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Frequently Asked Questions for Candidates

Interview Advice

Once you have reached interview stage, it is important to be fully prepared. Whilst you can never know exactly what to expect, we've got some advice to help you feel relaxed and confident.

Preparing for the Interview


Research

Make sure you research the company ahead of interview. Your consultant will be able to give you detailed background information, but it is important to get a feel for the company so that you can answer any specific questions at interview.

  • Visit the company website here you can explore and learn about the organisation's structure, culture, values and the service they offer.  How does the role you are applying for relate to the company's overall objective?
  • Search for corporate information on the web - find any recent press articles. Read the company's annual report. 
  • Research the industry - how does the company sit within its sector?


Prepare Yourself

  • Your consultant will tell you who will be interviewing you and what format this will take. Make sure you note down their names - find out about the people interviewing you and how they fit into the organisation.
  • Top Tip: Prepare for all scenarios - what's described as an informal chat might turn into a competency based interview. Don't be caught out.
  • Review your CV again. Look at your skills and achievements through your career. What have you achieved? And if you get this job, what do you hope to achieve in the future?
  • How does your CV fit in with the Job Description and what your consultant has told you about the role? Try and anticipate questions and jot down some mock answers, but don't try and memorise a script.
  • Ensure you know where you are going. Plan your journey so that you arrive well in advance. Print off a map that you can take with you.
  • Plan your outfit in advance so you don't have to think about it on the day. See our article on What Not To Wear To Interview  


The Interview

First Impressions

Many interviewers make up their mind in the first few minutes, so it is crucial to make a good first impression.

  • Ensure you look smart, presentable and clean See our article on What Not To Wear
  • Smile, make eye contact and shake hands with your interviewer(s)
  • Try to appear relaxed and confident. This is your chance to show them what you're about.


Once the introductions are out of the way, the interview will commence. Keep the following tips in mind:

  • Be Aware. Your body language says a lot about you - try not to distract your interviewer by fidgeting, looking around or scowling. Maintain eye contact, sit still and nod/smile when things interest you.
  • Listen. Don't interrupt your interviewer, but don't be afraid to ask them to repeat or expand on something. Listen to yourself as well.
  • Be honest. If you're not sure how to answer a question, dont attempt to fluff your way through. Say things like, "Thats something I would need time to think about" or "That's outside my present experience".
  • Be positive. Try not to be negative about any previous roles, even if you hated them.
  • Be clear. Try and strike a balance between not expanding enough and talking too much. Give the interviewer the information they ask for, but don't keep talking simply to fill in silences. 
  • Questions. You will be asked at some point whether you have any questions. Rather than saying no, think about a few questions beforehand and jot them down.


After the Interview

  • Ensure you feed back to your consultant - be honest about how you felt the interview went and whether you have any concerns.
  • Be patient - often feedback from the client can take a while to come. We understand how difficult the wait can be, but your consultant will come back to you as soon as there is news.

Read our article "You're Hired!" How to give your best at interview for an amusing take on the interview process and how you can stand out from the crowd.