JOB INTERVIEW TIPS

Essential know-how from Richmond Recruitment

Often the most difficult part of getting the job you want is the interview, that moment when you come face to face with a prospective employer. Just when you need confidence, it completely disappears.

Making interviews work for you is something everyone can do. It just takes careful planning.

Essential Homework

Your consultant will give you a detailed description of the job, including skills required so you know all about the job before you get there.

Make sure you are familiar with the company and its business for the interview. Your consultant will be able to give you the information you require.

Remember to make a note of any questions to ask and points you want to cover at the interview. You will not need to ask about pay, holidays or sick pay as your consultant will discuss this with the company on you behalf.

Look through the potential questions and rehearse your answers with a friend or you consultant. Decide which questions you will want to ask and write them in a notebook.

First impressions are important so think carefully about what to wear, make sure you look smart and professional.

Think about what you want to achieve from the interview. Remember it is just as important for you to find out about the prospective employee.

On the day

Plan your route and give yourself plenty of time, aiming to arrive with 5-10 minutes to spare so you can check your appearance in the cloakroom, take a note of you surroundings and relax.

When you meet the interviewer look directly at the person, smile and give a firm handshake.

Take your notebook and a pen to make notes on points as they arise during the interview and to write down answers to your questions.

Do:

• Be Positive
• Sit up straight and don’t cross your arms
• Listen
• Look interested
• Concentrate
• Make frequent eye contact
• Reply to questions clearly and concisely
• Be Polite
• Remember to say please and thank you

Don’t:

• Interrupt - It upsets the train of thought
• Fidget - Get yourself comfortable to begin with
• Let your mind wander - You may miss something important
• Be afraid to sell yourself - You want this job

Once the interview has come to an end it is important to leave the interviewer with a strong, positive image. Thank them for their time, indicate how much you have enjoyed meeting them and hope you will have the opportunity to meet again, expressing that you are interested in the job. Shake their hand firmly and smile when you say goodbye.

Remember throughout that Richmond has chosen you as the most suitable candidate for the job, your skills and abilities are the reason you have been selected for interview.

We have put together these notes as a guide to help you meet the challenge of the interview. By following these points you can attend it with confidence.

GOOD LUCK!!!