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Cardwell Management Services UK Limited
Regency House, 45-51 Chorley New Road, Bolton, BL1 4QR
Cardwell Management Services UK Limited
Regency House, 45-51 Chorley New Road, Bolton, BL1 4QR
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How do I approach the interview?
Just4contractors.com > Business Essentials > Marketing your Skills > Getting Work > Interview Success
Even if you have a successful track record of attending interviews and getting the job, you may find these tips from experienced professionals on both sides of the interview desk useful.
Do some background research. You should be reasonably well acquainted with the company and the type of work they do. You should also be aware of the programme that you will be working on - your agency will be able to help here.
Confirm all important details such as names, times and location. Dress accordingly - while it is true that the rules of dress in the workplace have changed in recent years, in most cases you will still be expected to wear formal attire in an interview.
Arrive on time. Give yourself plenty of time to make the journey, park the car and have a coffee. Even if you have to spend a few minutes waiting, it is better than being late. If you are late for any reason beyond your control, stay calm - explain and apologise.
Switch off the mobile.
Shake hands warmly with a firm grip. It is quite surprising how much importance employers place on this. Handshakes have a far deeper significance than most of us would credit.
Never smoke.
Know the names of the people you will be meeting. If there are pronunciation difficulties, clarify them before you arrive. The client's receptionist is there to help too - phone and ask before you arrive
Be yourself, most people play this part well. Don't play roles - you are selling yourself, not something you cannot deliver. Without being arrogant or presumptuous, you should work on the assumption that is perfectly natural that you will be given the job. After all, you know that you can do it well and it is merely a matter of allowing the client to see that too.
Relax, feel confident. Look alert. Smile
Look people in the eye as you speak to them. If there is more than one interviewer on the panel, try to address each of them at some time during the interview.
Let the interview flow, don't try to manage it. Ensure that you listen at least as much as you talk.
Avoid one-word answers. Introduce what you are about to say, then expand on it if necessary. Highlight experiences and achievements with clear examples. If an answer is complex, take time to sum up.
If something seems unclear to you, ask for clarification.
Don't wander, stick to the matters raised by the interviewers and make sure that your answers are relevant to the question asked.
Keep your answers simple and honest.
It is likely that you will be given the opportunity to ask questions. You might consider asking how this particular vacancy has arisen. What would be a successful outcome for this project/position? Be prepared and consider your questions beforehand.
You should avoid detailed discussions about remuneration until the first offer is made.
Do not make negative or derogatory comments about your past employers.
Do not allow yourself to be led into matters of politics or economics even if you hold strong views on such matters - if the interviewer makes statements which you find unacceptable you might wish to consider a polite withdrawal from the interview.
Always call your agency as soon as you leave the interview. This is the debriefing. They will want to know your perceptions of the interview. If you were unsuccessful, you will want to build a strategy for the next time and this will be determined by the client's observations and your own.
Do some background research. You should be reasonably well acquainted with the company and the type of work they do. You should also be aware of the programme that you will be working on - your agency will be able to help here.
Confirm all important details such as names, times and location. Dress accordingly - while it is true that the rules of dress in the workplace have changed in recent years, in most cases you will still be expected to wear formal attire in an interview.
Arrive on time. Give yourself plenty of time to make the journey, park the car and have a coffee. Even if you have to spend a few minutes waiting, it is better than being late. If you are late for any reason beyond your control, stay calm - explain and apologise.
Switch off the mobile.
Shake hands warmly with a firm grip. It is quite surprising how much importance employers place on this. Handshakes have a far deeper significance than most of us would credit.
Never smoke.
Know the names of the people you will be meeting. If there are pronunciation difficulties, clarify them before you arrive. The client's receptionist is there to help too - phone and ask before you arrive
Be yourself, most people play this part well. Don't play roles - you are selling yourself, not something you cannot deliver. Without being arrogant or presumptuous, you should work on the assumption that is perfectly natural that you will be given the job. After all, you know that you can do it well and it is merely a matter of allowing the client to see that too.
Relax, feel confident. Look alert. Smile
Look people in the eye as you speak to them. If there is more than one interviewer on the panel, try to address each of them at some time during the interview.
Let the interview flow, don't try to manage it. Ensure that you listen at least as much as you talk.
Avoid one-word answers. Introduce what you are about to say, then expand on it if necessary. Highlight experiences and achievements with clear examples. If an answer is complex, take time to sum up.
If something seems unclear to you, ask for clarification.
Don't wander, stick to the matters raised by the interviewers and make sure that your answers are relevant to the question asked.
Keep your answers simple and honest.
It is likely that you will be given the opportunity to ask questions. You might consider asking how this particular vacancy has arisen. What would be a successful outcome for this project/position? Be prepared and consider your questions beforehand.
You should avoid detailed discussions about remuneration until the first offer is made.
Do not make negative or derogatory comments about your past employers.
Do not allow yourself to be led into matters of politics or economics even if you hold strong views on such matters - if the interviewer makes statements which you find unacceptable you might wish to consider a polite withdrawal from the interview.
Always call your agency as soon as you leave the interview. This is the debriefing. They will want to know your perceptions of the interview. If you were unsuccessful, you will want to build a strategy for the next time and this will be determined by the client's observations and your own.