HOW TO NAIL THAT INTERVIEW
Its key to remember that any interview should be a two-way process. You need to make sure that the company is right for you, as much as the company makes sure that you are right for them.
There are several things that you can do in order to give yourself the very best opportunity of getting that job offer and helping you to really understand the business and the opportunity so you can decide, "are they right for me?"
Understand the position
This may sound simple, however work with the recruitment consultant to really understand the role. Things like who are the main customers, where is the company heading in the next 2 or 3 years. What skills are a must for the role and out of the top three duties how much time will be spent on each one during the course of a month?
The Interview Process
Make sure you understand what the full interview process is. Are their skill tests involved? Do you need to complete psychrometric tests and most important of all, who are you meeting and what is their background? Use the social media platform Linkedin to "look up" the person interviewing you, where have they worked, what's their background?
Dress, Smoke and Drink!
Make sure you dress appropriately. Ideally business suit. Speak to the recruiter and ask them, ideally what is the client looking for appearance wise at this interview stage/
Remember if you smoke, don't smoke prior to the interview. Finally, don't drink the night before and certainly not on the day. You are not going to get that job order smelling of booze.
Preparation
At least look at and read the companies website. Understand who their main Clients are and their target business. How many branches, employees, turnover? Th more information you know about them the better you will be to handle questions, show your interest and most importantly make an informed decision as to if they are right for you.
Everyone Counts once you are there
Its important to impress everyone once you arrive. Build rapport with the receptionist, security, whoever you see as you just never know who they know and speak to within that business.
Important of Rapport
Before the formal questions start, try to build rapport with the interviewer. This starts in reception when you come to greet you. Use open questions to build rapport and lighten up the situation. Try questions such as:
Do you live locally?
What is the car parking like around here?
What is the traffic like in the morning?
How long have you been working here?
Where did you work previously?
Why did you join the company?
During the Interview *IMPORTANT*
Make sure you have some great questions to ask, and not the run of the mill, "what training do I get?" or "How much are you paying?", ask questions that will get the interviewers attention, try:
- Why did you join the business?
- What does the next 2 or 3 years look like for the business, business growth wise?
- How do you think I will fit into the business from a personal point of view?
- Why has the business been successful?
- What future contracts are in the pipeline?
- What type of people really succeed here.. attitude wise?
- What success stories have you got for the passed couple of years?
Close the Interview
Its important that you "close" the interview in a professional manner that highlights that you are keen to be considered, good examples are:
- "Thank you for your time today, just to let you know I have really enjoyed the interview, I feel like I could make a real impact in the business. I'm keen to progress to the next stage, how does that work?
- Do you have any reservations about me? – remember to handle any reservations there and then.
- Is there anything that I could have done better or anything that I have said that is of concern?
Notes
Make notes before the interview. Write down your questions. Doesn't be afraid to refer to your note pad to ask those questions. It shows that you are prepared and care.
Evidence
Take certificates, awards, references etc with you. You may don't need to show them but the more supporting evidence you have the better prepared you are in case they do ask.
Tel: 01254781300
Web: www.serlimited.com
Your Career, Your Future,
Your Choice.
