INTERVIEW GUIDELINES

This may be the first interview you’ve been to for years or it might be the third this week. Whatever it is it’s important that you prepare for your interview and then present yourself properly. These are some basic guidelines to help you.

BEFORE THE INTERVIEW

1. Plan your journey. Know where, when and who you are going to see. Plan to arrive at least 10-20 minutes beforehand so you can relax and not arrive in a sweat! If travelling by train catch the earlier one, but know when the next one goes as well. If going by car think where you are going to park and have change for the ticket machine.
2. Have your mobile fully charged with all the contact numbers you need (company, agency etc) in case of problems or delays.
3. Find out as much as you can about the company and role. Call the company if necessary and request information to be sent to you, though we will endeavour to provide you with everything we can. Your local library may also be a source of information.
4. Make sure you look the part. Wear suitable smart clothes whilst having tidy hair and appearance. Ladies (and gents!) should not wear too much jewellery nor make up.
5. Take a copy of your CV with you read through it thoroughly since it may be a while since you wrote it! Also take along any job brief that you may have.
6. Prepare positive answers for questions that you may be asked. What motivates you? What annoys you? What weaknesses do you have? (Everyone has some sort of weakness, so explain how you over come it) Where do you want to be in 2 years? 5 years? Why do you want to leave present job? What attracts you to this role/company? What could you offer or bring with you to this company? etc
7. Prepare questions that you want to ask career prospects, training, reporting lines, targets, budgets, exhibitions, rivals, staffing etc.

THE INTERVIEW ITSELF

1. Relax.
2. Give a nice, firm handshake and use the interviewer's name e.g. 'Pleased to meet you Mr/Mrs Smith or Mike/Linda.'
3. Make sure that your body language gives out positive signals. Smile, keep eye-to-eye contact. Try not to cross you legs or arms. Relax in the chair but don't be too laid back!
4. If offered tea, coffee or water, accept at least the water - don't turn down their hospitality! Besides, if you have a difficult question and need time to think, having a sip is a good delay tactic!
5. Answer questions clearly, precisely and as honestly as you can. Don't waffle. If you don't understand something ask the interviewer what they mean. If you can't give a direct answer try to delay it and come back to it later.
6. Be enthusiastic! No one likes a ‘moaning minnie’ and this could after all be a life-changing move for you!
7. Enjoy the interview. It's a two-way process they are on trial as well as you!
8. At the end of the interview it’s always great to ask if there are any concerns that they have which you could clear up for them now. You can also ask them about what the next stage is and when is it likely to happen.
9. Finally shake their hand firmly again and thank Mr/Mrs Smith for their time.

AFTER THE INTERVIEW

If you’ve gone through an agency then let them know how you got on, what you thought etc as soon as you can. Tell them about any concerns or any other questions you might have forgotten or thought of after leaving. They will be in touch with the company and pass these on for you as well as get some feedback – that’s what they’re there for so make them do their job if necessary!

If you’ve gone directly to a company then you can always drop them a quick email or letter thanking them for their time and stating that you’re looking forward to hearing from them.

GOOD LUCK

Need advice on how to put together an effective CV that properly sells you? Go to ‘useful information’

More career advice can be found at at www.b3jobs.co.uk

More career advice can be found at:

www.b3jobs.co.uk/pages/useful_information.asp

B 3 Recruitment Ltd

Suites 5 & 8 Heffle Buildings, 33A High St, Heathfield TN21 8HU

T: 01435866000

W: www.b3jobs.co.uk