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Interviewing Insight

The Interview

Keep focused on the questions, and answer all of them with back up case study examples from your previous experience and previous roles (where you can).

Interview Tips

• An interview is a chance to sell yourself face-to-face or over the telephone.  Before you enter the room or pick up the call, you are just another name on the list; by the time you leave you want to be at the top of that list.
• In general any interviewer will be seeking enthusiasm as well as technical ability. A 'can do' attitude and an interest in their business and the way they work can go a long way.
• Focus on your experience & use case study examples on where you have done similar things before.
• Remember to make a connection – build rapport
• Preparation, Appearance, Attitude
  

PREPARATION

Plan your route: ensure you know where you are going and allow lots of time for disasters. You can always kill time if you are early, but never underestimate the damage that will be done if you are late. If it is over the phone, make sure you find a quiet space where you will not be disturbed or suffer background noise - this can be very off-putting for the interviewer and for yourself.

Do your research:  the more effort and work you put into researching the better.  Background knowledge will allow you to form relevant questions and talk about the company confidently.  Find out the format of the interview and familiarise yourself with common interview questions and competency-based scenarios if applicable.

APPEARANCE

Observe the Dress-Code:  decide on your attire in advance, for the majority of companies smart business wear is a must.  Clean, well-ironed clothes and shoes are essential to a professional respectful image. 

Come properly equipped:  take a copy of your CV to refer to, or have it readily available to email if required while on the phone.  Also have a pen and notepad to jot notes to show organisation and for a point of reference later on.  Bring examples of your work to highlight your skills if applicable.

ATTITUDE

Be positive:  a positive attitude is critical, don’t wait until after the event to wish you tried harder.  Always go in with the intention of getting an offer, only then do you really have the chance to weigh up how this opportunity compares with others.

Ask questions:

• Ask about the business, the environment and themselves.
• Ask about the project work they are involved in and what it entails.
• Ask them about the role you are interviewing for, but do tell them what you already know.
• DON’T mention money unless you are prompted to; it is important to come across as career not money-motivated. If you are a contractor, discussing day rates will be off-putting for those interviewing, especially if they are permanent employees who may well be on lower paid salaries in comparison to your daily or hourly rates.
  
  

Give Feedback:

• At the end of the interview if you like the role and them - tell them! Many people forget to do this but it makes a lot of sense.
  Ask how soon you will hear from them and make it clear that you are interested.
• You can also try asking at the end of the interview how they think you have done, if the interviewer has any reservations or if they need any more information from you – this will give you the opportunity to end the interview knowing that you have done the best you can, as you can handle any reservations there and then.
  
  

Additional Interviewing Help

All Jobseekers represented by Amoria Bond will receive complimentary interview coaching.  We will provide you with as much information as possible about your perspective employer, what they are looking for, their location, etc. and how to conduct a successful interview.  Other helpful online resources are:

www.best-job-interview.com