Tips for a great interview
Whether it is for a contract role or permanent job, you should always ensure you are prepared and have done your research so that you make a good impression in your interview.
Ready!
• Print off the full name and position of your interviewer(s), the location of your interview and have these details ready to take with you, including the phone number just in case something holds you up
• Search the company's website for information such as their company profile, stock exchange reports, online media releases, information regarding the company culture, their people and the market they operate in
• Have a good understanding of the products and/or services of the company, where they are located locally, nationally and worldwide and research their major competitors – if you don’t know, please ask your Zelda Recruitment consultant
• Know whether they are a public or private organisation and what this will mean for you if you are successful in obtaining a job with them
• Check for any recent media releases or news stories related to the company or industry
• Make sure you know the full name and any trading names of the company
• Prepare a succinct answer to the question 'Tell me about yourself?' Include a brief summary of the following: your background, achievements, skills and career goals
• Review all of the information you have on the role you are being interviewed for, including the job description, reporting structure, pay structure, start dates and expectations. If you are unsure about anything speak with your Zelda Recruitment consultant. It is better to over prepare than to under prepare
Set!
• Review your resume; make sure you have refreshed your memory with all of your previous roles and responsibilities. Remember, you are the expert on your last role, revise what tasks you’ve undertaken that would be similar to the one you are being interviewed for
• Prepare a group of questions you would like to discuss with the interviewer regarding the role and company
• Remember interviews are a two way street: they will be assessing if you are right for them and the role and you will need to ensure that this job and company are right for you. Consider the culture, future career opportunities, location, remuneration, induction and training provided
• Understand what type/style of interview is to take place. Is it a behavioural based interview, panel interview or an informal discussion? Have a look at our Interview Types page for more guidance
Go!
• Be on time. Arrive 5-10 minutes before the interview
• Turn your mobile off
• Ensure you are dressed in business attire (even if you know they have a casual wear policy)
• Provide a firm handshake and a smile as a great way to start your interview
• Wait to be offered a seat before you sit and allow the interviewer to sit first. Sit up straight and place both feet on the ground
• Speak confidently about yourself and experiences, but know when to sit back and listen! Resist the desire to fill silences
• Provide positive examples to illustrate your experience and skills when responding to a question. Structure answer in the format - Situation, Action and Result
• Speak positively about the role and company you are being interviewed for at every opportunity
• Make good eye contact and observe the body language of the interviewer to ensure you still have their interest
• Thank the interviewer(s) for their time and the opportunity to meet with them
Well done
• Review your own performance after your interview
• Make notes on what aspects went well and on any tricky questions
• Take the time to think about how you feel about the job now that you have had your interview
• Consider whether all of your questions were answered. Have you thought of any new questions? Discuss these with your consultant if you have any remaining concerns
• Call your consultant at Zelda Recruitment as soon as possible after the interview to provide feedback and to discuss the plan of action from here
So what are you waiting for? ...
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