So you have been offered an interview - what now?

Preparation:

• RESEARCH - make sure you research the company before you go for your interview. This is one of the most important things you can do. Why? Firstly it will help you understand what the company does and if its right for you, and secondly in almost every interview you will be asked "So what do you know about us as a company?" This is your time to impress them with your knowledge and show them you are interested in them. No research will mean not interested in the job = no job offer!
• READ JOB SPEC - we will always send you a job spec with your interview details. Read this and make sure you know what the responsibilities are duties are of the role. This will help you answer some of your interview questions as you will be able to relate your answers to certain aspects of the role. e.g. "In my current role I liaise with external clients on a daily basis, as I can see by the job spec this would also be a function in this role" etc.. If you don't understand something on the job spec call us - we will explain it for you!
• KNOW YOUR CV - make sure that you know your CV inside out. Some people write their CV's and never look at them again. You must know all the roles you have mentioned on your CV and all the duties you did. You should imagine the interviewer has not seen your CV and you have to explain you job in detail to them.
• PLAN YOUR ANSWERS - make sure you have an idea of your answers to possibly asked questions, such as 'strengths and weaknesses', 'challenging situations', 'likes and dislikes in team environment'. 'why should we employ you'. We will always send interview tips with your interview details which gives you an idea of possible questions which may be asked.
• PLAN YOUR QUESTIONS - it is always good to ask your interviewer some questions as it shows your interest and may help you determine if it's the role for you. We have examples of some questions you may wish to ask in our details we send out once you get an interview.

On the day:

• PLAN YOUR ROUTE - know where you are going. We always send maps and postcodes of where your interview will be held, but make sure that you do your own research to know where to go. Ideally it would be best to do a 'dry run' before your interview.
• PLAN YOUR TIME - make sure you leave in plenty of time for your interview. Take into consideration traffic jams, rush hour etc. Being in the reception area 10 minutes before shows you are keen. Its better to the early than late - being late will not be the best first impression.
• PLAN WHAT YOU WEAR - make sure you are dressed suitably for the occasion. You can never go too smart for an interview. We always recommend going "Suited and Booted". It would not be acceptable to go to any interview dressed casually.
• TURN YOUR PHONE OFF - what more can we say - mobiles ringing or vibrating during an interview are a big no-no!

During the Interview:

• WHO ARE YOU - make sure you introduce yourself to the interviewer as soon as possible. Shake hands, and make it as firm as possible and make eye contact whist you are doing it.
• NAMES - make a point of trying to remember your interviewers name, use it when talking to them and mention it when you depart from your interview.
• TO THE POINT - always try and answer their questions, try not to wander off the subject.
• DON'T BE AFRAID - if you are unsure what they are asking for, or unsure what they mean in a question ask them to rephrase it. This is not a bad reflection on you - if anything it will help rather than you answering a question which turns out to be the wrong answer.
• EXPLAIN - tell them why you think your experience will benefit them as a company and the job you are being interviewed for. This is where you preparation will come into play.
• POSITIVE - be positive at all times, avoid any negative comments about yourself and especially about current/past employers/colleagues. This is not something the interviewer will want to hear - even if it is true you had bad experiences!
• QUESTIONS - make sure you ask your questions you have already prepared. There is normally an opportunity at the end of the interview where they will ask if you have any questions. If they have answered them already during the interview let them know that - tell them you were going to ask about...., but they had already covered it and thank them. If they have answered your questions don't just say you have nothing further, let them know that you had prepared some, but they did a good job of giving you the information during the interview!
• MOST IMPORTANTLY - Smile, be confident, enthusiastic, be honest (do not exaggerate job roles or your abilities, but do not undersell yourself either), be yourself!
• LASTLY - if you are interested in the role and company LET THEM KNOW! Don't be afraid to tell them when you leave that you are excited about the possibility of working with them and this is exactly what you are looking for. Let them know you are keen if you are - it's that simple!

Reasons why candidates are most often rejected for the job:

• Do not show enthusiasm about the role or company.
• Do not understand the job fully or research the company.
• Do not give examples of their experiences - often just saying they can do it without backing it up with evidence.
• Not consistent with their answers.
• Were too nervous - we know this is hard but you need to try and appear not to be too nervous.
• Do not put any effort into their appearance for the interview - being too casually dressed.