Candidate Tips - The Interview
PREPARATION – DO YOUR HOMEWORK
Research the company you are hoping to work for – Convince your interviewer that you have a genuine interest in their company. Be pro-active and show some initiative in your research. Check out websites, call and ask to be sent marketing info.
Read trade press and keep up to date with market trends, so that you can speak in an informed way about the industry. Don’t wing it.
Know the names of the people interviewing you and what position they hold within the company. Get their names right.
Punctuality is key, so plan your journey with the help of the AA route planner (click here). Know exactly where you are going and allow for travel delays. Always be there at least 15 minutes before your interview time. Have the company telephone number with you in case of emergencies. Never be late.
PREPARATION – LOOK THE PART - FEEL THE PART
Polished presentation is essential to creating a good impression. Plan what you are wearing the night before and have it ready. Iron your shirt, polish your shoes and leave yourself nothing to do on the day of your interview, except shine.
Always, without exception, wear your best suit (with the jacket). If you look good, you will feel good and that will give you an air of confidence. Make sure that your hair is well groomed, don’t wear over-powering perfume or aftershave and keep jewellery and make-up subtle.
ON THE DAY – GET IN THE RIGHT FRAME OF MIND
If possible eat something before you go – fainting at interview is so last season. Take time to relax for a moment and think about the task ahead. Do not arrive rushed and flustered.
FIRST IMPRESSIONS
Walk into the room with confidence. Know that you are the right candidate for the job. Greet your interviewer with a smile, eye contact and a firm (not crippling) handshake.
THE INTERVIEW
As we all know, part of being a good sales person is building an instant rapport with clients. So use all your sales ability to sell yourself to the interviewer.
Listen to the questions being put you. Pause, take your time and answer the questions. Ensure that there is communication both ways. You should be doing most of the talking but not all of it!
Use your preparation and research to demonstrate why you are person they are looking for. Remember, knowledge is power.
Do not be negative - criticising past employers or colleagues is not something your prospective employer needs to hear and will only reflect badly on you.
At the end of the interview, agree on what the next step will be - when the client is likely to come back to you etc.
Thank them for their time and again, firm handshake and BIG Smile
AFTER THE INTERVIEW
CALL YOUR RECRUITMENT CONSULTANT IMMEDIATELY (they worry about you).
 |
You can reach the Temp and Perm Teams on: 020 7209 2499 |  |
« Back To News & Articles
