Interview Guide
For some of our candidates, interviews will be a really exciting opportunity. For many, this is the worst possible experience! It may have been ages since you have been interviewed and you simply have no idea what you are going to say, and what the interview may ask you.
Many of these difficulties and concerns can be overcome by research, preparation and rehearsal. Working through careful research with your consultant, will be particularly helpful to you when you gain your first interview via Maloy & Flynn Recruitment.
This booklet will help you with your preparation for your interview, enabling you to make the most of yourself and to put in your most striking performance that may get you that job!
Preparation
Read and re-read the job specification
Find out as much as you can about the Company. Your Consultant will have details.
Make a list of the qualities the interviewer is likely to be looking for.
For example: the ability to get on with customers, able to work quickly etc…
Make a list of your own strengths and weaknesses in relation to this particular job. Can you turn any of your weaknesses into strengths?
For example: “I’ve never worked with Excel spread sheets but I’m willing to learn.”
Make a list of the reasons why you want this job.
Think of the questions you are likely to be asked and your answers to them.
Think of the things you would like to ask.
Once you have all the information on the job you are going for, you will need to prepare yourself for the interview.
Interviews are more than just ‘question and answer’ sessions. A lot of the interview is about how you present yourself. Looking and feeling the part will help you (and will) convey to the interviewer the fact that you are businesslike, professional and enthusiastic.
It is also important that you realize how influential body language can be at an interview.
Research has shown that in terms of first impressions:
55% is based on appearance
38% on tone of voice
7% only on what is actually said
Looking and sounding the part is critical
Listening
For you, it is particularly valuable in an interview to develop the skill of really listening. This skill has important benefits:
Listening not only concentrates the mind, making you feel less nervous, you show the interviewer that you are accepting what they have to say is important and valuable to you. Since the interviewer is talking about your job and their company, it is a good idea that you are seen to be interested!
Employers will give you clues about what they are looking for
If you have questions to ask the answers may be given during the interview. If you are listening well you can then reflect this back at the stage in the interview when they ask if you have any questions.
Preparing Your Answers
The questions below are nearly always asked at interviews. Before the interview it is often beneficial for you and your interviewer to jot down your answers to these questions. By having a fair idea of what you are going to be asked and by rehearsing your answers, will give you greater confidence during the interview.
How you see yourself?
Tell me about yourself? Or how would you describe yourself?
What are your strengths/weaknesses?
(Impress the interviewer by saying that you look upon weaknesses as challenges you seek to work on, not bad points!)
How do you behave in a crisis/when under pressure?
What motivates you?
How you see and interact with others?
What sort of people do you like working with?
How have you handled a difficult colleague/boss in the past?
How well do you fit into a team?
Your current/previous job?
What was the most interesting/rewarding project you’ve ever done?
What did you find most difficult in your job?
How did you overcome the difficulty?
How do you handle criticism?
Why did you leave your last job? Why are you leaving your current job?
Why have you changed jobs so often? /Why have you stayed so long with one employer?
What you want from your job?
What do you see as the next step in your career?
What are your long-term aims? Where do you see yourself in the next five to ten years?
What are the most important factors you require in a job?
Research and fitting in?
What do you know about this company?
Why do you wish to work for this company?
What makes you think you will fit in?
Personal Development?
What training have you done in the last year?
How do you keep up to date with changes in technology?
Outside Work?
What are your hobbies and interests?
Telephone Interviews
Telephone interviews are an increasing part of the recruitment process in the UK.
Whilst it would be unusual for an actual employer to use telephone interviews, the concept has been used well and for many companies, it is certainly cost effective. With many advertised vacancies attracting hundreds of CV responses there is the need to pull down from a long short-list to a ‘short’ short-list.
If your consultant tells you to expect a telephone interview, it is beneficial to you to keep your CV at hand, any information the consultant has given about the job, and any company details.
Avoid distractions; background noise may irritate both you and the interviewer. For example, being interviewed on your mobile whilst at Waterloo Station will do you no favours!
Sit comfortably at a desk or table, and keep a pen and notepad by your side to take notes.
Where possible, always make sure that it is appropriate for you to take the call – for example, a telephone call during office hours may be less private.
Remember, as with all interviews –
Smile – sound positive, bright and cheery
Keep your answers concise and to the point
Speak clearly, with confidence, slightly slower than usual
Salary Negotiation
In all applications for a job through Maloy & Flynn Recruitment Ltd, your consultant would have normally specified your required salary with the company before the interview. In some cases however, salary is negotiable and although the consultant would have indicated your salary requirements, the interviewer may raise the subject of salary. Points to remember are:
Avoid being the first to raise the subject of salary. Let the interviewer bring up the topic.
If, early in the interview, you are asked to name the salary level you want, don’t give a figure. Seek to have the matter deferred for later discussion, when the responsibilities and duties of the job have been discussed.
Never talk of your needs – always talk of the worth of the job – how valuable is the job to you in terms of developing your skills and learning new skills?
Never accept or reject an offer on the spot – unless you are 100% sure - always take it always to think it over afterwards – and discuss it with your consultant.
Interview Check List
Find out what you can about the job and company
Anticipate and prepare for difficult questions
Prepare some relevant questions to ask the interviewer
Get a good nights sleep the night before the interview
Dress in a professional manner – feel comfortable
Give yourself plenty of time to get to your interview
Be observant while in reception – read any company literature
Remember a firm hand shake
Always move the chair – make it your “space”
Do not sit directly in front of your interviewer-sit obliquely
Be interested at all times
Know when to stop talking, but avoid Yes/No answers
Show thought prior to answering questions – a pause is golden
Ask a question at the end of your answer – keep the flow
Never put down your previous boss or company
Don’t be modest – likewise, don’t be over boastful
Be aware of when the interview is coming to an end
Be keen!
Thank the interviewer for seeing you.
Questions?
Standard Questions
How was your journey?
Tell me a little about yourself?
What was your last company like?
Previous Position and Achievements?
What do you consider your main strengths?
What do you consider your main weaknesses?
What was most enjoyable about your previous job?
What would your previous boss say about you?
Your Character?
How do you handle stress?
How do you deal with conflict at work?
What are your outside interests?
The Big Questions?
Why should I give the job to you?
After the Interview
Remember to call your Maloy & Flynn Recruitment Consultant, as soon as possible following the interview. We will need to have your feedback and any extra questions you may like us to ask on your behalf.
The earlier we have your feedback, the earlier we can get feedback from the client.
Always be as honest and frank as possible with your consultant. Voice any doubts you may have straight away. If you are offered the position we want to be sure that you are 100% happy with the job role should you accept.
Remember – we are here to help.
Good Luck!!!
Maloy & Flynn Recruitment