Some of us, although clearly capable, loose confidence when in an interview situation.  It is however important to remember that the interview and employer wants to fill their position with the best person and it’s your chance to find out if the opportunity is also right for you – after all this a two way meeting.

Preparation

If you’re attending an interview through a Recruitment Agency such as Talk Staff Recruitment, your Consultant will take you through various stages of preparation and will often provide you with links to the companies website, brochures and insight into the company culture.

If however you aren’t being represented by a Recruitment Consultant, then you will need to conduct your own level of preparation.  The best way to start would be to look at the company website; understanding their products and services – including how they compare to other competitors.  You may also be able to research the role you’ll be completing and how this fits into the processes they follow.

Finally, ensure that you know their location, have plenty of time (although not too much), have read through your submitted CV and feel confident in being able to answer their biggest and most important question “Why should choose you?”.

Interview

• Dress Code - Remember that “First Impressions Count’ but it’s as much about ensuring you’re dressed smartly as it is about understanding the culture of the company and the role you’re applying for.  You may for instance wear a suit for an interview as a solicitor at a large law firm, opposed to a simple white shirt and tie for a job as an Administrator at a High Street Travel Agent.
• Influencers – Making conversation with the Receptionist or Greeters may seem to have no purpose, however you should consider that these individuals will be your colleagues and may have a role in either final stage interviews or influence decisions based on personality fit, even being asked to give their feedback when you leave the building.
• Awareness - When meeting the interview be aware of your body language, shake their hand, ensure eye contact is mantained and await their invitation to “take a seat”.  Whilst it may not be a conscious influence in their decision, slouching or playing with your hair gives a negative vibe and can come across in an interview situation.
• Clarity – Look to give clear and concise answers, ensuring that you cover all the points the interviewer has raised but avoiding rambling.  When finishing the interview, seek commitment and show you’re keen in progressing the interview – asking “if successful when would you start” or “second interviews will take place”.

Feedback & Final Stages

• Good or Bad – It’s important to ask for feedback, whether you successful in securing the role the employer has a duty to provide feedback in order for you develop.  If you do not receive feedback then call your interviewer or Recruitment Consultant.
• Communication – Upon hearing that you’re successful it’s very easy to simply await instruction from the employer, however if you’re out of work then the timeframe involved may be too long.  If your new employer looks to need assistance in collection references then make the suggestion to help chase them up.

Feeling confident in approaching your next interview? Good luck!

Or, if you’re feeling ready for taking that next step in finding a job that’s right for you then please see a list of our latest Temporary & Permanent Jobs here.