Once you have gone through all the processes to get to Interview Stage 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
    and the personal specs of the role before your application BUT we will go through
    that again with you before your interview
  • Pay rates will ALWAYS be discussed with you by your Consultant BEFOREHAND
  • We will also help you look at your CV objectively to answer any questions that
    may be asked         


Interview Tips

  • Preparation
  • Appearance/Presentation
  • Punctuality
  • Know your CV
  • Show an interest in the role at hand!
  • Pay Rates
  • Top Tips
  • Questions you may be asked
  • Difficult Questions you may be asked
  • Answering Questions
  • Questions you may ask the interviewer
  • Do’s and Don’ts in an interview
  • Closing the Interview
  • After the interview

 

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 jewellery
  • 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


Pay Rates & Salaries

You will always be told the Rate of Pay BEFORE your assignment as many companies have strict budgets for Temporary Staff.   

  • In some cases you may have more skills than is necessary for the role for which you are
    interviewing however Rates of Pay are determined by the role and not based on your skills.
  • Flexibility with your rate can also be advantageous and keep you out working longer.
  • It is always worth weighing up the Rate with the length of the assignment. It is better to have
    a long term assignment at £1.00 less an hour than have Shorter Higher paid assignments
    but with gaps in working. However the choice is entirely yours.
  • The ONLY time we would put candidates forward for roles where their skills exceed what
     is required, is for:

         a. Short-term assignments – where a more senior role is not available and to 
             keep the Temp working
         b. Short-Term because we would not want the candidate to have to commit to a longer
             Term assignment should a more suitable role come up for them#
         c. We would expect the Temp to commit to the Short-term role for its ENTIREITY –
             so the decision to take the assignment by the Temp would have to be thought about
             carefully.


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 untill 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.   

  • Can you commit to the full length of the Assignment.
  • Would you be available for longer, if required?
  • 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 incude areas such as teamwork, communication, problem solving & planning. 

  • Give an example of how you improved efficiency?
  • How do you motivate your team – (give examples of improvement in their motivation)
  • How do you persuade people to accept your course of action.


Questions You May Ask the Interviewer

  • How long will the assignment last? Could it be extended?
  • Could the role be made permanent?
  • Where would I fit into the structure?
  • Who or how many will I be working with?
  • How does my role impact on them?
  • Why do you like working here?
  • Will I have an induction? What will it consist of?
  • Will I be given any project work?
  • How would you define your company culture?
  • Are there any times when the department is busier?

 

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.
  • 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.



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