that is actually a strength, for example, “I am impatient because I like to have things done quickly”
“Why do you want to leave your current employer?”
Answer: State how you are looking for more of a challenge, responsibility, to experience a change of environment and explain why you feel you are no longer receiving these things from your current role.
Asking Questions
Asking questions will provide evidence of your preparation, some systematic thinking, and orderliness, all of which imply enthusiasm and career motivation. Consider using some of the following questions:
Finally...
When you stand up to leave, look them in the eye, smile, shake hands and thank them for their time.
Following up
A follow up can pay dividends. Once your interview is over, call your Consultant at SLM Search & Selection to provide early feedback. Mention where you felt it went particularly well, as these are strengths that can be developed upon.
A politely drafted email to your interviewer thanking them for their time can work wonders in the decision process. However, always discuss with your Consultant first, as it may not be appropriate in this instance. Under no circumstances telephone the interviewer directly to gain feedback, your Consultant is better trained to discuss details and will always negotiate on your behalf from a neutral perspective.
Best of luck at your interview!
Before you get there
- Never be late for an interview, arrive early!
- Remember to turn your mobile phone off!
Presentation
First impressions and last impressions are crucial. An interview may last for 30 minutes or more but studies have shown that someone forms judgments about you within four minutes of meeting you and that these judgments affect their subsequent impressions. Research shows that first impressions are made up of the following:
- 55% visual impact, i.e. dress, facial expressions and body language
- 38% tone of voice
- 7% from what you actually say
- Wear a smart business suit
- Long sleeve shirts look more professional than short sleeves
- Ensure shoes are clean and polished
- If you carry anything, use a briefcase and not a rucksack
- Remove unnecessary body piercing
Interview Questions “Tell me about yourself”
Answer: This is a commonly asked question designed to ‘loosen’ you. Try to briefly describe your qualifications, career history and your range of skills without rambling. Emphasise those skills that are relevant to the job on offer.
“What have been your achievements to date?”
Answer: Select an achievement that is recent. Identify skills you used in the achievement and quantify the benefit.
“Are you happy with your career to date?”
Answer: Do not give a negative response, as your interviewer may question why you have not addressed your career concerns sooner. The answer should always be ‘yes’ but if you have hit a career plateau or you feel you are moving too slowly, then you must qualify the answer.
“Tell me the most difficult situation you have had to face and how you tackled it?”
Answer: Select a difficult work situation that was not caused by you. Explain how you defined the problem and what solution you applied to overcome the problem.
“What do you dislike about your current role?”
Answer: A good approach is to focus on aspects that inhibit your growth, such as the role not challenging you or that there seems a lack of opportunity for progression beyond your current role.
“What are your strengths?”
Answer: List just three strengths and provide brief explanations of how they could benefit the employer
“What are you weaknesses?”
Answer: Don’t say you don’t have any, we all have weaknesses. Either use a professional weakness such as a lack of experience (not ability) on your part in one area that is not vital for the job and mention the steps you are taking to combat it. Or, use a weakness that is actually a strength, for example, “I am impatient because I like to have things done quickly”
“Why do you want to leave your current employer?”
Answer: State how you are looking for more of a challenge, responsibility, to experience a change of environment and explain why you feel you are no longer receiving these things from your current role.
Asking Questions
Asking questions will provide evidence of your preparation, some systematic thinking, and orderliness, all of which imply enthusiasm and career motivation. Consider using some of the following questions:
- What do you see as the main challenges facing someone in this role?
- What are the priorities, and what would you like to see accomplished in the short/medium term?
- Why has the position become vacant?
- Will goals be clearly defined?
- How does the role fit into the structure of the department?
- How does the department fit into the organisation as a whole?
- How would you describe the company’s culture?
- Are there opportunities to undertake further training?
- Who are your customers?
- What does the future hold for the company?
Finally...
When you stand up to leave, look them in the eye, smile, shake hands and thank them for their time.
Following up
A follow up can pay dividends. Once your interview is over, call your Consultant at SLM Search & Selection to provide early feedback. Mention where you felt it went particularly well, as these are strengths that can be developed upon.
A politely drafted email to your interviewer thanking them for their time can work wonders in the decision process. However, always discuss with your Consultant first, as it may not be appropriate in this instance. Under no circumstances telephone the interviewer directly to gain feedback, your Consultant is better trained to discuss details and will always negotiate on your behalf from a neutral perspective.
Best of luck at your interview!
