Interview Guide

Research shows that people make their mind up about someone in the first few seconds of meeting with them. No matter how well qualified you may seem 'on paper' for a job, when recruiting, an employer will still be interested in your personality and presentation. Indeed with more than one suitable applicant for a role, interview performance is often the deciding factor. This makes the face to face meeting a critical part of the recruitment process and you will need to impress from the start. Following the interview preparation guidelines below will help overcome any interview nerves and instill confidence for a productive meeting with your potential employer.

Be prepared
You will be fully briefed by your consultant before any interview is arranged by D&P. However, you can never be too prepared.

Research
If you are knowledgeable about the company you will come across as proactive and committed.  Find out as much information as possible about your prospective employer in advance.

• Visit the company website for up-to-date information
• Familiarize yourself with mission statements, past performance, and  future goals
• Be aware that if your prospective employer does have a comprehensive web site, you may seriously compromise your chances if it becomes apparent you have not taken time to research it
• Request a copy of the company brochure/annual report
• Keep an eye on the business press for any relevant articles

The job description
Before your interview familiarise yourself with the job description. Consider the key skills and experience necessary for the role; think of examples highlighting your strengths in each area.

For all examples that you give, consider the situation, the action you took and the effect it had. For example if confidence is important to the role the interviewer will be looking for you to substantiate and give examples of your own confidence.
The line of questioning could include:

• Give an example of when you challenged a decision made by your peers/managers
• What factors did you take into consideration before challenging this decision?
• What action was taken by your manager/peers
• What was the outcome?

To help with your preparation these are some of the most commonly required competencies: decision making and problem solving, resilience and tenacity, confidence, planning and organising, team work and commercial awareness.

Your CV
Read your CV again. Be prepared to talk in more detail about your experience. If you have gaps in your CV or have not stayed in a job for long make sure you can give positive reasons.

Plan your journey
Aim to arrive 10 minutes early allowing plenty of time for the journey and interview itself.
Obtain clear directions and plan your route in advance. If you are delayed for any reason, contact your consultant immediately who will phone the client on your behalf.

Dress code
Dress smartly and professionally. Although some companies have now adopted dress down policies, a suit is usually advisable. If unsure, speak to your consultant.

Body language
Consider the following:

• A firm handshake shows you are confident
• Smile, this says "I'm enthusiastic", "I'm friendly"
• Make regular eye contact
• Be confident and alert, try to hide nerves
• Speak slowly and clearly. Always think before answering
• Listen, don't get distracted and don't talk too much

Interview do's

• Dress professionally. An employer is more likely to recruit someone who will best represent their company
• Be prepared
• Give clear and concise answers, don't waffle
• Speak confidently and remember to sell yourself
• Thank the interviewer and express your interest in the role

Interview don'ts

• Be late
• Over exaggerate your experience or qualification
• Discuss the salary at the first  interview unless specifically asked
• Criticize any previous employers
• Show lack of career planning by appearing unfocussed
• Leave your mobile phone switched on

The Interview
Remember that you start making an impression on your prospective employer the moment you arrive at reception.  Be courteous to the receptionist and any other staff you may meet prior to your interview. Their opinion of you is often sought and may even have some influence on the final selection.

Greet your interviewer standing, with a strong, firm handshake and a smile! Good body language is vital. Speak clearly and confidentially. Try and maintain a comfortable level of eye contact throughout. A standard interview will generally start with an introductory chat, moving on to questions specific to your application and experience. General information about the company and role may follow, finishing with an opportunity for you to ask your own questions.

Show your enthusiasm for the role, even if you have some reservations. These can be discussed at a later stage.

Example interview questions
Tell me about yourself
The interviewer wants to hear a short summary of your qualifications, career history and skills, in particular what you will bring to the new role.

Why are you looking to leave your current position?
Be careful not to be negative. Try to focus on the positive reasons such as a new challenge with more responsibility or the need for a change if you have been in your current role a long time.

What do you enjoy about your current job?
Try to focus on things that will be part of the job for which you are applying. Make your interests sound varied and diverse.

Explain your current role and what you do on a day-to-day basis
Explain how you fit into your department and what your reporting lines are. Talk about who you interact with and key responsibilities.

What have been your achievements so far?
Think about recent work achievements, e.g. projects you have been involved in, what were the results, how did they impact the business etc.

What are your strengths?
A very common question so prepare your answer. Think about three or four of your main strengths and how they would benefit your new employer. Examples include technical proficiency, flexibility and positive attitude. You may also be asked about weaknesses; everyone has some. A weakness is not always negative. Try to briefly explain what you do to overcome it.

Have you ever come across a difficult situation at work and how did you handle it?
Make sure that it is a work-based problem that did not originate with you. Keep your answer simple and to the point.

Other questions to consider (you won't be asked all of them!)
Where do you see yourself in five years?
How have you coped when your work has been criticised?
Do you like to work in a team or by yourself, why?
What are you looking for in a company?
What can you bring to this organisation?
How do you work under pressure? How do you deal with pressure?

Questions for you to ask
Having a few well thought out questions always creates a good impression.  The interview is also your chance to see if this is the job for you. Even if the interviewer has answered most of your questions, have a few prepared to ask. Asking questions show you are interested and taking the interview seriously.
How does the department fit into the bigger picture of the company?
What are the personalities of the team or manager?
What sort of person is the team looking for?
How long was the last post-holder in the position?
Are any internal candidates interested in the position?
Can you tell me about the company culture?
How long has the interviewer worked for the company?
Why do they think it is a good company work for?
How does the interviewer feel that your skills meet the requirements of the role?
What is the next stage following the interview?

Try to avoid asking about the salary, particularly at your first interview. Your consultant will be able to provide you with more detailed information on the salary range and package on offer.

Closing