Interview Preparation

So you’ve gotten the interview, what next?

Gaining an interview with a company can be a little daunting but it needn’t be. With a few guidelines you can improve your first impressions and interview techniques to showcase yourself as the great candidate you are.

First impressions count – whether you are in a customer facing role or in an office environment the same applies, particularly in an interview scenario. Wear business attire; a suit and tie, a blouse and trousers etc. and make sure that your shoes are clean and shiny.

Meeting and greeting – Respect any member of staff you meet whether that’s the Receptionist or Manager. You never know who is going to be asked about their first impressions of you. Give a firm handshake and good eye contact

Smile – no one is trying to catch you out. They are interested in what you have to say and finding out about you and how you can potentially help them succeed.

If offered a drink accept it – water is best. Even the most confident candidates get thirsty! Moreover it establishes time for rapport and gives you more time to settle down.

Notes - Ask for permission to take notes if you want to: this can show genuine interest and good technique – although be sure they are only for ‘key words’ to refer to when you want to ask questions later.

Questions - Ask good, relevant questions. These can be prepared in advance but be sure that you do not repeat subjects already covered.

Answers – It is important to think about potential questions you may be asked but don’t recite scripted answers verbatum. These are not genuine and come across negatively. Instead think of 1 or 2 points that relate to your experiences for potential or likely questions and use them as starting points to build your answers around.

Leaving – End the interview on a high note. It is always a good idea to ‘close’ the interview. There are several ways to do this: you could ask when you can expect to hear back from them. Ask if they have any concerns, this allows you to overcome objections now rather than later. Thank the interviewers for their time and give a firm handshake.

 

At Key Appointments we want to supply you with relevant and useful information, if there are topics you would like more information on then please email us at info@key-appointments.co.uk

 

<< Key Appointments blog listing