Interview preparation
The interview
A good recruitment consultant will talk through the anticipated areas that will be covered during the interview. An interview gives you the opportunity to provide evidence of your individual achievements, so state clearly what you personally have done. If you were part of a team, explain your specific role and highlight any achievements that you did alone.
Following your interview, ask your consultant for feedback - what was the interviewer’s first impression, what did you do well/less well? Even if you don’t get the job, every interview is a learning experience, and a great way to develop your skills as an interviewee.
Preparation
Find out as much as possible about the company through its website. In addition to corporate history, annual accounts and press releases, many organisations have downloadable reports and reviews. If this kind of information is available on your prospective employer’s website, you may seriously compromise the impression you make if you don’t use it.
If the company that is interviewing you doesn’t have a press centre on its website, it’s simple enough to search for relevant articles yourself. All national newspapers and most trade publications are available online, with archives that reach back over years. Just enter the company's name in a web search engine. Review your CV and make sure you highlight all your relevant experience areas.
Punctuality
Be punctual, so allow plenty of time. If you can, do a ‘dummy-run’ so you know the route exactly and you know where to park. Take change for the car park - small issues like this can cause you to arrive feeling stressed.
Make sure you have the company or your recruitment consultant's number to hand, so that if you do find yourself unavoidably delayed, you can notify the company or your consultant, giving the reason and your estimated time of arrival.
Presentation
You never get a second chance to make a first impression. Consider this interview as a potential investment in your future and make sure that you are at your smartest and most professional.
For men it is straightforward - a wellpressed business suit will usually fit the bill. For women, it can be more complex but any image consultant will tell you, whatever you do - wear a jacket as this always looks more business like. For men and women, keep your outfit simple and professional, you want them to notice you, not what you are wearing.
Don'ts
Women
- If you have long hair make sure it looks neat and under control, avoid fiddling with it during the interview.
- Go easy on the make-up, although conversely no make up is perceived as too casual.
- Be careful that your perfume doesn’t announce your presence…or linger long after you have left.
Men
- Joke ties with cartoon characters or worse, slogans are a no-no. Few things are more distracting to an interviewer than a loud tie.
- Also, be careful that your aftershave doesn’t overpower your interviewer, and if the interview is late in the day, check you don’t have a ‘5 o’clock shadow’!
