Interview Techniques

Helpful Interview Tips from Quay Appointments

Know the exact place and time of the interview, the interviewer's full name, the correct pronunciation and his or her title

Plan your route and start off early – Do a practice run if you are not sure. Should you be delayed, ring your consultant immediately so we can try to re arrange a suitable time for you. It is also essential to let us know, prior to interview, if you decide not to attend for any reason.

Learn pertinent facts about the company such as annual sales revenue, principal lines of business and locations by looking up their website

First impressions count – good presentation is essential, dress smartly and in keeping with the type of company you are approaching, this also applies to make up and jewellery.

The interview is a two-way meeting, find an opportunity to mention key points about yourself, be positive about your achievements and what you feel you would contribute to the company. Remember at interviews you have to SELL YOURSELF.

If presented with an application, do fill it out neatly and completely. Don't rely on your application or resume to do the selling for you. Interviewers will want you to speak for yourself.

Greet the employer with a warm smile and firm handshake. Walk in confidently and make eye contact. Sit when invited, don’t slouch and fold your arms – it makes you look nervous.

Do always conduct yourself as if you are determined to get the job you are discussing. Never close the door on opportunity.

Do show enthusiasm. If you are interested in the opportunity, enthusiastic feedback can enhance your chances of being further considered. If you are not interested, your responsiveness will still demonstrate your professionalism.

Don't answer with a simple "yes" or "no." Explain whenever possible. Describe those things about yourself which relate to the situation

Don't make unnecessary derogatory remarks about your present or former employers. Obviously, there were issues or else you would not have left a prior company or be looking to leave a present employer. However, when explaining your reasons for leaving, limit your comments to those necessary to adequately communicate your rationale.

Don't inquire about salary, vacations, bonuses, retirement, etc. on the initial interview your consultant will be able to give you advice on these matters.

If you are interested in the position, let the interviewer know. If you feel the position is attractive and you want it, be a good salesperson and say something like: "I'm very impressed with what I've seen here today; your company, its products and the people I've met. I am confident I could do an excellent job in the position you've described to me." The interviewer will be impressed with your enthusiasm.

If you get the impression that the interview is not going well and that you have already been rejected, don't let your discouragement show. Once in a while an interviewer who is genuinely interested in you may seem to discourage you as a way of testing your reaction.

Thank the interviewer for his or her time and consideration. If you have answered the two questions – "Why are you interested in this position?" and "What can you offer?" – you have done all you can.

Don't be too discouraged if no immediate commitment is made. The interviewer will probably want to communicate with other people in the company or possibly interview more candidates before making a decision.

Be prepared to answer such questions as...

Questions relevant to the position you are interviewing for:

• Why do you want to work here?
• How do you feel you can help or add value to our company / organisation?
• What do you expect in this position that you were not getting in your past positions?
• Are there any questions you would like to ask about the position / company?
• Are you considering any other positions?
• How do you think you would fit in with our firm? Why?
• What do you know about our company

Questions about your current or previous position:

• How did / do you like working at … (last company)? Why?
• In your last position, how much of the work did you do on your own, and how much as   part of a team? Which did you enjoy more?
• In your last / current position what has been your level of autonomy in decision making
• Why do you want to leave your present company?
• Does your present employer know you are planning to leave?
• What did you like best about your last / present position?

Questions about yourself:

• Are you considering other positions at this time? How does this one compare with them?
• What does success mean to you? How do you judge it / measure it?
• What are the things that motivate you?
• What do you feel is your greatest strength?
• What are some of your weaknesses / areas for development?
• What do you think management could do to make you function more effectively as an employee?
• What else do you think I should know about you?
• What are your financial needs? What is the minimum salary you would accept? What salary do you feel you are worth? What is your salary history?
• What are you looking for in a position?
• Do you enjoy working independently or as a member of a team?
• Are you creative? Give an example
• Are you analytical? Give an example
• How would you describe your personality?
• Do you think your status and salary reflect your true abilities?
• How would you describe your ideal manager?

Questions about your past:

• What have you done to improve yourself during the last year?
• Tell me about your greatest achievement / disappointment in life
• What are some of the more difficult problems you have encountered in your past positions? How did you solve them?
• Tell me about the worst manager you have ever had
• If you were starting your career all over again, which field would you choose?

Questions about your future:

• What are your short / long range goals?
• How long would you expect to stay with us?

And be prepared to ASK questions, such as......

• Can you give me a detailed description of the position? If you don’t already have one
• Why has the position become available?
• What is the culture of the company?
• What induction programme is there?
• What type of person has previously been successful in the company and why?
• What potential for development is there for someone who demonstrates ability and achievement in this role?
• What plans does the company have for future development?
• Which are the company's best selling products or services?
• What is the next step in the selection process?
• What are the greatest challenges in this position?
• How do you think I fit the position?

Second Interview Questions:

The second interview will often focus on different areas to the first and preparation should be adapted accordingly. Below are some examples of questions that you could be asked:

• Why would joining us be a good move for you?
• Why should we take you on?
• What can you bring to our company?
• Why should we offer you the position and not the other candidate?
• What have you found out about our company since our initial meeting?
• If I were to offer you this position, what would you say?

What happens next:

Do not leave the interview until you know what happens next and when it is likely to happen. Not only does this show you are interested and motivated, it may also enable you to get that essential information for the next stage. Who will you be seeing, what is their name and position title, how do they fit into the selection process.

After the interview:

Lastly, and most importantly, call your Consultant immediately after the interview to explain what happened. The Consultant will want to speak with you before the interviewer calls.

Learning from the interview:

Even if you don’t get the position you can treat the interview as a learning opportunity. Ask yourself the following questions:

• How did it go?
• What went well?
• How does the role /company fit with your interests and career aspirations
• What did not go well?
• What was difficult?
• What did I learn?
• What will I do differently next time?
• How can I follow up?