Interview Tips

Interview Tips - Before the Interview

  • Confirm with us the date, time and place of the interview.
  • We’ll be able to give you some information on the company, but it is always worth doing some research on their background.
  • Your curriculum vitae represents your employment history, so be prepared to answer questions. (Your reasons for leaving your present company is likely to come up)
  • Make sure you look clean and well presented- preferably wear a suit or a dress of conservative colour. Do not wear too much jewellery -if you do not have time to change prior to an interview let us know, and we will inform the client.
  • Prepare a list of relevant questions to ask the interviewer.
  • Don't be late for your interview, plan your journey, and leave extra time for bad traffic. If for any reason you know you are going to be delayed phone us, and again we will advise the client of your dilemma.

Interview Tips - The Interview

You will have between twenty minutes to one hour to impress upon the interviewer that you are the right candidate for the job. Here are a few tips to make your time count.

  • Treat all interviews as first interviews. 
  • Always be extremely courteous when announcing yourself in the reception area. 
  • When you are introduced to the person you are going to see - shake his/her hand firmly. 
  • Be polite, be alert, and maintain good eye contact and smile. 
  • Again remember to be confident, friendly, and polite and don’t forget to smile!
  • Wait to be asked to sit down. 
  • Speak clearly and positively. 
  • Never interrupt or talk over the interviewer. 
  • If you feel nervous during your interview let the interviewer know, after all they would have had to attend an interview themselves at some time or they would not be in a position to interview you. 
  • Always be interested in what the interviewer has to say and do not let our eyes wander during the interview. 
  • Listen carefully to the questions you are asked and think before you answer, if you do not fully understand the question it is better to say so. 
  • Think about your answers be positive and remember they have seen your CV and they wanted to interview you. 
  • Have a few questions to ask the interviewer that are relevant to the position and company. 
  • Ask what reservations they have about you. 
  • Finally be enthusiastic, make it clear you are interested in the job, you could end the interview by shaking their hand and saying "I'm very interested in the position and I hope to hear from you very soon".

Interview Tips - Sample Questions

At every single interview the interviewer will leave time to ask you "Do you have any questions?" If you truly feel that everything has been covered then you could say. "No, I believe that you have covered all the questions I might have raised, thank you very much for your time." However it is much better to prepare some questions in advance; it again brings home the point that you are very interested in the position. Listed below are sample questions you could ask the interviewer:

  • What are the initial responsibilities of the job?
  • Who would l be reporting to?
  • Are there any training programmes or courses available?
  • How many people are working in the department?
  • Why has the position become available?
  • Does the company have any future plans for development?
  • What is the dress code?

Interview Tips - Concluding the Interview

  • At the end of an interview always thank the person for taking their time to see you. 
  • If you are still interested in the position then ask what the next stage is. 
  • If you are offered the position, either accept or tactfully ask for some time to consider the offer. i.e. "I am extremely interested in the opportunity but would like a little time to consider before accepting, would that be okay" and preferably give them a specific time you will confirm, i.e. "I can ring you tomorrow morning" etc. 
  • If you are not offered the position at the interview don't be concerned - it's quite normal for applicants to be told after all the interviews have taken place via the consultancy. 
  • Always end by reinforcing your interest in the position, "Once again, thank you for your time I am extremely interested in the position, and I hope to hear from you soon". 
  • Once you leave the interview telephone your consultant immediately, to give them your feedback. The consultancy will then contact the client for their feedback. 
  • If you receive an offer either through us or directly make sure you have it in writing before you hand in your notice to your current employer. Be advised that all offers of employment are usually made subject to current references. 
  • All in all Good Luck! Remember they have seen your CV and they wanted to interview you.