Preparation

Before your interview make sure that you have found out as much information as possible about the company you are seeing. Find out what they do, who their clients and competitors are and what is their current performance. Look at their website, read their annual report and find press reports about them. Take the time to prepare as much as possible.

Ensure you know exactly where you have to go for the interview and allow plenty of time to get there.

You should dress smartly; remember that first impressions count and your image could therefore get you off to a good start.

The Interview

• When meeting the interviewer give a pleasant natural smile and a firm handshake
• Sit comfortably, rest your hands on your lap, avoid fiddling
• Answer questions in a confident and clear manner, avoid waffling. If you're unsure of a question clarify with the interviewer what they want to know. Don't be afraid to pause and consider the answer, rather than jumping in
• Maintain eye contact
• Look interested and indicate that you're listening
• Accept a drink only if you want one. A glass of water may be easier to handle than a cup and saucer
• Make sure that you have prepared questions in advance. Write them down if you are afraid of forgetting them

Consider how you'd answer the following typical questions:

• Tell me about yourself
• What are your strengths?
• What are your weaknesses?
• What are your long-term career aspirations?
• How do you manage a team?
• What interests you about the role we have to offer / our company?
• Describe your communication style
• Why are you leaving your current position?
• Describe your greatest achievement in your current/last position
• Describe the greatest challenge which you have faced in the last position. How did you handle it?

Things to avoid:

• A limp handshake
• Being unprepared and having no knowledge of the company or position
• Speaking badly of your current employer
• Coming across in a know it all way
• Being aggressive
• Focussing on the remuneration
• Coming across as unenthusiastic and disinterested
• Waffling or being evasive and avoiding answering the question

For more advice, please contact one of our experienced consultants.