Interview Guidelines
Interview Do's
- Introduce yourself courteously, and give a firm handshake
- Arrive on time or earlier if possible
- Express yourself clearly
- Smile and have good posture/ body language during the interview
- Display how your experience can benefit the company
- Ask questions concerning the company for which you are being interviewed for
- Construct your answers carefully
- Show willingness to learn and progress
- Be assertive without being aggressive
- Switch your mobile off BEFORE going to the interview!
- Prepare 10 relevant questions, you'll probably cover 5 in the interview
- If you are being interviewed by more than one person, make sure that you maintain eye contact with all the interviewers and do not just concentrate on the questioner.
- If you are going for a position where there may be areas that you have not covered in a while, then do some homework and fill in the gaps.
- If the position is managerial or supervisory, then prepare to be able to sell your strengths in these skills. You may be asked how you would deal with certain situations concerning problem staff, motivation, delegation etc. Rehearse your answers.
- If you are going for lots of interviews but not getting the job - make sure the agency finds out why and listen and act on any suggestions they make.
- For every responsibility/requirement on the job specification, ensure you have at least one example of an experience or a transferable skill that covers that requirement for the interview
Interview Don't's
- Don't be late for the interview
- Don't be unprepared for the interview
- Don't answer questions with a "Yes" or "No". Expand whenever possible
- Don't lie. Answer all questions truthfully and honestly
- Don't overemphasise money. Do not discuss salary in the 1st interview unless they do; getting the job at this stage is the main priority - salary negotiations will follow
- Don't say negative things about previous employers
- Don't show lack of career planning
- Never appear laid back and uninterested. It's the kiss of death.
- When asked what your long-term career prospects are - do not talk about a much higher/different job. This will put the interviewer off as they will feel that you are not interested or committed to the position. Instead, it is better to say that you wish to do well in the position offered and take advantage of any opportunities that may arise.
- Never lie about your qualifications, not even your grades. Most Companies now ask to see School and College certificates (originals, not copies). Candidates have been sacked and offers withdrawn because they have given themselves higher grades than those actually on the certificates.
- Do not try and make up answers on subjects you know nothing about. Always be honest about what you have covered and what you have not. You can always say that although you may not have covered that particular subject, you are willing to learn, and indeed want to learn that subject, you will soon be found out when you have started the job if you have lied about your capabilities
Interview Techniques
Here are a few guidelines to help make your interview a success. Preparation is important. Never just turn up and hope for the best!
1. Find out as much as you can about the Company you are going to see. The
easiest way is to go to the Company itself and ask for a copy of their annual
report. That way you also see where they are and can plan your journey.
Should you be going to a Bank in the city, another useful place to go is the
City Business Library - 1 Brewers Hill Garden, off London Wall, EC2 where you
can get lots of information about any Bank in the City.
2. Planning your journey to the Company is crucial. There is nothing worse, especially if time is limited (i.e. you are in your lunch hour), to find you are lost or have got the address wrong and arrive hot, flustered and late.
3. First impressions are vital this is why a smart appearance and attire are very important. It is said that a decision is made in the first 3 minutes of an interview
4. Introduce yourself to the Interviewer. - Shake hands, a solid handshake is a must, it shows confidence
5. Try to establish a friendly rapport. Smile and achieve eye-contact. If its obvious the interviewer is going for the Gestapo style answer firmly and professionally but do NOT let them put you off. They are obviously trying to see what you are made of. Never let yourself get defensive or aggressive - quite often the interviewer wants to see how you would perform under pressure. Treat it as a game and keep things in perspective
6. When sitting do not slouch or fold arms, try and relax. Body language is important. Do not appear over-keen or desperate even if you are! On the other hand, the laidback could not care less approach is just as bad. The secret is to be yourself and not try to be something you are not ENTHUSIASM and INTEREST in their organisation is always the winner. Remember that they will be seeing many applicants with the same experience as you. At the end of the day personality is what wins the interview.
7. Study the job description and show your suitability for the job to the Interviewer in describing your duties, achievements and the experience you have gained. Do not oversell yourself - but do make sure you market your strengths. Apart from the obvious technical expertise, the two most common requirements in a person is to be able to work as part of a team but also to use ones initiative when required. So get the words 'team player' and 'initiative' across when able. See 10.
8. Try to avoid giving 'yes' or 'no' answers. Provide full information, but do not stray from the point. Never jump in with an answer before the interviewer has finished speaking. If you are not sure how to answer, ask the interviewer to explain the question. Remember the Interviewer is hoping you are the right person for them.
Many of the questions will be designed to find out how you will tackle the job effectively. If you do not know the answer or have not covered a particular area BE HONEST and say so. Waffling, making something up or lying will get you nowhere- It is better to say - I do not know but I am willing/keen/eager to learn.
Possible Interview Questions (To Employer)
- What would you most like a new employee to bring to this job?
- What are the actual day to day responsibilities of the job (this should give you a proper picture of what you will actually be doing)
- How has this role come about - expansion or replacement?
- How do you train your staff?
- What are the Company's plans for the next five years and how does this particular department fit in (This is a clever way of asking - how big is my job going to get and what are my chances of promotion).
- Do you have any targets or objectives set for this role?
- Who would you consider to be your major competitor?
- How does this department fit into the company structure?
- What made you decide to join this company and how long have you been working here?
- What are your current deal volumes?
- How do they compare to last year and your projections for next year?
- Do you plan to expand the range of products offered ?
- How important is this department in relation to other sectors of the Company (this will determine hierarchy and any threatened cutbacks).
- Can you please tell me more about the team I am going to be working with? these questions are more specifically related to banks
Possible Interview Questions (From Employer)
- Where do you want to go ? i.e. progression
- What are your expectations? Career wise I hope, however try to avoid money questions if asked say fair market rate and tell them your current package
- What do you know about …. (Company Interviewing with)
- Give me examples of conflict in the working environment and how you handled it?
- What would your colleagues say about you?
- What can you bring to (Company Interviewing with)?
- Why are you looking to leave?
- Strengths / Weaknesses?