Prior to Interview

  • Research the company – The client will want to know what you know about them and that you have a genuine interest for working there. It should also give you an idea of some questions you want to ask to make sure this is the right company for you – finding your next role is a 2-way process and needs to be right for both parties!
  • Study the job specification and advert – Ensure you have prepared answers to likely questions about your experience of the duties and responsibilities of the role. You should be able to provide examples of when you have undertaken similar duties previously to ensure the client views you as a good fit.
  • Give some thought to the likely questions you will be asked and prepare for them, this will give you the confidence that in the interview situation you are as equipped as possible to answer them.
  • Wider skills – Of course the client is looking for you to demonstrate you have the skills for the role but what about outside of that, the time management, customer focus and confidence. Ensure you turn up on time (ideally a little early) and are well presented, meet the client with a firm (but not over the top) handshake and look them in the eye when you greet them. Give the client confidence that you should your role involve contact with their clients you would represent them well.

 

During the Interview

  • Ensure you listen attentively and answer the question the client asks – When nervous it can be easy to go off track or waffle, constantly ask yourself ‘am I answering the question they asked?’.
  • Don’t be worried about taking things with you – It is always advisable to have a pen and pad with you to ensure you make a note of anything you may wish to refer back to. Likewise, print outs of pages from their website – this also demonstrates you have prepared fully – should you have questions around them.
  • Prepare a portfolio – Photocopies of qualifications, certificates and example work all work well in an interview scenario, they can often lead into interesting discussions during the process and also illustrate again to the client that you prepare fully for meetings.
  • Ask questions – Ensure you have a list of around 5-10 questions, often these will get answered during the course of the interview however make sure that there are some on there that won’t be, these may relate to how the wider business operates, how it has grown, why your interviewer chooses to work for that company etc. You should use the time at the end of the interview to also ask questions about any reservations you may have about the company and the role. It is important that with this you remain positive but you should ensure that should the client come back with and you would be comfortable working for them.
  • Make sure you are informed – Find out about the next stage of the interview process, will there be a second interview, how many people are in the process, what are the likely timescales for when you can expect to find out more?
  • Be Honest – If you don’t have a particular skill the client is looking for don’t say you do. If they ask put a positive slant on it and mention that you haven’t got that particular skill but you would be keen to learn it and develop yourself.
  • Follow Up – if the client gives you their card or contact details do follow up with an email to thank them for their time and the experience and illustrate your desire to work with them. Highlight why you are keen as this will always leave a positive impression.