Interview Tips

Your success in an interview will depend on the quality of your preparation. Planning, preparation and research will give you confidence during the whole process.

Review your CV
Before entering the interview, review your CV and ensure that you can expand upon all areas included, particularly tailoring it to the company's requirements.

Before the interview
Research, research, research...
Most companies expect to see that you’ve done some research before the interview. For any interview that we arrange, we will provide you with some company background information on the company size, turnover, structure & culture etc. You should still conduct your own research.

Look on the internet at the company’s site and information sites such as www.ft.com
Read the papers and trade journals for information relevant to the industry
Try contacting the company’s information or public relations department to obtain corporate brochures
Research the people you will be meeting and the company culture

Anticipate interview questions
You can probably anticipate the majority of questions you are likely to be asked. Put yourself in the shoes of the interviewer. Typical questions include:

What qualifications or experience do you have that would make you a success in this company?
What jobs have you enjoyed most? The least? Why?
What have you done that shows initiative?
Why do you want this position?
What is important to you in your job?

It's important to identify any subjects or areas that might create problems for you and make sure you have a response you are happy with. "Have you ever been made redundant?" "What do you think of your current boss?" "Are you ready for a job like this?" Your ability to give brief, focused and reassuring answers to sensitive questions like these will strengthen your prospects of success. Don't be negative about your previous employers.

The successful interview
The key is planning. If you do get nervous (and most of us do) careful planning, preparation and research will give you confidence.

On the day

First impressions count. From the moment you walk through the door, you are being assessed
Punctuality is vital, ten minutes early is good practice – but no more
Presentation – always wear a suit, even if the environment is casual
Use a firm handshake and smile to break the ice
Maintain eye contact – but don’t over do it!
Assume a relaxed posture – but don’t slouch
Use your common sense and initiative to answer technical questions. If you really don’t know the answer say so, or ask for clarification
If you have any misgivings about the role/company during the interview do not show them. It is easy to reject an offer but difficult to retrieve an interview
Avoid answering with a simple yes or no. Support your answer with relevant information from your experience and relate everything you say to the job you are applying for
Keep your answers relevant and to the point
Remember; the interviewer is looking for someone who genuinely wants the job

The interview process
Most first interviews follow a clear structure:

Questions to establish your ability and suitability for the job in question
Information about the role and the company
The opportunity to ask questions
Information on what happens next

Second interviews can take many formats. The meeting may involve a presentation, a case study or simply a discussion with the team or a more senior member of the company.

Asking questions

Ask questions at a reasonably general level, relevant to the role, the company and/or the market. Use open-ended questions, i.e. ones that will illicit a response longer than just yes or no
Ask about long term career progression within the company but be careful to maintain that you are very interested in the current role
Do not discuss salary during the interview. If raised by the interviewer give a salary range to enable negotiation at a later stage. Your Martin Ward Anderson consultant, who is an experienced negotiator, will happily speak on your behalf

Leaving the interview
Don't let your guard down yet. You want the interviewer to remember you positively. It's important to convey that you really are interested in working for the company. Tell the interviewer that you look forward to seeing him/her again, shake his hand and leave.

Feedback
After your interview it is important to contact your Martin Ward Anderson consultant to outline your views of the role and the company. In turn, your consultant will provide you with feedback from the company.