Prepare for the Interview
- Find out as much as you can about the company by looking at their website and any other literature provided to you.
- Ask yourself what you like about this company. Find some specific examples of their business practices that strike you as impressive or noteworthy to discuss in the interview.
- Avoid discussing anything too generic or obvious in order to show your interviewers that you have taken a specific interest in their organization.
- Prepare as many questions as you can about the company, the team and the position itself. Avoid questions that can be answered from the Internet, or that are commonly known in the market.
- Consider how to answer any potentially difficult questions, such as reasons for wanting to leave your current company or how to compensate for lack of experience in a particular area. Discuss any such issues with your consultant.
- Check the route, and be sure you understand how to get to the offices and how long it will take you.
On the Day of the Interview
- Bring pen and paper with you, as well as two copies of your resume (one for you and one for your interviewer).
- Dress appropriately, and ensure you are well groomed. Remember that first impressions count.
- Arrive at the reception desk about 5 to 10 minutes early (any earlier would be deemed too eager and any later would be considered impolite).
- Do not smoke, or consume any strong flavored food or beverages, before the interview.
- We highly recommend an Interview Preparation Meeting with your consultant about 30 minutes before the interview to discuss any final concerns or questions.
During the Interview
- Greet your interviewer in the appropriate manner. Smile, stay relaxed, and maintain an air of confidence. But take care not to confuse confidence with arrogance.
- Take care to give the impression of being proactive and – most importantly – motivated, even if you are not yet sure about the position or the company.
- Allow your personality to come through. The interviewers want to see what you are like.
- Ask questions, make sure the process is a two-way dialogue, and take notes. You’ll be surprised how useful the notes will be when you later assess the interview.
- Be clear about the direction you want your career to be heading, but avoid being too vague or too specific.
- Consider your posture - sit straight and maintain eye contact with your interviewers.
- Do not ask your interviewers questions about the salary, benefits program or holiday entitlement in the first interview.
- If you are directly asked about your salary requirements, you can inform your interviewers that you will be happy to allow your consultant to handle the negotiations.
- Do not speak negatively about your current or previous employers.
- At the end of the interview, thank your interviewers for their time, let them know that you are interested in the opportunity, and ask them what the next step will be.
When the Interview is over
- Call your consultant. The client will inevitably want to know your feedback, and it is important that your consultant knows what to say.
- Also remember that an interview is for your benefit just as much as it is for the potential employer. Thorough analysis with your consultant will enable you to make the right decision about how to proceed, and, ultimately, your future career.
- Look back over your notes, and ask yourself what you liked about the company and the position, and also what concerns or further questions you have.
If you want any further information or advice, please don’t hesitate to contact your consultant.