How To Succeed At An Interview Page 1 of 2

Every employer wants and needs to fill their vacancies with the best possible applicants. We hope the following guidelines we have set out will allow you to take another step in the right direction and become successful at interviews.

For some of us, we are not phased by interviews, for others however, it is an absolute nerve wracking and terrifying experience. There are various types of interviews and also interviewers. You need to be mindful of the fact that an interview is a two way meeting. Yes, it is time for the interviewer to find out more about you, but it is also a time for you to find out more about the job, the company and indeed, the interviewer.

• It is essential to prepare before you attend an interview. By doing this it will automatically give you more confidence and your answers will be more free-flowing on the day.
• Find out as much information as possible about the company, the job and the interviewer. By doing this you will in turn be more at ease at the interview.
• Your consultant should provide you with a copy of the job description and relevant company information. Access the company website or local library for more information if required. Interviewers are always impressed by applicants who have taken the time to research the company, their culture, products and services, their competitors and their reputation.
• Be clear about what skills and experience you may have that matches their job description and requirements and be prepared to point these out on the day.
• Prepare for and anticipate potential questions. This will allow you to organise your thoughts and develop appropriate responses.
• Know your CV thoroughly and be prepared to verify and discuss the information contained within your CV.
• Dress for Success. Remember first impressions last and you must create a great first impression. With this in mind, it is essential you are turned out professionally, ideally in a suit with tidy hair and shoes. If female, be conservative when it comes to jewellery make-up.
• Plan your route. It is very important that you know exactly how to get there and to know how long it will take you to travel to the company. You may decide to take a dummy run prior to the interview, just to be sure.

• Set out with your directions to the company and your consultants contact numbers, to arrive about ten minutes prior to interview. This will allow you to compose yourself and relax.
• Take along a copy of your CV, any certificates and references.
• If presented with an application form to complete whilst waiting for your interview, ensure you complete it neatly and without spelling errors as this may play a part in the selection process.
• When you meet your interviewer, act confident, shake their hand firmly, look them in the eye, smile and introduce yourself. Take a seat when invited.
• Body language is of paramount importance. Sit upright, with hands by your sides. If you slouch it could appear that you are uninterested. Keep control of your hands as if fidgeting this can be distracting for the interviewer.
• Maintain eye contact in a friendly manner and enjoy the conversation and remain composed.
• Remember, this is a two way meeting, therefore be involved in the conversation and don't be silent, however, not over bearing to the interviewer by talking too much.
• Ask questions, if there is something being said by the interviewer that you don't understand.
• If they don't tell you the key areas about the job, ask them. This will allow you to highlight your skills and experience that may suit the role. Mention that you have carried out some research and make reference to some of their company's achievements, facts and figures, competitors etc.
• AVOID, answers that are too short, being negative or making derogatory statements about former employers or positions, over answering questions, becoming uneasy when faced with challenging questions, answering without really listening to the question and what the interviewer is looking to hear, discussing salary or benefits and misrepresenting yourself.
• The interviewer will have formed an impression of you within the first ten minutes and be trying to envisage you fitting in with their team and organisation and doing the job. With this in mind, consider what is going to make you stand out in the crowd and make the employer know the benefits of employing you. You should also have formed your own impressions of the interviewer, so keep this in mind if offered the position.
• Always ask if there is anything else they would like to ask you. If the interview is coming to a close, never allow an uncomfortable silence to develop.
• If you are interested in the position, tell them. Ask the interviewer what will happen next? Ask them if they think you are a suitable applicant for the job?. Stand up, smile, shake interviewers hand firmly and thank them for their time.
• Contact your consultant to thank them and to provide feedback on the interview.
• Send a thank you letter to the interviewer thanking for their time and re-iterate your interest in the position.