Whatever your level of experience take nothing for granted. To help here's some tips to ensure you do yourself justice.
You know that you should dress formally for a job interview, whatever the environment as it shows that you are making an effort. If you don't have a smart outfit there is still no excuse given the amount of retail bargains for all manner of business clothing.
If you are working through a good recruitment consultancy like ours, then you will expect to be fully prepared for the day on every aspect of the interview. If not, you must find out as much about the company as possible and also their industry in general.
Although every interview is unique, there is a standard format that most interviews follow:
Interviews generally start in a relaxed manner. Your interviewer will introduce themselves and then usually break the ice by asking about something trivial such as the weather or your journey. During this part of the interview, it is important to make a good general impression - remember that first impressions count! Try to come across as alert, interested and friendly.
The interviewer will need to review information on your CV, or ask you to expand upon it. A typical question in this section of the interview is 'You say that you worked for X for 3 years - could you tell me a little more about that?' Avoid giving short, factual answers to these questions - elaborate on your responses, so that you talk about your strengths and what you have learned through your previous experience.
This is probably the most important part of the interview. The interviewer will ask open-ended or probing questions in order to find out your strengths and weaknesses. Likewise, any decent candidate will have already prepared questions ahead on the ins & outs of the job being interviewed form the operation, what needs to be achieved etc.
It is essential that you in turn prepare and ask good quality, relevant open ended questions on the role and the company. Equally important is the need for you to make good eye contact, show enthusiasm and towards the end let them know that you are keen on the role. If you feel confident ask how you performed! End
After you have asked your questions, the interview usually draws to a close. The interviewer should explain what happens next - when and how you will find out if you have been successful. If they do not tell you, then you should ask. If it is an interview that a consultant has sent you to then ring after the interview to pass on your feedback.
GOOD LUCK!
Strive UK wide coverageRemote working across the UK. Please contact the team via: T: 0161 477 7555 E: strive@strive.co.uk
Strive Monmouth Office Main Office Stable Cottage,Wyastone Business Park, Wyastone Leys, Monmouth, NP25 3SR T: 01633 980 445 E: strive@strive.co.uk