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Interview tips

Preparing for the interview

Preparation is the key to a successful interview and lack of preparation is a sure way to fail. Prior to your interview it is essential that you:

  • Know the exact location of the interview, the name and title of the person or people you are meeting
  • Know the exact time of the interview as well as the amount of time it will take you to get there.
  • Research the company. Most information can be found on the companies website and additional information can be obtained from your consultant.

Things to research include:

  • What the company does
  • It’s past growth and future potential.
  • Where are its different locations
  • Any recent news relating to the company
  • Ensure you know all relevant facts about your own company

Prior to your interview it is essential that you prepare yourself for the types of questions that you are likely to be asked. Typical questions may include the following:

  • What appeals to you about this role
  • What do you want from your next position
  • What do you want from your career over the next five years
  • Which of your roles have you enjoyed most? Why?
  • What are your major weaknesses? What have you done to counter these?
  • What type of management style gets the best from you?
  • Why do you want to work for our company? What interests you about it?
  • How do you spend your spare time?
  • Most interviews will end with the question "Do you have any questions for me?"

In addition to preparing for questions you will asked it is also a good idea to prepare questions that you can ask in return. Insightful and intelligent questions show the interviewer that you have thought about the interview and that you have understood their business and the role. Questions should focus on the following areas:

  • Details of the position
  • Company culture
  • The type of people that do well within the organization
  • Training potential
  • Career potential
  • Company growth plans
  • The products and services of the company

Never discuss money with the client. Refer them back to your TRC consultant who will be in the best position to negotiate on your behalf

Dressing for the interview

Unless you have been told otherwise it is preferable to dress conservatively for an interview. Dark colours are considered more formal and are usually more suitable for an interview.

The interview

During the interview it is often helpful to remember that the interviewer wants you to be right for the job. They are not there to try and catch you out or embarrass you. Some do's and don'ts concerning the interview are:

  • Do arrive early for the interview
  • Do shake hands firmly
  • Do wait to be offered a chair before sitting
  • Do make eye contact while talking to the interviewer
  • Do keep your answers relevant to the questions asked
  • Do ask the interviewer about the role early in the interview so you are able to relate your answers to the position
  • Do answer questions clearly, concisely and thoroughly
  • Do remember that you are selling yourself
  • Do ensure the interviewer realises you are excited about the role
  • Don’t answer questions with a simple ‘yes’ or ‘no’
  • Don’t lie
  • Don’t make derogatory comments about your current or previous employers
  • Don’t ramble off the point
  • Don’t discuss politics, religion or potentially controversial subjects unless specifically asked
  • Don’t ask about salary, holidays, bonuses etc

Closing the Interview

If you are interested in the position then let the interviewer know.  Thank the interviewer for their time.  If you feel that the interview did not go well do not let this show. The interviewer may be holding their cards close to their chest and continued enthusiasm, from you may convince them that you are right for the role.

After the interview

Once you have finished the interview call your TRC Consultant to give them your initial feedback on the interview. The consultant will want to talk to you before talking to the client.

Things to watch out for

The following are the most common factors that discourage an interviewer from proceeding further with a candidate. Ensure that you avoid all of these:

  • Poor personal appearance
  • Aggressive and overbearing behavior
  • Lack of enthusiasm and interest and indifference
  • Lack of confidence and inability to express thoughts and views clearly
  • Too much focus on money
  • Evasive answering
  • Negative attitude to past employers
  • Lack of eye contact
  • Limp handshake
  • Lack of preparation for interview