• Home
• Job Sectors
• Office Services
• Interview Advice

Specialist Interview Advice

Preparation is key to achieving success in a job interview. The basic information should be based around the company, the role, you and how you'll shine and add real value to the organisation. Search consultants go through an in-depth interview preparation meeting with all applicants we arrange an interview for. We want to give you the very best chance to demonstrate the key skills you have to your prospective employer!

The basic rules to follow are:

• Prepare and practice your competency-based answers
• Understand the company and the job role - what can you offer that's transferrable?
• Know where you're going and who you're seeing

Interviews are a crucial part of the recruitment process for all organisations. Their purpose is to give the interviewer(s) a chance to assess your suitability for the role and for you to demonstrate your abilities and personality. As this is a two-way process, it is also a good opportunity for you to ask questions and to make sure the organisation and position are right for you.

Be prepared

• Know how to get to the venue and how long the journey will take.
• How long will the interview last?
• What format will the interview take?
• Will there be any tests or group exercises?
• Do you need to take or prepare anything specific?
• Read your CV or application form again thinking specifically about the qualities the employer may be looking for. Work out how you can successfully demonstrate these to the interviewer(s) and how you can sell yourself.

How to impress

• Dress appropriately. It is important to look smart for your interview, but you also need to feel comfortable so that you can relax. You should wear a suit or equivalent business wear unless otherwise advised.
• Arriving a few minutes early will give you time to collect your thoughts.
• Shake hands with the interviewer(s) at the beginning and end of the interview.
• Maintain good eye contact. If you have more than one person interviewing you, look at the person asking the question when you reply but glance at the other interviewers from time to time.
• Try to smile (where appropriate).
• Good posture and a friendly expression will indicate that you have a positive approach.

The interview

• Listen carefully to the question and try to give concise answers supported with relevant examples/evidence of your skills.
• Avoid answering simply "yes" or "no".
• Don't be afraid to ask for clarification if a question is not clear.
• Speak clearly and loud enough for the interviewer(s) to hear, and try not to speak too fast.