Interview Guide

Interview Preparation

Be sure you know exactly what job you are being interviewed for?

Is there a job description that the company or recruitment consultancy can send you prior to the interview?

Is a salary and benefits package mentioned?

Can the company send you a corporate brochure or some information about the company?

Try the library and the Internet for information? It may be worth doing a company search.

How many people will be interviewing you and who are they?

How long will the interview take? You do not want to have to rush the interview because you have another meeting to go to.

Do you know exactly where you are going for the interview and how long it will take to get there? Arriving flustered and / or late is no way to start an interview.

Take along a copy of your CV and any supporting documentation - commission statements, client references etc.

Make sure you are familiar with your CV and are prepared to answer questions on it.

Try and think what questions you may be asked, and prepare answers.

Make a list of questions to ask, and take this with you to the interview.

Take a pad and a pen with you.


The Interview

Arrive (dressed appropriately) on time and prepared.

If there are corporate brochures or in-house magazines in the waiting area. Take one (perhaps ask permission) either to read before the interview or afterwards.

First impressions count. Walk into the meeting confidently, smile when you meet the interviewers and shake hands.

If offered tea or coffee: accept. Taking a sip of tea can give you time to answer a tricky question.

Look directly at the interviewer. Sit formally but in a relaxed, comfortable manner.
If there are multiple interviewers, look at / talk to the person asking the question, but try and involve the other interviewers.

Answer questions directly and honestly. Do not waffle, but try to avoid simple yes and no answers.

Ask if you can make notes and do not forget to refer to the questions you have prepared.

Do not be the first to mention salary etc.

If invited to, ask any questions you have that remain unanswered.

Ask the interviewer what the next step will be.

Ask how you have done and if they have any doubts of your ability to do the job. If they express doubts, you can counter them there and then.

If you are interested in the position, tell them.

Do not overstay your welcome.

Thank the interviewer for the meeting and shake hands again, smiling.

If the interview was arrange via a Recruitment company, call them as soon as possible with your feedback. The sooner they have it the sooner they can contact the client on your behalf.

If the interview was arranged directly with the company, consider writing to (or emailing) the interviewers, thanking them for their time and, assuming you are interested in the role, stress your suitability for the position. Clarify any points that need it and reiterate your interest.

See also our CV Guide