Successful job interview and 4 things to remember

So, your CV has made it through and you are invited to an interview. This is a great step. But how do you prove you are the right person for the role? At YourRecruit, we give you an in-depth preparation to raise your chance for a successful job interview. Here are a few steps we suggest to our candidates:

Always look at the company’s website and make sure you are familiar with the contents, as you will be asked what you know in the interview.

Never tell another agency where you are going to your interview as this will only increase your chances of competition.   No matter what, keep your interview details confidential at all times.

If the client asks you how much you want to earn, never quote higher than the role is paying.  This is a common mistake and you will pay dearly by missing out on a job offer.  The client does not want someone who they can’t afford and if you quote a higher salary than they are paying they will automatically think that you will not be in the job role long and move on quickly to pastures new, where you can earn more money – do not do this!

Research the company who you are having the interview at and make sure you know who their competitors are; this is a question that pops up from time to time and could be a deal breaker if you don’t know the answer.

Increase your chances of giving a great interview in 4 easy steps:

Likeability

Likeability is as important as academic achievements and work experience, so…

• Find something you genuinely like about the organisation and let your opinion be known
• Feel free to give a genuine compliment to the interviewer
• Chat about a non-job-related topic that you and the interviewer find interesting (beware not to over talk just hit that happy medium)
• Be interested in them – ask what type of person they are looking for and how the position fits into the overall organisation.  You may want to keep this until the end when you will no doubt be asked if you have any questions
• Be enthusiastic about the position and the organisation
• Smile and maintain eye contact with the interviewer(s), give a firm handshake before and after the interview

Weaknesses

When you do have weaknesses, don’t wait until late in the interview to reveal them.  Instead, give your credibility a boost by getting them into the conversation towards the start of the interview.  And remember, for positive aspects, modesty is vital, so retain something strong until the very last minute.

Mistakes

If you make what seems like a major mistake, don’t overreact.  The chances are that it is far more noticeable to you than others and your excessive response or apologising could just draw more attention to it.  Instead, acknowledge it if appropriate, and continue as if nothing has happened.

Your appearance

Make sure you dress appropriately for the interview, for ladies tie long hair back and remove any piercings for the interview and make sure that you wear hosiery if you have a skirt on, even on a hot day.

For the men, check your shoes are clean and if possible wear a suit and tie and again remove any piercings.

Remember to either pop into our office or telephone following the interview to let us know how it went so that we can give your feedback to the client

Most importantly, don’t be nervous, smile and enjoy yourself that way the client will see the real you and can make an informed decision based on that.