Interview Hints & Tips
Interviews can be an un-natural and stressful time. But they don't have to be! With the right
mindset and preparation they are simply a meeting and discussion between two professionals who want to learn more about one
another. By providing you with the information below we hope we can not only reduce the stress but also give you every opportunity
to shine and get the new job you want.
The following hints and tips will enhance your chances of landing
the new role you want:
1. Make sure you are comfortable with your CV. Think about
what you have done in the past, how you did it and why you did it. Preempt any key questions that you might be asked, especially
questions which might be difficult (e.g short period in a role). Make sure you know how you are going to answer them and most
importantly be honest and try and put a positive note on it.
2. Make sure you know all about
the company who are interviewing you. Ensure you know all about the company you are going to see. If possible
visit the site you are interviewing for or one close by (even if its just for a coffee) this shows the commitment employers
are looking for. Visit the website and know all about the the recent history of the company. Don't be afraid to mention
during the interview things you know about the company, this all helps build the impression of a professional driven candidate.
3. Show passion for the company you are meeting. Interviewing is a skill it's true,
however nothing replaces the passion that comes across from interviewing a candidate that really wants to be part of the company
they are meeting above any other. If you have done your research and visited the site you should (if this is the company for
you) be excited about potentially working for them. Ensure this passion comes across in the meeting, there is nothing worse
for an employer than meeting someone who is interviewing for any job and has no passion for their business.
4. Write down 10-15 questions prior to your interview. As you do your research write down any thing
you want to know about the business, things that are important to you. These should be things around the future of the business
to the culture of the progression on offer. Don't just ask questions around money this makes you come across as totally
money motivated!
5. Get your image right. Ensure you are dressed in the style of
the company. Some branded restaurants prefer smart casual (e.g shirt and jeans), some don't wear ties. For the more formal
restaurants and hotels a smart suit is essential (black or navy is best) a conservative shirt and tie or blouse, tidy hair
and clean shoes!! You would be surprised how many people don't bother and it does get noticed. Also a clean shaved approach
is a safer option for men and good general hygiene such as clean trimmed nails and fresh breath are a must.
6. Be on time. This is something easy to do but it makes a big difference. Plan your route the night
before and allow yourself extra time to get there. If you get there early it gives to time to relax and have one last read
through everything so you are as ready as you can be. If the worst does happen and you are running late, don't panic!
Phone your consultant and let him know what's going on. These things do happen and candidates know get there late are
always better than candidates who just give up and go home.
7. Never smoke before an interview.
Before an interview can be stressful. However a non-smoking interviewer will not like being sat in a room with someone who
smells of smoke.
8. Be polite to everyone you meet.
You never know who you will bump in to and what influence they will have on the decision maker so try and create a good impression
with everyone.
9. First impressions count. When you first meet people a nice firm
(not too firm) handshake, maintain eye contact and smile.
10. Speak clearly. Always
try and get words across so everyone in the room can hear you. If you are being interviewed by more than one person try and
have contact with them all. And never ever swear! This is not likely to show you in a good stake to think before to speak.
11. Thank everyone for their time. Once you have finished the interview and
you have asked your questions thank the interviews for their time and if you like the sound of things clarify that you are
interested and you believe you could do a good job and fit in with the team.
