interview tips

Firstly congratulate yourself on being invited for an interview which is a testament to your skills and experience to date coupled with a well documented CV.

Find out as much as you can about the job and the company, using the web, gossip, trade press etc., distinguish facts from judgements, remember that one person's idea of a fun job can be someone else's hell on earth!

If you know that there is no way the job is right for you, cancel the interview but make sure you give plenty of notice and that it is for a good solid reason that the employer (and recruitment consultancy) can understand. There may be other positions which meet your objectives but you'll never hear about them if you are inconsistent and have failed to attend for interviews.

Draw up a list of questions about the job and reasons why you are right for it.

Immerse yourself in your CV; rehearse talking through your career, particularly any achievements and success to date. It is also worth noting that employers are always interested in candidates who can solve problems – think of examples which have added value to your existing employer. On paper, you may look the best candidate by a country mile but if you cannot communicate effectively your career to date, do not expect a second interview.

Read the job description thoroughly, matching your skills, knowledge and expertise to the requirements of the job and company. Recall all the positive things to day about current and past employers, managers and colleagues - never ever convey negatives about past experiences or people.

Check and double check the location, route and travel time. If necessary and time allowing try a dummy run before your interview taking in availability for parking or any potential bottlenecks.

It is also worthwhile to take contact numbers just in case you are detained along the way.

Let's keep this short and simple; if you don’t look the part by failing to dress appropriately do not expect to be invited back for a second interview.

This may sound harsh, but the moment we set eyes upon someone for the first time (and we all do it) our mind forms opinions and judgments with lightning speed. The same applies to employers who will reject unsuitably dressed applicants without a second thought. It is worth remembering that the correct image at an interview will give you a real edge over your competition. Your image will also leave a lasting impression, as memory is rooted most strongly in pictures and impressions.

For the design and advertising world these rules can be a little more relaxed but try to remember that the image you want to convey is one of reliability, trustworthiness and attention to detail.

We mentioned earlier that that the format of interviews has not really changed over the years and the same applies to the type of questions you will be asked. Be prepared for the occasional strange question but remember that all questions are designed to test your poise, character and temperament. Typically, you will probably be asked the following:

• Talk me through your career?
• Tell me about yourself?
• Why should I hire you?
• Why are you looking to leave?
• What is your biggest achievement to date?
• How would your current manager describe you?
• What are your strengths/weaknesses?
• Why do you want this job?

You’ve read the job description thoroughly, researched the organisation and immersed yourself in your CV again. Now you’re ready to knock ‘em dead and remember the more prepared and rehearsed you are will have a dramatic effect on reducing your nerves and anxiousness.

You should arrive at the location early and the interview on time. Arriving too early indicates poor timing and can possibly interrupt an interview schedule and late is not an option.

If you fail on the above two points, you will have a mountain to climb and there will be a strong chance the interviewer will not take you seriously. On the flip side, candidates who are prepared and courteous will be well on the way to a successful interview. Research indicates that HR professionals in the UK will have made up their minds within the first six minutes.

On your arrival, compose yourself, introduce yourself to the receptionist and give the name of the person you are meeting and take a few minutes to read any company literature that is available. To give yourself a psychological edge, repeat to yourself that it takes two to conduct the interview and fill the job. The pressure is on the employer to find the most suitable person and you can take any job you want.

If possible, get the interviewer to set the scene by asking him/her to describe the job, the company and the type of qualities and skills needed in the role before you start answering any questions about yourself.

Ask questions which show that you have done your homework before the interview. It will demonstrate that you already have an interest in the role/organisation and you are not there for interview practice.

Try not to be too familiar by using first names.

DO NOT - Sit down until you are asked to, show anxiety and boredom, flick imaginary pieces of dust of your clothes or sit with your arms folded. Most of all do not ask about hours, holidays, salary benefits or the possibility of having your own office!

When it is your turn to answer questions, think before you speak. If you do not understand the question that has been asked, ask the interviewer to repeat the question or to offer a bit more clarity on why they want to know that point. You will always give a more informed answer once you fully comprehend the question you are being asked.

At no point interrupt the interviewer or give over elaborate answers. Stick to the facts and be honest. An individual who demonstrates humility and integrity is instantly likeable.

Attempt to treat the interviewer with respect but as an equal and at the end of the interview, thank the interviewer for his/her time and if you are interested in the role/company let them know enthusiastically – you would be amazed how many people don’t.

If a recruitment consultancy is involved, let them know immediately how you feel, especially if you are certain the job is or is not for you. The company can then be contacted whilst you are fresh in their minds and before opinions have hardened. A 'maybe, probably not' verdict can be sometimes converted to a second interview and job offer, but only if the consultant knows the 'front runner' is not interested and the 'maybe, probably not' candidate is really keen.

Think the proposition through; double check any statements made which surprised you; decide whether it really meshes in with your career aims, If it doesn't, let them know quickly and politely with reasons why, it may be that you might meet again in different circumstances, so it is important that everyone retains an impression of you as a credible and professional applicant.

It is a testament to your performance at the first interview that you have been invited back for a second interview and you are another step closer to the job. At this stage, a company will have narrowed the field down to 1, 2 or possibly 3 candidates, sometimes you might be the only person that has been invited back. Even with the field narrowing, it’s important to ensure that you stand out above your competition.

Our advice is quite simple. Do not be complacent & do not neglect the performance of your first meeting. Think about what made you shine at the first interview and plan to do more of the same. In some respects you will need to be more informed about the role and company and how you will add value. Be even more prepared & think about any questions you had difficulty in answering at the first interview and plan how you can handle these better at this stage.

Please be aware that your second interview will most likely be more intense with more questions to answer and more people to meet, therefore, think about new information you can bring to the interview i.e. new accomplishments, more reasons why you are relevant for the role and new evidence of what you can do for your new employer.

Don’t be surprised, if the second interview is a series of mini interviews – in both individual and group formats. You may interview with department heads, line managers and more important your prospective team members. You will also meet people who are not trained interviewers, therefore be prepared for a lot of questions which you will need to answer as enthusiastically as possible.

Always remember, there is no right or wrong answer, people are trying to get a feel for your personality and they want to make sure you will compliment the team and fit into the company culture.

Also be mindful that if you aren’t a good fit you probably won’t be happy working there anyway. Remember, this is also you’re opportunity to determine whether the company is a good fit for you as well. Please make sure you take in the immediate environment, the atmosphere of the company and general attitude of your potential new colleagues. If you can hear a pin drop, it will most likely lack a positive environment and is probably not somewhere you want to be.

Do be prepared to ask more questions. You will definitely have more opportunity to ask questions in the second interview and will be expected to make more in depth inquiries than you did at the first interview. Questions about the role, future direction of the company, opportunities for career development and training are advisable. It is not advisable to ask about your Christmas bonus, holidays, working hours, choice of company car or the possibility of your own office! All of this will be outlined in your offer letter and related terms and conditions.

Money/Salary - probably be the most awkward part of the interview, not just for you but also for the interviewer. At some stage, you will be asked about your salary expectations and this is where you can potentially win or lose the chance of gaining an offer. The most sensible response is to outline your current salary and benefits package and to give some indication of what you are possibly looking for. Do not over inflate your expectations and stick to the salary guide you have been given and leave the door open for negotiation. Impress on your interviewer that it is the role and company which appeals to you most as opposed to money been the main motivating factor for your interest.

Please remember that if you are unsure about anything to contact your consultant, we have extensive experience of helping people through the process of second and sometimes third interviews and are more than willing to give you advice if needed. Most of all, good luck and remember it is a two way thing, the company wants the right person and you want you want to be sure you are making the right career move.

After days, weeks, months of searching for your ideal role, you have now achieved your objective and there will be three types of offer that you will receive.

1. The one that you will probably decline due to a disparity between your expectations and what your potential new employer thinks you are worth.

2. An offer which is within your desired salary bands and seriously worth considering.

3. The one that will make you smile and go to heaven.

Whichever it is, firstly, give yourself a pat on the back. You’ve beaten off all your competitors but now is the time to take a step back and think things through carefully.

Yes, money is important – it pays the bills but there are other elements you may want to consider.

Does is still appeal to you as much as it did at the first interview?

Is it the best possible offer you can get?

Will the company, role, people in your department, add value to your career and personal development?

Is the reputation and culture of the company in line with your expectations?

The most common form of negotiation will be about money. If you still want the job, it is probably not ideal to make a list of demands but to reiterate your interest and explain in detail why you feel the salary needs a boost. If conducted in a sensible and constructive manner will gain your respect from your new employer and it is always best to find some sort of middle ground. The best decisions are always made on some sort of rationale and gut instinct.

Once you have made your decision, accept the job verbally and if possible outline a possible start date. Never, ever resign until you have the offer in writing and it covers all the salient points such as job title, salary and related benefits.

Resigning is never easy, it is best to notify your current employer in writing and hand it to your boss and attempt to discuss things diplomatically and calmly. It makes life easier to leave in pleasant terms as you never know what will happen in the future.