Interview tips from Clever Recruitment

 

preparation

 

The key to a good interview.  Research the company, their clients, their work, their competition.  Make sure you fully understand what they’re looking for in the job spec.  If in doubt, ask your recruitment consultant.

 

planning

 

Get to the venue with time to spare. This will calm you and allow for travel hold-ups.  Make sure you take the number of the company with you and, if you are going to be late, telephone to let them know.

 

image

 

90% of lasting impressions are made in the first 90 seconds.  Find out the dress code and, if in doubt, dress in a business suit / skirt and shirt.

 

think

 

Really think about your answers to interview questions before you even get through the door.  Prepare answers to typical questions such as strengths, weaknesses.  Tell the truth – it may be tempting to embellish your experience but it will always come back to bite you later on!

 

body language

 

50% of the impact from the messages received by others is non-verbal.  Make enough eye contact to show you are confident.  Smile – when appropriate, it will relax you.  Handshake – too limp and it may appear weak, too hard and it may be read as aggressive.  Posture – stand tall and don’t slouch.

 

listen

 

Ensure you understand questions and answer what has been asked. Take care not to ramble.

 

positivity

 

Have a positive attitude and show enthusiasm.  Know your goals and really think about what your interviewer is looking for in a candidate.

 

conversation

 

Make sure the interview flows like a conversation, not an interrogation.  Make sure you ask plenty of intelligent, researched questions.  Is the company is the right fit for you as well as you being the right fit for the company?