Interview Preparation

Sadly it is a fact of life that having the right range of skills is not sufficient in itself to ensure success at interview.  Securing a job offer demands a broader range of skills, which can cause anxiety to the unprepared.  These skills however are based on simple concepts which, once mastered, can hep you successfully manage the rest of your career.

The phrase "ring for an informal discussion" often appears in job advertisements.  Think and plan before dialling.  Give a good account of yourself, if you appear indecisive, disorganised or not positive, the employer may recall or record the conversation, which could influence any further meeting.

Thorough preparation before you attend an interview is vital to your success.  Where Concept Staffing have arranged an interview for you, your recruitment consultant will provide you with information of the role and background on the organisation.

The information detailed below will also prove invaluable:-

Research the company

Use the internet, libraries or publications - Who owns the organisation? Current turnover and profitability?  Where does the organisation stand in the marketplace in relation to its competitors?  Future plans for the organisation?

From the information you collect, you will begin to form questions that can be put to the interviewer.  Write these questions down as they occur to you because it is vital that you have a good selection of predetermined questions from which to select, as you will later see, this really holds the key to perceiving what the interviewer is looking for,

PRESENTATION - First Impressions, because you never get a second chance!

Your CV has paved the way and will hopefully inspire the interviewer to meet you in person.  It would be damaging if the impressive CV is not matched by your own presentation.

The first point to remember is to arrive in plenty of time - ideally 10 minutes before your interview and be sure you know how to get there.  This may be stating the obvious, but the number of people who have a casual attitude to timekeeping is remarkable.  Surprisingly, this is not often stared by interviewers - who look for punctuality.  If disaster strikes, always telephone ahead.

It is also worth bearing in mind that many employers do check with reception staff about your conduct on arrival.  Make sure you know the exact name and title of who you are meeting.

Always attend the interview dressed smartly and be well groomed.  Suits for both men and women are the best bet, if you have doubts, play safe and choose the conservative option.

Other points to remember include:-

• Smiling!  Particularly when you greet the interviewer because this is the best and most human icebreaker.
• Shake hands firmly, but not vigorously.
• Do accept tea or coffee if you would like some - this is a good way of relaxing the atmosphere.
• If you asked to complete an application form don't appear irritated.  Avoid striking through areas that you feel are covered on your CV - list a brief outline instead.
• Be aware of your body language - maintaining good eye contact, nodding and not fidgeting are positive signals to the interviewer.

TECHNIQUES ON THE DAY - Preparation and Communication

Some interviews will be relaxed, some more structures and sophisticated, but the same ground rules apply.

Perception is about instinctively recognising the expectations of others.  Body language, raising eyebrows or crossed arms for example, act as alarm bells that tell us the interviewer remains unconvinced.  Perceiving what the interviewer is looking for and communicating back the right messages.

The way you communicate during the interview will make or break your chances of success.  Too many candidates leave the interview annoyed that they didn't get their points across effectively.  This may be for a whole variety of reasons.  Perhaps the interviewer was too verbose, not allowing you enough time to response.  Perhaps you mind simply went blank.  Maybe you drifted off the point not knowing when to stop.  It is easier than you think to overcome such situations.  Over the next section, we will show you how, by judgment rather than luck, you can find success.

Listen carefully to all the questions, responding clearly and concisely.  Always remember the role to which you are applying and answer accordingly.  Never talk over or interrupt the interviewer and don't speak negatively of companies or colleagues.

RESPONDING TO QUESTIONS - Inspiring confidence

Many questions can be anticipated in advance and it is wise to have some well constructed answers that you can tailor more closely on the day.  It is advisable to at least have a number of key phrases available to use.

Some interviewers use very broad questioning techniques such as "Tell me about yourself?"  This can present the most difficult challenge of the interview.  You need to perceive whether the interviewer wants an exhaustive resume of your career to date, or just a brief overview.  You may need to throw a question back before you make an assumption.  If you feel you need to go into more depth, don't hesitate to stop and ask if the interviewer would like you to expand on the point.

Some frequently asked questions include:-

• Why are you seeking new employment?
• Describe your strengths and weaknesses?
• What attracted you to this organisation?
• What do you know about our organisation?
• What is your understanding of this role?
• Why would you be successful in this role?
• What are your future plans?  Where do you see yourself in 5 years time?

ASKING QUESTIONS - An opportunity to impress

It is often necessary and expected that you will ask questions yourself.  This should not be difficult if you have spent time preparing.  The key is to use open-ended questions and chose the way you deliver your questions and how you react to the responses are critical success factors at the interview.  However, be careful not to ‘interview the interviewer'. 

Consider asking the following questions, if not covered previously during the interview:-

• Why has this vacancy arisen?
• Can you describe a typical day in this role?
• How will my performance be assessed?
• What job related training programmes are available?
• What are the longer term opportunities for promotion?
• What is the next stage of the interviewing process?
• When will you be making your final decision?

HANDLING PANEL INTERVIEWS

Often for senior posts, such panel interviews form part of a more formal assessment period.  Finding out in advance who the panel interviewers will be and their respective positions will assist your preparation.  Formulate likely questions and rehearse your reply.

During the panel interview maintain eye contact with the person asking the question, but involve others.  Use the job specification and other information you have compiled in advance to best effect.  If possible, respond to the interviewers by name and made any example or anecdotes in your replies relevant to specific panellists.  Your interest in them should ensure that you're remembered at their debriefing session.

TESTING TECHNIQUES - Avoid intimidation

Try not to panic if a test is sprung upon you.  A natural, instinctive approach is the best method for success.

Psychometric Tests - There are two broad types of psychometric tests:-

• Personality Profiles: Your view of yourself.  Your answers build an overall picture and most people are happy that is does reflect ‘them'.  Don't agonise over each question - they are not individually examined.
• Aptitude Tests: Typically these cover verbal, numerical and spatial reasoning or abstract skills.  They are strictly times and have right / wrong answers.  Many people don't finish all the questions - if you're out of practice from quick-thinking exam scenarios, it may help to practice.  ‘Test you IQ' books will help build up your confidence.

Group and Team Problem Solving - As a participant, the first key point is to ensure you fully understand the objectives and write them down.  Maintain eye contact will all group members; note their names, taken an active part and contribute early.

It is now always the person in the chair that wins the job, but it is a good idea to volunteer if a spokesperson has to be nominated.  In taking up an anchor position, constantly invite your colleagues to contribute, continually relating back to the objectives.  This ‘gatekeeper' approach ensures people are continually brought into the arena by you opening gates for them.

Bring solutions to the table and invite feedback.  Don't be overawed by observers.  As with videos, they can be off-putting for the first few minutes but you rapidly become oblivious to outsiders or the camera.

CLOSING THE INTERIVEW - But not your chances!

If you feel that the role is right for you ‘Ask for the Job!'

If you are asked about your continued interest in the position, answer in the affirmative, because the interviewer is attempting to perceive your thoughts.  Decisions are always better made when you can stand back from the situation.  Should you be offered the position there and then, show your pleasure and tactfully try to get some time to think it over.

There is no harm in establishing what the next step will be.  If the position is likely to go to a second or third interview, it is well worth spending 15 minutes the same day writing down the key points that came out of the first or second interview.  There may be a delay before you return to the organisation, during which time you may well forget some useful points that you can build on next time.

Remember, even if you have your doubts, some organisations may reconsider their original plans or create an alternative post based on your skills.  So, if invited for a second interview, positively consider attending to explore such possibilities.

Always remember to thank the interviewer for their time.

Not This Time? Success after failure

If your interview does not result in a job offer, one of the most positive things you can do is attempt to identify why - So if possible, ask for feedback or alternatively rely on your own perceptions of the interview.  However, don't dwell on the failure but turn it around and put it down as a valuable learning experience.