Information for Job Seekers

Interview Advice

Don’t leave it to the last minute – it is better to be an hour early than two minutes late!

Prepare your research on the company and your interview questions. It is quite acceptable to note down your answers but politely ask if it is ok to take notes.

If for any reason you cannot make the time of the meeting, even at the last minute, you must let the Agency and/or the Interviewer know you have a problem. Your good reputation will be damaged beyond repair if you fail to turn up without notifying anyone. Failure to do so is one of the worst possible interview sins.

Upon being greeted

From the very first moment you are being judged and measured.

The impression you create in the first few seconds is crucial.

Politeness and courtesy are essential.
Wait for an invite to be seated.
Do not put your papers or a brief case on the Interviewers desk.
Maintain self control and keep calm.
Listen carefully. What you are being told gives you the weapons you need to respond carefully.

· Do not slouch – keep a tidy body posture and watch your body language.

· Reflect your interest in both word and posture – lean forward to emphasize.

· Maintain eye-to-eye contact at all times without creating a staring contest.

· Prudent and well-placed use of your smile and a nod to affirm your agreement and interest is valuable.

· Use all of these elements to also gain agreement from the Interviewer.

Carefully analyse the Interviewers conversation, body language and style.
Without making it obvious, gently reflect key words, attitudes or phrases back to the Interviewer. If executed with extreme care this will produce a positive reaction.

When asked if there are any final questions, ask the Interviewer how they see things progressing from this point?
Will you be invited to attend the next interview?
Do they see you making a contribution to the team?
Do they have any reservations about your suitability for the job?

Make sure your appearance is appropriate.
Know where you are going and the person you are going to see, including their position within the company.
Be punctual – always be at least 10 minutes early. If you can, use this time to ‘pick the brain’ of the receptionist/secretary for information.
Know what position you are applying for.
Ensure your body language is always positive from the moment you walk through the door. This includes eye contact at all times, firm handshake etc.
Prepare a list of questions you would rather NOT be asked and make sure you have an answer for all of them.
Speak clearly and concisely at all times.
Remember the ‘3C’s’ – be calm, composed and controlled.
Be open – but keep details of your personal life closer to your chest.
Sleep well in the evening prior to your interview. This will enable you to be fresh and alert.
Gain as much information relating to the Company you are going to see as you can. This should include background, hierarchy, marketing position, competition etc.
Demonstrate enthusiasm, energy and drive. You will not be offered a position if you are half-hearted or half asleep.
Listen carefully to what is discussed.
Bring a notebook for notes.
Know the interview structure – length, how many etc
Ask for the job – leave on a positive note.
Thank them for their time – smile, firm handshake etc

DONT

Interrupt!
Be nervous, waffle, babble or talk incessantly about irrelevant matters likely to bore or annoy your Interviewer. Remember in most cases, time is money!
Get drunk prior to the night of the interview and if you are invited to the pub at lunchtime, do not drink alcohol. This is important as many people will use this to get you to release your guard in a less formal atmosphere. Do not be fooled!
Bring luggage or baggage of any kind to an interview.
Chew gum, smoke, pick your nose or display any annoying traits or habits.
Accept immediately if you are offered a position. This will give the impression of desperation.
Start to discuss salary or remunerator unless the subject is brought up first.
Be negative or criticise your current boss or Company, as this will create the impression of a lack of loyalty.
Swear – no matter if the Interviewer swears.

The market in which the Company operates, including presence and positioning within that market.
What has your Company got to offer me as an individual and as an employee?
How do you differ from your Competitors?
What are your plans for expansion and growth?
What are the Company’s short/medium/long term objectives and how is the Company going to achieve them?
How is your Company structured? How has it changed over the last two years?
Is the Company committed to investing in its workplace and its employees? How is it doing that?
Does the Company have a structured training program? Is it internal or external?
How does the Company’s appraisal system work?
How does the Company outline its objectives to its employees? Does it have formal meetings on a regular basis?
How does the Company promote – internally? Are employees promoted on merit?
How many new staff has the Company hired over the last 12 months?
Staff turnover – how many people have left over the last 12 months?
What is the Company’s turnover?