Interview Advice

This section contains information on interview technique, frequently asked questions and general advice.

The interview is the final hurdle to finding a new position, however many people let themselves down, through poor preparation and lack of thought. Every interview is different, however if you follow the advice outlined below, it is unlikely you will come across any nasty surprises at interview.

General Interview Advice

Prepare thoroughly! Research the Company, position, marketplace and competition before going to interview.

This will also help you prepare for any testing questions.

Dress smartly for interview, do not take any risks by wearing high fashion items, or comedy ties/socks. Make sure you arrive for the interview in plenty of time, hopefully so that you can freshen up and relax beforehand.

Be polite and friendly to anyone you meet, especially prospective team members/colleagues.

Technique

There is much more to an interview these days than looking smart and a firm hand shake.

Many positions today have specific competencies assigned to them, and the interview will normally mirror this, with specific and targeted questioning aimed at testing these competencies.

Therefore, always answer the question. Make sure the answer is relevant to your application, and highlights your skills, strengths and achievements. Preparation for the interview hopefully will have prepared you for such questioning and you will have relevant, commercially oriented answers that add to the value of your application.

Try to keep your answers to a manageable length. In an 1 hour interview, you do not want to spend 30 minutes answering one relatively simple question.

Try to maintain positive body language, show interest in the proceedings, be courteous and polite and convey the impression you are interested in the position and Company.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why do you want to join this job/company?

What have you found out about our Company/brands?

What skills do you think are necessary for this role?

Why should we employ you?

What added value can you bring?

What do you like/dislike about your current job?

Why are you looking to change positions?

What size of company do you feel you would best fit into?

What are your major strengths/weaknesses?

How have you improved on your weaknesses?

What have been your major career achievements?

What has been the biggest work problem you have overcome?

What is your management style?

Can you demonstrate developing another person?

Example of when you have acted on your own initiative?

What would your boss say about you?

What motivates you?

Useful Questions to Ask

It is also useful to ask considered and relevant questions at interview.

Examples of which, are:-

Who does the role report to?

Who will report to me?

How is the Company performing?

What major projects are you developing?

What are the chances of promotion?

What will my duties be?

How will my performance be measured?

What is the next step and when?

Where are you currently in the strategic plan?

What difficulties as a business have you had to overcome this year?

What is the growth/strategy/new product development over the next 3 years?

How would you describe the culture of your Company?

Close! No matter how successful an individual you are, do not forget to ask for the job!