Everything you need to know about interviewing

Once you have gone through all the processes to get to Interview Stage with a Client the last thing you need to do is blow your chances of getting the job by being badly prepared.

We at Adept will provide you with as much information as we can:

• We would have already gone through the Job spec, Company information, Salary on offer
  and the personal specs of the role before your application BUT we will go through
  that again with you before your interview
• We will also help you look at your CV objectively to answer any questions that
  may be asked         
  
  
  

Interview Tips

Preparation

“Fail to prepare…prepare to fail”. Having gained that all important interview, it is very important to prepare  correctly. The agency will be able to assist in the following areas:   

• Research the company. Its size, products & services and competitors etc.
• Ensure you know the exact location of the interview. They may have several offices.
• Work out the best route to travel.
• Who will interview you and what is their position. Remember you may see more than one person.
• Read the job specification carefully. Draw up a list of the qualities/experience the employer
  is looking for, then think about how you can match your skills to the requirements
• Have some questions prepared that you can ask during the interview.
• Prepare for questions you may be asked.
  
  

Appearance/Presentation

“You only get one chance to make a good first impression”

• Take pride in your appearance.
• Wear smart, clean and comfortable clothes appropriate for the interview.
• Try to avoid overpowering perfume or aftershave, excessive makeup or jewelery
• Greet the interviewer confidently and more importantly with a firm handshake
  
  

Punctuality

“Don’t be late”. There are no excuses.

• If necessary confirm the appointment the day before and check your transport route 
  for delays. Arrive 5 or 10 minutes early.  If you are unavoidably delayed, take the time to
  call either the agency or the company to inform them of your delays as this will look
  a lot more professional.
  
  

Know your CV

It’s great to know all the about the job and company you are attending BUT know your CV.

• Be prepared to answer questions not just on the relevant parts of your CV but also the
  weaker aspects of it to (if you have any)
• Answer confidently and honestly do not fabricate or be vague.
  
  

Show an interest in the role at hand

Remember it is the Role you are being interviewed for!

• It’s great to ask questions about the company and prospects but the role is what they are
  trying to fill NOW.
• Show enthusiasm – ask questions relating to the role and the team etc
  
  

Top Tips

“Concentrate on your strengths, there is no room for modesty in an interview”.

    Remember to SEE
    Smile
    Eye Contact
    Enthusiasm   

• Read a newspaper on the morning in case you’re asked about topical issues.
• Speak clearly and confidently.
• Don’t waffle or digress in the interview and try not to speak for too long without being prompted.
• Avoid asking negative questions or mentioning reservations at the first hurdle. Once you have
  an offer you are then in a position to negotiate.Never mention salary yourself, wait until the
  interviewer raises the subject.
• If you miss what the interviewer says, ask for clarification rather than waffling on with the
  inappropriate answer.
  
  

Questions You May Be Asked

Many questions are fairly standard in interviews although it’s a good idea to be prepared for a variety of questions. Your consultant can help you with these questions.   

• How do you prioritise you work?
• Why do you think you would like to work for our company?
• What do you look for in a company?
• What specifically do you have to offer us?
• Why did you choose this particular area of work?
• Why are you looking to move?
• Why do you want this particular job?
• What sort of duties do you enjoy most/lest and why?
• What tasks do you find difficult and why?
• Describe your last/present boss?
• How would they describe you?
• Did you implement any changes in the routine of your last position? Did these
  changes benefit the company or yourself?
• What bothers you most/least and why?
• Describe your ideal job?
• What are your strengths/weaknesses?
• What is important to you in a job?
• What pressures have you encountered in your last/present job?
• Are you a good communicator?
• How do you feel about working long hours and weekends?
• Where do you see yourself in 5 years?

Difficult Questions You May Be Asked 

• Why have you not been selected for any other job?
• Why have you changed jobs so often?
• What have you been doing during your spell of unemployment?
• Why did you stay so long in your last job?
• Is there anything else I should know about you?
• Questions You May Ask the Interviewer
• Can you tell me about the company?
• Where would I fit into the structure?
• Is this a new or existing role?
• Who or how many will I be working with?
• Do you encourage staff training?
• Are there any times when the department is busier?
  

Answering Questions

You should always be able to answer questions with relevant examples of past experiences.These will vary from role to role and essential in any management role, but will also include areas such as teamwork, communication, problem solving, planning;
   a. Give an example of how you improved efficiency?
   b. How do you motivate your team – (give examples of improvement in their motivation)
   c. How do you persuade people to accept your course of action.
 

Questions You May Ask the Interviewer

• How would you define your company culture?
• Where would I fit into the structure?
• Is this a new or existing role?
• Who or how many will I be working with?
• How does my role impact on them?
• Will I have an induction? What will it consist of?
• Do you encourage staff training?
• Will the role offer internal career development?
• Do you offer support for employees wanting to study Professional qualifications?
• Do you send employees on external training courses?
• Will I be given any project work?
• Are there any times when the department is busier?
• What am I expected to achieve in my first six months?

 
Salary - Pitching at the right level 

Salary conversations should always be left until the second interview - unless approached by the interviewer in the 1st interview.  Feel confident about what salary you want - try not to feel embarrassed or awkward when the issue is raised.  Below are a few pointers to help.

• Know what you are worth - look at the Adept salary guidelines to give you an idea or look at relevant Trade magazines advertising the same roles in the same location
• You would have already covered this with your Consultant - remember we want you to get the job and also know the level the Client wants to pitch the initially salary at 
• Think of your level of experience for the role - do you require training for example?  If so do not be greedy - many job offers have been lost due to unrealistic salary requests by candidates.  You may not get the highest level in the salary band straight away - but you know that if you work hard it's what you could achieve in future reviews.  Always plan and think for the future.

2nd Interviews

A common misconception of candidates going back to 2nd interview is that when meeting another person they think that ‘they already know a lot about me.’ This can lead to candidates ‘holding back’ on their answers thinking that they don’t want to repeat themselves. This is not the case and you should always be prepared to answer the questions in more depth if asked.

• Always answer the questions fully – even if the same once are asked
• Think of new examples when answering questions.
• Be prepared for more intense questioning of relevant areas.
• Be prepared to answer further questions that you may have found difficult to answer in the 1st interview.

 Do’s & Don’ts In An Interview

• DO avoid yes or no answers.
• DO relax.
• DO answer all questions honestly.
• DO thank the interviewer at the end.
  
  
• DON’T criticise your last/present employer.
• DON’T slouch or fold your arms.
• DON’T get defensive or aggressive when asked difficult questions

 
Closing the Interview

• Always finish on a positive note, making sure the interviewer knows you are interested in the position.
• Find out what happens next and finally thank the interviewer for their time.
  

After the Interview

• We encourage all candidates to ring their consultant immediately after the interview to establish your interest in the position and so we may give feedback immediately to the client.
• Some Clients can call within an hour after an interview and can be disappointed that a candidate hasn't phoned to provide their feedback
• Your consultant will be able to give you some idea of when a decision will be made as to the next stage of the process.
  

Further Information

• If you require any further information or assistance please do not hesitate to contact one of our consultants.

Next page - Accepting that offer


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