Interview Tips

OK, your CV did its job, now it is up to you. Your performance in the interview will
hopefully secure you the role you want!

Many of the following principles may seem like common sense, but you would be
surprised by the number of basic mistakes people make in interviews. T 020 7287 2550

Preparing for the interview

Preparation is essential for a polished, confident performance.

Always: -

Clarify the interview details

• Where is the interview being held and at what time?
• Who will you be meeting and what is their position?
• What is the format of the interview? Will there be a technical test?

Research your potential employer

• This can give you an insight into the qualities the client looks for in prospective employees
• Check the company website

Understand the role you are being interviewed for

• Try and obtain a copy of the job description
• Talk to your agent, find out exactly the skills/profile the client is looking for

Prepare a list of answers

Some of the most commonly asked questions in interviews are: -

• What are your strengths/weaknesses?
• Why do you want to work for us?
• Why should we employ you?
• Where do you want to be in 5 years?
• What is your greatest achievement?

You may also be asked certain behavioural questions. Some examples of behavioural questions are found
below.

• Describe a situation in which you were able to use persuasion to successfully convince someone
to see things your way.
• Describe a time when you were faced with a stressful situation that demonstrated your coping
skills.
• Give me a specific example of a time when you used good judgment and logic in solving a
problem.
• Give me an example of a time when you set a goal and were able to meet or achieve it.
• Tell me about a time when you had to use your presentation skills to influence someone's
opinion.
• Give me a specific example of a time when you had to conform to a policy with which you did not
agree.
• Please discuss an important written document you were required to complete.
• Tell me about a time when you had to go above and beyond the call of duty in order to get a job
done.
• Tell me about a time when you had too many things to do and you were required to prioritize
your tasks.
• Give me an example of a time when you had to make a split-second decision.
• What is your typical way of dealing with conflict? Give me an example.
• Tell me about a time you were able to successfully deal with another person even when that
individual may not have personally liked you (or vice versa).
 • Tell me about a difficult decision you've made in the last year.
• Give me an example of a time when something you tried to accomplish
and failed.
• Give me an example of when you showed initiative and took the lead.
• Tell me about a recent situation in which you had to deal with a very upset
customer or co- worker.
• Give me an example of a time when you motivated others.
• Tell me about a time when you delegated a project effectively. T 020 7287 2550
• Give me an example of a time when you used your fact-finding skills to solve a
problem.
• Tell me about a time when you missed an obvious solution to a problem.
• Describe a time when you anticipated potential problems and developed preventive measures.
• Tell me about a time when you were forced to make an unpopular decision.
• Please tell me about a time you had to fire a friend.
• Describe a time when you set your sights too high (or too low).

Always answer in a concise manner, don’t spend five minutes answering one question, but at the same
time avoid one-word answers.

Prepare a list of questions

You will be given the opportunity to ask your interviewer(s) some questions. Make this count! Ask about
the role, training, opportunities for you within the company and future growth of the company.

It is vital to make a good first impression when attending an interview. The first few minutes of an
interview are vital.

Ensure you arrive at the office at least 15 minutes early. If you are running late, ensure you either contact
the client direct or call your agent. Arriving early gives you the opportunity to get a feel for the company
environment and go through any notes you may have prepared.

Dress in a smart business suit. Many companies have a casual dress policy; however, it is imperative
you dress in smart business suit.

Some Do’s and Don’ts for the interview

• Do take some spare copies of your CV

• Do shake hands firmly with your interviewer
• Do maintain eye contact with your interviewer throughout
• Do ensure you know can back up everything on your CV
• Do be calm, confident and assertive. Look alert and interested.
• Do ask open ended questions
• Don’t make derogatory comments about your past employers
• Don’t lie, this will only catch up with you in the future
• Don’t answer questions with Yes or No
• Don’t waffle on and stray from the answer

Ending/Closing the interview

Thank the interviewer for their time and ask them if they have an idea when a decision will be reached on
the position.

It is essential you call your agent straight after the interview to let them know how it went and your
thoughts on the role and company. They will then be able to call the client to get their feedback and
hopefully an offer!
Additional Interview Tips

Question time. During the interview, you will be asked to demonstrate your suitability for
the job. Don't waffle, and give appropriate, relevant answers. Why have they asked you this
particular question? What are they trying to find out? Below are some of the more
commonly asked questions, and some simple suggested responses. T 020 7287 2550

Q: Tell me about yourself?

A: They want you to open up to them. Tell them about your qualifications, career history and range of
skills. You may even want to tell them a little about your hobbies and interests - it shows what motivates
you. They do not want to know what you did when you were five years old, or how you didn't get on with
your brother/sister.

Q: What has been your greatest achievement so far?

A: This doesn't have to be work related. The interviewer is trying to find out if you are an achiever.
Demonstrate how you achieved and how it has benefited you. Do you still use those skills?

Q: What are your strengths?

A: We all have them, it's just acknowledging them in a proficient manner. Try to look at personal
attributes such as 'I'm a team player', or 'I have great attention to detail', then demonstrate how they
could be a benefit to an employer.

Q: What are your weaknesses?

A: The interviewer wants to see how self-aware you are. Don't use personal weaknesses such as 'I find it
hard to get out of bed in the morning'. A weakness can also be considered a strength. Use a professional
weakness such as lack of experience (training can always overcome that) or one that can be turned
around into a strength such as 'I'm very focused at work, so sometimes people think I'm ignoring them'.

Q: How would your family/friends/spouse describe you?

A: Another way of asking how you perceive yourself. Choose three or four adjectives that show the
positive side of your personality, such as 'they would say I'm outgoing, reliable and loyal'.

Q: Why do you think you're suitable for this role?

A: If you haven't done your research, you'll not be able to give an answer with substance. Use your
prepared list and match your skills and personal attributes. By this stage, the interviewer should have told
you about the role. If they haven't, ask them to explain it fully, then give them your answer. You cannot
tell them you're the perfect candidate if you don't know what the job is.

Q: Where do you see yourself in five years’ time?

A: Do not be tempted to respond in an arrogant manner - i.e. 'in your chair'. The interviewer wants to
know your motivation and career aspirations. Whilst wanting to progress is a natural desire, don't let this
overshadow the job you are being interviewed for. Try not to give a specific job title, but more what you
will be gaining from a role and environment. Such as 'I see myself in a role that allows me to be
autonomous, and one that is both challenging and rewarding.
The interview is a two-wayprocess. You will have a chance to ask questions, but make sure they are
relevant to the role and company. You cannot be expected to accept or decline an offer if you don't have
sufficient knowledge.
Do not get involved in discussing money at this stage - unless the interviewer asks you. Remember that
the questions you ask tell the interviewer more about you than some of the answers you give. Try to
phrase them in a positive manner such as 'Are you quite a social company, does the team go out
together?' What you are really saying is, 'I'm a team player and sociable'.
Preparing for a Telephone Interview

Preparation

Preparation for a telephone interview is as important as preparation before any

other form of interview or meeting. The impression you create in the opening T 020 7287 2550
moments, and the manner with which you present yourself will determine
whether or not you will be successful.

Find out as much as you can about the company and the job description. If your
telephone interview has been arranged by a third party, you should receive much
of this information from them. But in any case, do your own researches - company
websites are one of the best sources of information. Find out about the size and
structure of the company, its products and its markets.

Make a note of any questions you would like to ask. Ask about things if they are
important to you, especially if your decision whether to proceed depends upon
the answers (for example: will I have to relocate? (if that is something you don't
want to do!). Otherwise, ask broad questions such as 'What training will be
given?', 'What opportunities are the for advancement?'. Have these questions
written down.

Have a notepad and pen ready, along with your diary.

Have your CV at hand. In all probability the hiring manager will have a copy of it too, so you
probably won't be asked to describe your background in detail.

Prepare mentally, or better still in writing, a very brief 'potted history' to answer the demand
'Tell me about yourself.' Managers ask this not because they want the information (they already
have your CV!), but because they want to listen to you, to find out how communicative you are,
and how you sound.

Tone of voice. This is the most important aspect of this form of interview. The detail is of very
little importance - the manager has your CV, so they know exactly what you've done, and in all
probability wouldn't be talking to you if they weren't essentially interested.

The main rules are:

• Think about how you normally answer the phone at home. When you answer the
phone, do so by announcing your name, in an enthusiastic style: 'John Pickles, Good
Morning!' If this is not your natural style, change it!
• Sound interesting/interested, energetic and enthusiastic
• Be succinct (don't waffle)
• Don't use jargon

Prepare to answer these questions

You can't prepare for every possible question, but there are a few which frequently come up:

• Tell me about yourself!

• What do you know about our company?
• What are you looking for?
• What would you like to know about us?
• What are your strengths?
 • What are your weaknesses?
• What else would you like to know? (An ideal opportunity to
'close' - see below)

Closing the telephone interview

Part of the purpose of the telephone interview (from the hiring manager's T 020 7287 2550
perspective) is to find out how keen you are. As soon as it seems appropriate
during the conversation, ask for a date to meet for a face-to-face interview. Say
something like 'Well, this certainly sounds like just the job I'm looking for Mr. Brown. I'm sure I
can contribute a lot to your company. I'd really like to visit you to show you what I can do for
you. When can you meet me?'

If you are invited for a face-to-face interview, thank the manager, and ask for details:

• When?
• Where?
• With whom?
• What should you take to the interview?

Lastly telephone the recruitment consultant who arranged the interview and let them know the
outcome. They should be able to find out the answers to the other questions, on your behalf.