Top interview tips

Interview Tips


Writing a great CV

Do Your Research!


You are likely to be asked what you know about the company, or more specifically, why you would like to work for them. You won’t be able to answer this if you haven’t done your research.

 

Have a good look through the company website - google and the company’s social media pages are great source of information. Things to look out for - is there anything that has happened to them over the past year? Are they involved with community or charity work? Have they won any awards recently or any news stories? By researching the company, you will get a good feel for if you will align with them too.

 

In addition, research their sector, do you know who their competitors are? This will give you confidence to answer any industry related questions.


If you use Linkedin have a look if the interviewers are on LinkedIn. Do you have anything in common, previous working histories connected to the same contacts? Is there anyone within the company now that can vouch for you?
 

Read the job advert and specification in detail, make a note of anything you are unsure of or would like to know a bit more about, if its not covered off in the interview then don’t be afraid to ask.

Practise Your Answers


You’ll never be able to work out everything an interviewer will ask but some common questions are:


• Tell me about yourself?
• Why did you apply?
• What do you know or about the company?
• Why would you like to work here?
• What are your strengths?
• What are your weaknesses?
• Explain the gaps in your CV?
• What motivates you?
• What are you looking for in a new role?
• Where do you see yourself in 5 years?
• When have you had to make a difficult decision, what was the outcome?

 

Have a good think about some of the answers and relate them to scenarios you have experienced, this way you can talk about those and add substance. Remember any weaknesses can be turned into strengths if you are aware of them.


Stay Calm


By preparing for your interview it will help eliminate nerves.

If the interview is face to face:


  • Make sure you know the full address and plan your route
  • Leave early just in case of delays on the way
  • Read your interview confirmation, take any ID forms or certificates that are requested
  • Dress appropriately, if you are unsure dress to impress
  • Remember, you are being interviewed from the moment you get on site to the moment you leave, be polite and courteous to everyone you meet especially the reception staff


Online interviews:


  • Ensure your laptop is charged
  • Check the links to any software have been downloaded prior to the call.
  • Ensure you are dressed as you would for a normal interview
  • Consider your background – no one wants to see your dirty washing.
  • Ensure all distractions are kept out of the way, do not check your phone, emails etc while on the call 

 

Remember, your interviewers are just people and they have been in your situation before!


Ask Questions


Interviewing is a two way street, it’s as much for you to work out whether you would like to work for a company as it is for them to work out if they would like you too.


Great Questions for you to ask in an interview:

 

  • What to you enjoy most about working here?
  • What’s the biggest challenge within the company / department?
  • What does success look like here?
  • What is your management style like?
  • Could you see me working within the team?
  • What are the team like?
  • What is the culture like?
  • What is the next stage

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You may want to have them written down prior to going into your interview, this shows the interviewer you are serious about the role.

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And finally... Good Luck!

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Feel free to give one of the team a call if you have any questions or queries.


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