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George Henderson Recruitment - Interview Guide
Going for the interview
When it was suggested that I give some interview tips, my reaction was ‘Surely in today’s world everyone knows that stuff?’ After all, British men and women are said to hold an average of five jobs over their lifetimes, with half of their job changes in the first ten years of work, so they must get interviewed a fair bit, and learn what works. Then I heard about the candidate who turned up late, had done no research, asked no questions, just wouldn’t make eye contact, talked with his hand over his mouth, and slouched in his chair! And "I thought ‘perhaps it is possible to teach new dogs old tricks.’ "
You’re a candidate that really wants the job on offer (I’ll get to the interviewers another time). Your neat, honest, error-free 2-page CV worked well – the company wants to see you. Setting out that old ‘STAR’ principle rarely fails: Situation (you found); Task (what needed to be done); Action (what you personally did) and Results (more revenue, better cashflow, more profit, more customers, reduced costs, lower staff turnover, improved morale, improved share price, or whatever). Now, you don’t want to blow what may be the only shot you get at the job of a lifetime. Remember, if the job’s that good, you won’t be the only top-quality candidate. So, what to do (and not do!) to convince the company you want the job, and will do it more successfully than anyone else they see:
- As far as your current job and family responsibilities allow, be flexible on availability for interview – I’m absolutely certain that I got my first TIP job because I was the only candidate that agreed to an 8am Easter Monday London meeting – fixed so the American boss could get done all what he had to do in a short trip!
- Once the time and place are agreed, exchange e-mails to confirm, and (particularly if the interview’s a week or more away) re-confirm the day before you’re to get together.
- Thoroughly research the company you’re going to see, and if possible, the person who will be interviewing. Check their website. Get hold of their annual report, if there is one. Check what they say about the future and their market. Then make up a list of some key questions to ask at the appropriate time (and not just about salary, benefits, car and the health plan!)
- Not always easy in modern life, and perhaps with a young family, but do try to get a good night’s sleep before the interview day.
- On the day, dress smartly. I know that the trend is towards informality, but, unless specifically told otherwise by the company or the recruiter, overdress to impress. Take a long look in the mirror before leaving – would you offer this person a job?
- Take 3 copies of that excellent CV with you – one for the interviewer, in case needed, one for you, and one for whoever else might be part of the interview process. Know every word and date on the CV – uncertainty can look shifty.
- Allow more time than you think you’ll need to get to the interview. Do not be late! Lateness (without a cast-iron alibi, and they are rare) equals either lack of interest, or lack of organisation, or both. Likely to impress?
- If the interview is at a company office, don’t park in the MD’s space even if it is the only one left – check with reception for advice.
- You’re early and sitting in reception, so look at the company’s brochures and newsletters, and the photographs and awards they have on the walls.
- When called to go into the interview, stand up smartly, shake the offered hand firmly, and return the ‘good morning’ clearly, without mumbling. Remember the cliché: ‘you only get one chance to make a first impression’
- Sit down when invited to, and if offered tea or coffee, accept or decline politely.
- During the interview make and maintain eye contact. Don’t wriggle, shuffle, slump, talk into your hands, mumble, stare vacantly out the window or ‘um’.
- Do be interested, enthusiastic and energetic. Show the interviewer you’ve enjoyed your work and success, and that you have confidence that you’ll do a good job.
- Have some hard-copy proof of achievements.
- Even though a good interviewer will expect 70% of the talk to come from you, don’t come over as ‘all talk, no do’. Neither of course should you talk too little
- Smile when appropriate, but don’t crack jokes!
- Don’t run down your current or past employers, even in the ‘why did you leave’ discussion – ours is a small marketplace, and word gets round.
- Be clear on your personal goals and ambitions, and be prepared to be challenged.
And finally, with all the effort and ability you’ve taken to the interview, don’t be afraid to ask for the job!
Then shake the interviewer’s hand, say ‘thank you’ for coffee or tea, thank the receptionist or PA, then walk calmly and confidently out to await the job offer.
This article by Jim Cleary appeared in "Motor Transport" 9 February 2006
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