CY Partners - Interview Tips

Many people struggle at interview even though they are the most experienced and best qualified candidate for the job. An interview is your opportunity to prove yourself and you will be unlikely to escape them.

Here are some useful tips to performing well at interview:

Before the interview

Good preparation creates confidence. It is therefore very important before an interview to be well prepared.

Plan your journey in advance and always allow yourself at least an extra half hour.

Dress appropriately - Even if the environment in which you will be working is casual, you need to show that you are making an effort. Dress formerly as smart clothes and grooming will make a good first impression on your interviewer.

Research as much as you can about the company - products, services, markets, competitors, trends, current activities, priorities.

Write down and practice possible questions - such as why do you want the job? What are your strengths and weaknesses at work?

Prepare some questions that you want to ask the company. This shows that you have done your homework about the organisation and the specific role.

Check also the format of the interview - for example will there be any personality or skills testing?

Read through your application form and or CV. It is very important that you are able to talk about these in detail.

During the interview

You never get a second chance to make a first impression.

Be nice to everyone you meet from the Receptionist onwards; you never know who might have a say in your appointment.

Smile! This helps to build rapport.

Make eye contact (but don't hold it for too long or you could make the interviewer feel uncomfortable!)

Don't look too relaxed, sit upright.

Answer questions in a positive manner and don't be afraid to ask for further explanations if the question is unclear.

Don't interrupt the interviewers - although they may interrupt you.

Make sure you talk to everyone if it is a panel interview rather than directing your answers at 1 or 2 people only.

Find out as much as you can about the job - how else will you be able to decide if they make you an offer?

Ensure you demonstrate an ability to fit in and get on well with other people, ensuring you avoid any suggestion of laziness.

Don't criticise current or previous employers.

Thank the interviewer for his/her time and reiterate your keenness on the role.

After the interview

Learn from your mistakes - make a list of the questions you answered well and those you answered poorly.

Prepare for the next stage of the recruitment process and ensure you are aware of what it entails.

Don't be afraid to ask for feedback if you don't get the job. Good employers are increasingly geared up for this. Also, you may want to apply to this organisation again and it shows you are still interested.