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Before the
interview:
- Print out this page and
study it!
- Find out everything you can
about the company from annual reports / brochures / web pages etc.
- Review your CV and think
through specific questions you may be asked about it.
- Practise answers to common
interview questions (listed below).
- Prepare your own questions
about the company and job.
- Double check that you have
the correct day and time.
- Consider making a "dummy
run" to the company so that you know how much time to allow.
On the day:
 Take the company name, address and contact details with you, together
with a location map. You will need these and may have to call the company if
you are delayed.- Take a copy of your CV with
you.
- Dress smart, arrive early
and be polite to everyone you meet at the company.
- Have a notebook, pen and
your questions to hand.
On arrival:
- From the moment you come
into view of the interview venue look organised and composed.
- Stand up while waiting.
When you are
greeted:
- Carry luggage in your left
hand, greet the Interviewer with a smile and a firm handshake.
- When you sit down for the
interview, sit at a slight angle to the interviewer, not head on. This is less
confrontational.
Remind yourself that you are
there to:
- Convince the interviewer
that you can do the job.
- Show that you are motivated
to do the job well.
- Show that you will fit in
with the company and your team.
In the first 5 minutes:
- Make a good first
impression. The first few minutes of an interview can count for a
lot.
Throughout the interview,
obey the golden rules:
- Always answer any question
in a positive way.
- Avoid criticising your
previous job, employer or manager.
- Avoid awkward motivations
such as a desire for more money or shorter working hours.
More key
points:
- Look attentive by leaning
forward
- Do not slouch
- Listen keenly, nod and
orally acknowledge what you are told
- Don’t
waffle
- Be prepared to support your
answers with evidence, facts and figures
- Maintain some eye contact
with everyone present
- Don’t smoke
- Don't hide your personality.
Talk about yourself but don't dominate the interview
At the end of the
interview:
The interviewer should ask if
you have any further questions. Check your list of questions. If any are
outstanding ask them now.
As you leave:
Tell the Interviewer that you
are interested in the job and leave the interview with firm handshakes to
everyone present.
Common interview questions
to prepare for:
Before the interview think
about your responses to the following questions.
Go through your responses
before every interview as each application is unique. Practise until you feel
confident with any of these questions.
The typical questions that are
asked fall into the following categories.
About you:
- Why do you want the
job?
- What skills do you think you
need to do the job?
- What can you
offer?
- Are you prepared to
relocate?
- Are you willing to
travel?
- Why should we employ
you?
- How long will it be before
you are making a real contribution to the company?
- How ambitious are you?
- Why did you choose a career
in financial services?
- How long have you been
looking for a new job?
- Do you prefer to work in a
small, medium or large company?
- How would you describe
yourself?
- How could you improve
yourself?
- What are you looking for in
a new job?
- What would your ideal job
be?
- Are you considering any
other positions at the moment?
- Did you feel you progressed
satisfactorily in your last job?
- Are you a
leader?
- How do you handle criticism?
- What sort of manager are
you?
- Do you work well with
others? Or are you a loner?
- Are you
self-motivated?
- Are you accepted into a team
quickly?
- Can you act on your own
initiative?
- What motivates
you?
- Do you know how to motivate
other people?
- What do you dislike
doing?
- What problems did you
encounter in your last job?
- Do you feel you are ready to
take on greater responsibilities?
- Can you work under pressure?
- How many hours are you
prepared to work?
- What are your career goals?
- Have you been responsible
for implementing quality standards?
- What interests do you have
outside work?
- How long will you stay in
the new job?
- Why do you want to work for
this company?
- What do you know about this
company?
- What interests you about
particular products or services?
- What can the company offer
that your previous company cannot?
About your current/previous
job:
- What did you think of your
manager/supervisor co-workers and subordinates?
- How did you get on with
them?
- What did you do on a day to
day basis?
- What was your greatest
success? How did you achieve it?
- What has been your biggest
failure?
- How often were you off sick?
- What did you earn in your
last job?
- What level of salary are you
looking for now?
About your
current/previous employer:
- What do you think of your
last employer?
- Why did you join your
previous employer?
- Why are you
leaving?
- Explain the structure of
your last company and where you fitted in.
Questions you may want to
ask in return :
- What will be my
responsibilities?
- Where will I fit into the
overall company structure?
- Who will I report to?
- Where do they fit in the
structure?
- Who will report to me?
- What do you expect me to do
in the first 6 months?
- What level of performance do
you expect from me?
- Who are your customers?
- Where is the company going?
Upwards? Expansion plans?
- What are the chances of
advancement/promotion in this position?
- Will travelling be required
in this position?
- Will relocation be required
now or in the future?
- What training do you
provide?
- When will you decide on the
appointment?
- What is the next step?
Factors that can cost you
the job:
- Being unprepared for the
interview
- Being late
- Poor manners
- Complaining about previous
employers
- Failing to
communicate
- Being aggressive or superior
- Making excuses
- Looking scruffy
- Lacking enthusiasm
- Being evasive or vague
- Appearing greedy for money
or promotion
"Don't leave anything
to chance!"
You are
one click away from your
next career opportunity!
Please
contact us by phone on
+44 (0)1342-719990
by fax on +44 (0)1342-719960, or
e-mail
us. |
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