INTERVIEW TIPS & ADVICE ON SECURING THAT IDEAL JOB

Finding a new job is not easy, getting to interview stage and receiving that well-deserved job offer is even harder. That’s why it’s incredibly important you prepare for your interview thoroughly, which will hopefully give you the best possible chance of securing that new job.

Below you will find some interview advice and a few key tips, which will help you on your way to having that successful interview.

INTERVIEW PREPARATION

Why leave a job interview to chance with the hope your smile will get you through. From experience the best interviewees prepare. Preparation is the key to any successful interview, you will feel naturally more confident and your knowledge of the company will impress any interviewer.

To help you prepare properly for that ideal job interview we’ve listed some general key points and guidance notes you should follow before and during the interview process.

THE VACANCY

Find out as much as you can about the job vacancy, as it’s no good showing up to the job interview with no real ideal of what is expected of you, should you get the job.

Below are a few areas you should look into regarding the job vacancy:

• Sources for gaining information on the vacancy include: Job Ads, Company Web Sites and most importantly your Recruitment Consultant.

• Make sure you are aware of all the duties involved with the position.

• Find out team / department size.

• Who would you report to?

• Are there any people / departments under your management or you need to liaise with?

• How did this position arise?

COMPANY RESEARCH

The company you’re interviewing at is a house hold name or you may have never heard of them before. Either way you can’t assume anything. It is always best to look up the company, even if they’re a well know brand, and find out as much about them as possible.

Below are a few areas you should look into regarding company research:

• Sources for Information on the company's background include: Company Brochures, Web Sites, News Reports, Annual Report of Accounts and most importantly your Recruitment Consultant.

• Industry Sector.

• Company history.

• How long have they been trading?

• Size of turnover.

• Size of company (employees).

• How many other locations are they based at?

• Types of Products / Services / Clients / Customers they deal with. 

THE INTERVIEW

You’ve done your research on the job vacancy and found out what you can about the company. You feel confident and excited about the possible prospect of finding a new job. However, don’t let yourself down on the actual day of the interview.

Below are a few areas you should look into regarding the actual day of the job interview:

• Confirm the exact address of where the interview will be held.

• Plan your journey so you arrive at least 15 to 20 minutes early.

• Find out whom to ask for when you arrive at the interview.

• If you’re driving to the interview find out if there is parking onsite. If not allocate some extra time to find a parking space in the local area.

• Find out the format of the interview i.e.:

• How long will it last.

• How many people will you meet at the interview (try to get names & job titles)?

• Are there any tests involved?

• Make sure you have a few questions ready at the end of interview.

• Be prepared for any questions the interviewer may ask you. 

GENERAL INTERVIEW TIPS & ADVICE

Every job interview is different and every interviewer has a different style on how they conduct interviews. However, there is one thing to always bear in mind, not matter what type of interview you’re attending and that is to always prepare.

Below are a few extra areas you should consider regarding your job interview:

• Do not have a cigarette directly before your interview.

• Greet your interviewers with a firm handshake and warm smile.

• Sit up right in the chair. Do not slouch.

• Do not interrupt the interviewer.

• Answer any questions with a factual answer and to the point. Do not try to answer any questions if you are not sure of the answer.

• Speak clearly and with confidence.

• At the end of the interview, thank your interviewers for their time and mention that you are looking forward to hearing from them in the near future.

• Tell them if you are interested in the position.

FINAL NOTE

We hope you’ve found these job interview tips and guidance notes useful. Remember it can be stressful interviewing, but you can relieve a lot of that stress by preparing properly, which will also give you the best possible opportunity of securing that new job.

Identi Recruitment would like to wish the best possible luck in your future job interviews, which will hopefully lead to a great job offer.