Interview Tips

The Interview

The interview is considered to be one of the least effective methods of recruitment, yet at the senior level, it is often the only method you will be faced with.  It is therefore very important that you focus your mind on your objectives and prepare well for the process since as in all things relating to business, preparation and planning are keys to success.  You only get one chance to make a first impression and this can influence the conduct of the whole interview. Behavioural psychologists call it the halo (or horns) effect.

• Dress code. Make sure your appearance is clean, smart and businesslike, even if the company has a dress down policy.
• Be alert, smile and try to relax as soon as possible.
• Maintain eye contact throughout the process.
• Try to avoid irritating mannerisms such as playing with a pen or tapping on the desk.
• Try to anticipate the less obvious questions you may be asked about your skills and achievements, then reinforce your replies by giving tangible examples. If you need a moment to think about your response, do not be afraid to reply with "thats a very interesting question, I'd like a moment to think about that", or ask for the question to be repeated, then answer as directly as possible. The idea is to try and impart as much information as you can about what you have done and how you can contribute, so make sure you have quantifiable evidence to back up your answers.

In summary:

• Plan and prepare well.
• You only have a limited time to demonstrate your skills and personal qualities.
• Use the same powerful, precise and concise wording in your responses as you put in your CV.
• Listen carefully.
• Be concise in your response and do not digress. There is nothing more irritating than listening to a mass of waffle or unnecessary detail.
• At the end of the interview, ask if there is anything else they need to know, or that you have not covered properly, and ask what the next step is if this has not already been covered.