Interview Tips

Before the Interview

The key to interview success is spending adequate time in preparation. With the right amount of work put in before hand, you will be able to manage the interview confidently. Some key points to get you ready include:

• It is important that you have a clear understanding of the role you are being interviewed for. Ask for a description of the role in advance of the interview so you can prepare your approach to selling your experience and skills, which match the job requirements.
• Find out who will be interviewing you and what their roles are. Consider what focus each of the interviewers will have and prepare to sell yourself to your best advantage.
• Ask what format the interview will take. Be aware that there is no such thing as an informal interview – you are still being assessed if you are only having a “quick chat”- prepare regardless!
• Ask if the employer organisation has a competency framework and will be used during the interview. Ask for a copy so you can prepare your answers accordingly.
• Know your CV inside out. Make a list of your key experiences and achievements that you want to highlight and which match the requirements of the job. Where at all possible practice answers which quantify the value you added to your previous employers, for example costs saved, revenue created etc.
• Practice and rehearse your answers with a friend who can give you immediate feedback on your approach
• Research the company well. Check out their website.

Interview Day

• Arrive on time. Make sure you allow enough time for traffic/parking etc.
• Relax as much as you can while you wait to be called
• Maintain positive body language once you walk into the room. Remember to:
  • Greet and shake the interviewers hands
  • Sit comfortably into the chair and watch your posture – no slouching!
  • Maintain eye contact with the interviewers throughout
• When answering questions remember they should be phrased in the first person using “I” and should contain specific examples of what you did and what you achieved.
• Thank the interviewers at the end and reiterate your enthusiasm for the role. Don’t forget to ask them what the next steps will be i.e. will there be a second round of interviews, when will you know if you have been successful.

After the Interview

• Once you have completed the interview take some time to assess your performance – this is a good way of using your experience to perfect your interviewing skills. Ask yourself:

1. What did I do well?
2. How could I have improved my performance?
3. What questions caused me difficulty?
4. Did I manage to include all the positive aspects of my abilities into my answers?
5. Was I confident?
• Follow up with the agency, giving them feedback on how you felt it went. Ask them to provide feedback on your interview as soon as they receive it.