After reading our recent blog about interview preparation, you should be fully briefed when the big day dawns. “With thorough preparation, you should be able to thrive, not just survive the interview process,” explains Big Sky Additions’ director Sam Holt.
Read the 5 Tips below to increase your chances of converting your interview to a job offer:
1. Arriving at the interview. Do not be late, but also do not arrive too early. “If the interviewer has a timetable they may not want candidates meeting each other in reception,” Sam warns. Keep an eye out for the person coming to meet you: “Smile and shake hands with confidence,” Sam advises. When you meet the interviewer – let’s call him Peter Smith – address them as Mr Smith. Do not start out with first names; some people may see this as too relaxed or familiar. If he prefers to be called by his first name he will soon say, “Please call me Peter.”
2. During the interview, be positive, truthful and concise. “Listen to the question and answer it,” Sam says. Make eye contact with the interviewer: “If there is more than one person on the panel, try to direct answers to all of them, not just the person who asked the question,” he suggests. Bring any relevant material with you, and introduce as appropriate, ensuring it does not contain anything confidential from your current employer. Be positive about your current employer and why you are leaving: “If you moan and complain about them this interviewer will worry you would do the same about their business,” Sam adds.
3. Ask good questions. You need to prepare for the standard questions you will face like strengths and weaknesses, motivations etc, and expect the unexpected ones but you must think of some good questions to ask as well. This sounds obvious however often gets forgotten. Questions such as ” What qualities are you looking for in the person you are hoping to appoint?” or “What scope is there for personal development at your company?” will help ensure that you sound enthusiastic, inquisitive and that the interview flows well.
4. The $24,000 question – salary and terms. You may be asked in the interview to confirm your current salary and benefits and your notice period. Be truthful – do not inflate figures: “Your recruitment consultant will most likely have given this information prior to your interview, and if you are offered the job it is commonplace for employers to ask for confirmation of this in references,” advises Sam. Job offers are subject to references so if your current employer confirms a salary of £25,000 and you have said you are on £30,000, this could mean the offer is withdrawn.
5. Finishing the interview. You may feel you have been grilled for information. “Make sure you end on a positive, friendly note, thank the interviewer(s) for their time and if you are really keen on the job then say so!” emphasises Sam. Feel free to ask what the next step will be and the timescale.
For further advice about the interview process contact Sam Holt on 01603 516254 or email [email protected]