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Interview Advice

Whether your interview is over the phone, video or face to face, there are some fundamental elements which you must consider. Remember, you only get one chance….

Before the Interview

  • Be committed and find out as much as possible about the company. Visit their web site for more information on the company and also search the web for more information.
  • Research the country and specific location. After all, you are going to be living there.
  • Review your CV and make sure you have positive answers if the interviewer wants more detail on the information you have supplied.
  • Read the job description carefully but remember that they have selected you for the job.
  • Always have proof of achievement to back up everything you say.

In the Interview – What to do

  • Look your smartest and show your most professional side during the interview. A company is more likely to hire someone who is well presented and who will therefore best represent their company.
  • Be on time. If you are going to be late for any reason, please inform the recruiter on the employer in advance.
  • If you are having a telephone interview ensure you are in a quiet area and ensure you have good network coverage if on a mobile. No screaming children in the background!
  • If your interview is over video always ensure you are dressed professionally and in a quiet room with good connection. Always test your speakers / microphone in good time.
  • Introduce yourself courteously and express yourself clearly.
  • Show tact, manners, courtesy, and maturity at every opportunity.
  • Be confident and maintain poise. The ability to handle your nerves during the interview will come across as confidence in your ability to handle the job.
  • Be prepared to show how your experience would benefit the company.
  • Ask questions concerning the company and the position for which you are being interviewed. An interviewer will be impressed by an eager and inquisitive mind.
  • Take time to think and construct your answers to questions to avoid rushing into a vague and senseless reply.
  • Ask if you can make notes during the interview.
  • Be assertive without being aggressive.
  • Get feedback from the interviewer to see how you did.
  • Thank the interviewer and ask what the next step is.

In the Interview - What not to do

  • Be late for the interview without any contact.
  • Be unprepared for the interview.
  • Say unfavourable things about previous employers.
  • Make excuses for any failings.
  • Give vague responses to questions.
  • Show lack of career planning - no goals or purpose could convey the impression you're merely shopping around or only want the job for a short time.
  • Show too much concern about rapid advancement.
  • Over emphasise money. Your interviewing goal is to sell yourself to the interviewer and to get an offer of employment. Salary discussion is secondary.
  • Show any reservations you may have about the role/company. You can always turn down second interviews and job offers after you have had time to appraise your concerns in the cold light of day.
  • Demonstrate low moral standards.
  • Express strong prejudices or any personal intolerance.

Body Language – How to act

  • Be aware of cultural differences and ensure you do not make any faux pas.
  • Maintain a high level of eye contact throughout.
  • Remember not to be seen to be staring. Look away occasionally, looking confidently and calmly to the right or left; never look down.
  • Listen.
  • Be alert and enthusiastic - it's often a deciding factor in employing candidates. An indifferent attitude is instantly recognised, as "I don't care if I get this job."
  • Smile, nod, and give non-verbal feedback to the interviewer.
  • Do not hurry any movement.
  • Relax with every breath.
  • For telephone interviews, remember the phrase ‘smile while you dial’. A negative persona can be identified, even without being able to see the persons face.

Body Language – How not to act

  • Have a poor greeting.
  • Display laziness.
  • Be aggressive or act in a superior, conceited or overbearing way.
  • Have a poor voice, diction or grammar.
  • Look distracted, look down or avoid eye contact.
  • Talk too much. Answer questions as asked, without being abrupt.
  • Lose concentration or attention.

For additional advice, why not contact us?