Interviewing Techniques

(Please read the following carefully before attending your interview)

PREPARATION
Find out as much background information as you can via the internet or brochures.  What does the business do?  How many employees do they have?  What is the company's role?

Of course, when your interview has been arranged through Ability Plus Limited, then your consultant will try to provide most of the background information you need, wherever possible.  Once you have the key information, prepare short responses to the question "What do you know about our company?" Most life assurance companies and banks always ask this question.  Don't be afraid to bring notes, you can't be expected to know everything about the company.

POSSIBLE INTERVIEW QUESTIONS

  • "Tell me about yourself?"  This is the question which is most often asked.  Match your qualities to the position you are applying for i.e. the ability to communicate well with people , to set goals and stay on target.  "I am an outgoing person who interacts well with people.  I like to set myself goals and stick to them, I am very persistent."
  • "Why do you want to work here?"  Mention that the company has a good reputation, any training which may be on offer, that will give you a good chance to develop and do work which interests you.
  • "What qualities and experience do you have to offer the company in relation to the job?"  Your interviewer will have a copy of your CV in front of them, you need to match what you said in your original CV, if you are unsure, contact your consultant prior to the interview.
  • "What are your strengths and weaknesses?" Be very careful with this question, generally your strengths are what you are good at and weaknesses are what you are not so good at, followed by an example if you can.  Keep it professional, but social examples can be included, i.e. "I am a good team player, I play rugby for my local team" or "I am very punctual, in fact I have never been late for work". Don't use statements like "I am not very good at timekeeping", this will not impress the employer and may put them off inviting you to attend an interview.  Examples include, "I sometimes take too much pride in my work and can take longer than expected" or "I like to do a job properly than have to correct it at a later date."
  • "Why did you leave your last job?" Explain the reasons why your last job ended.  If there is anything positive to say, then say it, try not to focus on the negative points.  If you left for health reasons, inform them that you are now fit and reassure the employer that you can do the duties required.  If you were dismissed, you have taken responsibility for your actions and learned from the experience.  Remember that your past employer could be approached for a reference and they may mention a dismissal or sacking, if you have not disclosed this information to us.

"What did you do in your last job?"

  • Responsibilities and tasks which are relevant to the new position
  • Key achievements
  • Number of people you worked with and at what level
  • Length of employment

"What project or task in your present job, do you feel particularly proud of?"  This question is easy if you prepare in advance.  Give details and explain a project you planned and budgeted for, any team work which took place and the outcome of the project, good or bad.  Explain what you learned.

"Tell me about any experience you have had working in a team?" Mention that you get on well with people. Show evidence of professional and social skills.

"How long have you been out of work?"  The interviewer will be looking for job search activities, voluntary work, further education or study.

"Why have you had a) a number of jobs b) only one job?"
a)   A number of jobs - explain that you wanted to widen your experience of different types of work and companies. You may have moved for a career progression, explain why you moved.

b)   Only one job - this could be due to career progression within the company. You may have started as a junior and ended up as a director of the company, which may have taken a  number of years, but you have still only worked for the one company.


"What makes a good team player?"
The interviewer is looking for key words such as:-

  • Good interpersonal skills
  • Flexibility
  • Adaptability
  • Communication skills
  • Sense of humour

"What would you like to be doing in five years' time?"  Explain that you would ideally like to be still employed by the same company, but have moved up the corporate ladder, this shows not only commitment, hard work and ambition but also a sense of loyalty to the company.

"Give an example of a particularly stressful situation which you have been involved in and explain how you coped with it?"  Keep to a professional example and not a social one, but sometimes social issues can come into the answer. Give an example such as "members of my team left, leaving a small number people to carry out the work, however with careful planning and time management we were able to cope and complete the work on time."

"How do you cope with stress?"  Give an example of what you do to relax in your spare time.

"How do you think your colleagues and friends would describe you?"
The interviewer is looking for key words such as:-

  • Honest
  • Trustworthy
  • Reliable
  • Punctual
  • Focussed
  • Conscientious

"What do you like best in your current job and which aspects don't you enjoy about it?" Try not to criticise your current employer and don't focus on the negative.  Remember the interviewer will not want you criticising his/her company when you leave.  Things you don't enjoy could include long hours, travelling or shift work.

DRESS CODE
Dress is one of the most important ways of getting people to take you seriously.  Clothes are very significant, and what they say about you will have a direct impact on your success at interviews.

That means making a good first impression.  Projecting a professional image, using the vocabulary of clothes and accessories to give yourself the best chance of achieving your goals.

To summarise, you must look very smart and presentable.

For the purposes of an interview, it is best to remain formal, unless your consultant indicates otherwise.  You are expected to dress well and your objective is to project an image that communicates professionalism, competence and presence.  Here are a few guidelines:-

Remove any outer garments in the reception area.<

  • Choose the best quality clothes you can afford.  One good suit in navy, black or grey worn with a white or light blue shirt (although women can interpret this more freely than men).
  • Men should wear dark socks and well-polished shoes.  Women should usually wear shoes with a closed toe and heel.
  • Aim for clean lines with a minimum of decoration, restricting splashes of colour to your tie, scarf or blouse.
  • If you wear jewellery, make sure that it is understated and discreet.
  • Perfume and aftershave should be used in small amounts.
  • Details matter.  Hands, hairstyle and make-up should be simple and meticulous, and good personal hygiene - including clean nails and fresh breath - is vital.

First impression...

Your appearance can influence the interviewer's assessment of your suitability for the job.  Being smart, clean and well groomed is a good start.  But there are numerous other factors to take into account regarding personal dress and presentation. Such as:-

  • Ensure you arrive early for the interview and don't rely too heavily on the efficiency of public transport or a traffic-free journey.
  • By arriving at least 5-10 minutes early, you will have a chance to relax, gather your thoughts and possibly read any company literature that is available.
  • Also remember to be pleasant to receptionists and other staff you meet, they will often be asked for their impressions of you.

AT THE INTERVIEW
Your objective is to impress the interviewer by projecting a professional image and demonstrating your suitability for the job.

Greet the interviewer with a smile and a firm handshake and wait until you are offered a chair before sitting.  Be aware of your body language: sit up straight, maintain eye contact and avoid fidgeting or twiddling your thumbs.  According to research, the interviewer will decide within just four to nine minutes whether to consider you seriously for the job.  So making a good first impression is vital.

Show a real interest in the job.  Speak clearly and confidently and make sure that everything you say is factual and sincere.  Avoid answering with a simple "yes" or "no".  Support your answer with relevant information from your experience and relate everything you say to the job you are applying for.

Good things to try to do:

  • Make eye contact
  • Use the interviewers name (use their formal name i.e. Mr Jones or Ms Smith unless they ask you to call them by their first name)
  • Listen to what they have to say
  • Think about your answer first, before speaking
  • Be polite
  • Smile!

Try to avoid:

  • Sounding arrogant
  • Telling inappropriate jokes
  • Talking too fast/much
  • Just saying "yes" or "no"
  • Swearing
  • Answering a question with a question

A good interviewer will do more than just establish your competence, he/she will explore your compatibility with the company - your attitudes, beliefs, personality, response to pressure and so on.

Ideally, you'll have anticipated and prepared for difficult questions relating to your experience and capabilities.  If you are asked an unexpected question, pause and think before giving an answer and always offer a positive response that relates back to the position you are applying for.

Usually the interviewer will ask you if you have any questions.  The worst response is "Can you tell me a little more about the job?"  Be specific and ask questions that have not already been answered in the job description.  For instance:-

  • What would my initial assignments here be?
  • What are the greatest challenges of this role?
  • I understand that the company is about to expand into different sectors.  Will the development have any impact on the role?

At the very least, ask the interviewer when he/she will be making a final decision and whether he/she needs any further clarification about your experience.

The unprepared interviewer…

Not all employers have had training or are experienced in interviewing people.  They could be just as nervous as you are about the situation. 

Delays and interruptions…
Don't become impatient if the employer keeps you waiting.  They may have good reasons for this, so try to keep calm and relax.

At the end of the interview...
Thank the interviewer for their time and consideration and tell them how much you enjoyed discussing the job with them.  Remain positive!
Tell the interviewer that you look forward to hearing from him/her again, shake his/her hand and leave.

After the interview…
Tell your consultant what you thought about the interview as soon as possible, as the company may contact us to request feedback.  Make a note of any difficult questions and what you learned from them.

Getting a decision...
If you're offered the job - great!  We'll make all the necessary arrangements.  If you didn't get the job, don't give up.  Put it down to experience and bear in mind that this interview was a valuable exercise in itself.