Interview Techniques

Helpful Interview Tips from Quay Appointments

1. Know the exact place and time of the interview, the interviewer's full name, the correct pronunciation and his or her title
    
2. 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.
    
3. Learn pertinent facts about the company such as annual sales revenue, principal lines of business and locations by looking up their website
    
4. 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.
    
5. Take any certificates or references with you, not all employers ask for them but you will be prepared.
6. 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.
    
7. 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.
    
8. 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.
    
9. Do always conduct yourself as if you are determined to get the job you are discussing. Never close the door on opportunity.
    
10. 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.
     
11. Don't answer with a simple "yes" or "no." Explain whenever possible. Describe those things about yourself which relate to the situation.
     
12. 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.
     
13. 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.
     
14. 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.
     
15. 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.
     
16. 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
     
17. 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...

• Tell me about yourself?
• Tell me about your background, accomplishments?
• What are your strengths? Weaknesses?
• How would you describe your most recent job performance?
• What interests you about our company?
• What outside activities are most significant to your personal development?

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

• What would I be expected to accomplish in this position?
• What are the greatest challenges in this position?
• How do you think I fit the position?
• Remember a lack of questions may be mistaken as a lack of interest!!!

Negative factors evaluated by an interviewer

• Personal appearance which is less than professional.
• Overbearing, overaggressive or egotistical behaviour.
• No positive purpose.
• Lack of interest and enthusiasm – passive and indifferent.
• Lack of confidence and poise; nervousness.
• Overemphasis on compensation.
• Evasiveness; making excuses for unfavourable factors in work history.
• Lack of tact, maturity and courtesy.
• Condemnation of past employers, managers, projects or technologies.
• Inability to maintain a conversation.
• Lack of commitment to fill the position at hand.
• Failure to ask questions about the position.
• Persistent attitude of "What can you do for me?"
• Lack of preparation for interview – failure to get information about the company, resulting in inability to ask intelligent questions.