Open 8am - 8pm . Mon - Fri . Manchester 0161 485 8888 . London 0207 838 9777
Do:
- Be on time and nice to everyone from receptionist onwards.
- Make the most of your research - mention some of the facts you have gleaned from the media, company web site etc.
- If interviewed by a panel, make sure you talk to everyone rather than directing answers at one or two people only.
- Find out as much as you can about the job - how else will you be able to decide if they make you an offer? For example, you should want to know who the job reports to and why it has become vacant.
Don't:
- Be late; try to arrive ten minutes early.
- Criticise current or previous employers.
- Answer a question with another question.
- Interrupt the interviewers - although they may interrupt you.
- Leave without finding out when you will hear if you have made it to the next round of the recruitment process and what that entails.
The secret of interview success lies in preparation, so its worth spending a little time doing your homework to make it a positive experience.
Preparation
- Research the organisation and its business sector - look at the web site, read the annual report, read at least one decent broadsheet newspaper each day, quiz anyone you know who has worked there.
- Carry out some pas-as-you-go desk research on what the papers say.
- Prepare answers to standard questions.
- Be ready with a few questions for the interviewer, which shows that you have done your homework about the organisation and its business. The recruiter wants to know that you are on the ball.
- Dress appropriately.
- Read through your CV and application letter.
- Check maps, weather and public transport information for the day as required.
Following your interview, you should learn from any mistakes; make a list of the questions you answered well and those you could have answered better.