Nailing Your Job Interview

Nailing Your Job Interview

How do I prepare for a job interview? Fail to plan and you, plan to fail. At your job interview you’re certain to be asked specific questions about your CV, your potential employer and the industry, so make sure you’ve done your homework. The company’s website is the best place to start. It shows the company as it would like to be seen and the products and services they offer. You’ll get a feel for the corporate style, culture and tone of voice. Check out the annual report and look for a press or company news page. Nothing is as disappointing as when a candidate oozes enthusiasm and then doesn’t even know the most basic facts and figures about a company such as last year’s profits. It’s not just information about the company you need – you should also have a good background knowledge of the industry so you can impress at the interview. Browse through business publications and websites to see what they are writing about your potential employer and their industry. Sit down with your CV and make notes, just as if you were preparing for an exam. Study your work record and what you have achieved. How do you see yourself? What have you done? What ambitions do you have?

www.monster.co.uk You want to feel confident that you can field any question they throw at you, and try to feel as good about yourself as you can. It shines through. You might also like to take note of these tips: •

Have a mock interview with a friend based on the interview questions you’re likely to face.

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Be sure you know the time, date and location of the interview and the name of interviewers.

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Decide how you will get there and when you need to set off to arrive in good time, anticipating any delays. Do a dummy run if necessary.

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Don’t go into the interview with lots of baggage - psychological or physical.

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If you are asked to bring certificates, references, etc, get them ready well in advance to avoid having to chase around on the morning of the big day.

• Make sure you use the toilet before you go in – you don’t want to be bursting to go when you’re mid-interview.

Further Reading -

Preparing for Job Interviews – Video What should I take to my job interview? How can I calm my job interview nerves?

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Nailing Your Job Interview

What should I wear to my job interview? Part of preparing for a job interview is making sure you are going to come across as a good addition to their company. Appearances shouldn’t matter, but the plain fact is that you are often judged before you’ve even uttered a word. Aim to dress one level up from what you would expect to be wearing if you got the job. It hints at your desire to progress and succeed within their company. If in doubt, always go for a classic plain business suit. Both male and female versions come in all shapes and sizes and can be picked up relatively cheaply. Combined with a clean shirt and preferably a tie, you’re unlikely to feel out of place. •

Not too casual - If you get the vibe that casual is OK then stay on the smart side of casual. A smart pair of trousers and an open necked shirt is the bare minimum that is expected.

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No headwear – Under no circumstances wear a cap, beanie or hoodie to an interview –There are obvious religious and medical exceptions to this rule.

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No flashing – Although it may work in certain industries, cleavage and midriffs should be covered up for job interviews.

www.monster.co.uk •

Don’t accessorise too much – Remember you want your interviewer to be concentrating on what you’re saying, not the obscure purple broach you’re wearing.

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Subtle make up – You could use make-up to emphasise your eyes and mouth, but should steer clear of anything too outrageous.

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Strong odours – Too much perfume or too little deodorant can both be big turn offs, as can cigarette smells so make sure you smell nice, but neutral.

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Facial hair – The old phrase “Never trust anyone with a beard” is less adhered to nowadays so feel free to go in with your usual face fur. However, do make sure it’s well trimmed and clean.

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Piercings and tattoos – Another feature that is increasingly common, and one unlikely to deter an employer. If you can’t remove them, keep any studs small and cover any offensive or obscene body art.

If you’ve had to come straight from work to go to the interview or need to return there afterwards ask a friend who works nearby if you can leave your interview outfit at their office to avoid arousing suspicion.

Further Reading -

How can I use colour in my working wardrobe?

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Nailing Your Job Interview

How do I make a good first impression at my interview? You shouldn’t judge a book by its cover, but most of us do. There may be a classic novel lurking behind that garish sleeve, but we rarely take it off the shelf and open it to find out. It’s the same with interviews. If you turn up looking a mess you may as well have saved the bus fare. Your interviewer will probably see you before they hear you, so knowing what to wear in an interview can put you ten points ahead of the opposition before you’ve even opened your mouth. Start your courtesy at the door. Even before you get to the interview room or meet your interviewers, be well-mannered and positive with the reception staff and anyone else you encounter on the way to your interview. You will have no idea of the structure of the company or who has influence in the decision making process so treat everyone with equal courtesy. The receptionist may be married to your interviewer and could have a major influence on your future. Your body language and handshake are vital in creating the right impression. Make sure you’re not avoiding eye contact, glancing nervously from side-to-side or playing with your tie.

www.monster.co.uk Interviews are often scary, sometimes intimidating and always stressful. This is a theatrical performance - they are the audience, you are the performer, and you’re on your own. But don’t be freaked out by it all. Remember why you’re here, be clear about what you want to say and what you want to ask, and keep your cool. In the first few minutes, be as positive about everything as you can. Even if you’ve had a horrible journey, try not to let your frustration show. Don’t forget to smile from time to time, and show interest. When quizzed about your current role, don’t be tempted to ‘diss’ your employer, however much you might be looking forward to leaving. Show them you’re here because you see it as a positive career move, not because you’re running from a job you’re not happy in. Showing a positive attitude is the single most valuable first impression you can make. If you are excited and up for it, your potential employer will probably be considering you for the job within two minutes of you walking through the door. The right attitude really can have that much impact.

Further Reading -

How should I approach a phone interview?

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Nailing Your Job Interview

What does my body language tell my interviewer? It begins even before you say your first word. They’ll be sizing you up as you walk across the room to shake hands. Be conscious of how you look and what you’re doing, and try not to overlook the verbal and non-verbal signals you’re sending out in the rush to parade your carefully prepared answers before them. Speak deliberately more slowly than you would normally. There’s a trick here. You’ll be revved up as you go in, so you will naturally speak more quickly than normal. If you concentrate on pronouncing your words individually, you’ll actually be speaking at a normal speed. Think of good speakers you’ve experienced throughout your education. You’ll remember the ones who were more focused and engaging. You’re not here to entertain – so leave the jokes at the door – but you are here to look like you want the job. A firm but not crushing handshake is the one to go for. The wet fish technique is a guaranteed turn off. Also, try to ensure your hands are dry and warm – as natural as possible.

www.monster.co.uk Don’t slouch in your chair, whether in reception or the interview room. Slouching says “I don’t care” and should be reserved for lazy Sundays on the sofa. If you’re worried about your posture, sit naturally in front of a mirror at home and see how you look. Practice sitting in a more vertical position and make a mental note of how it feels, so you can replicate it in the interview. Always look the questioner in the eye, but not in a way that could have you sectioned. Be confident, and don’t stare past your questioner or at the floor. If there is more than one interviewer, make sure you look at each of them when answering questions, and keep your eyes on their face, not straying to other parts of their body! To find out what to do with your hands, watch yourself in a mirror of the office window when you’re on the phone. You’ll use some of the same gestures when you’re talking. It’s fine to gesture with your hands, but don’t overdo it. Don’t fidget and don’t play around with your hair, pen, nails, chair, jiggle your knees, tap your leg or anything else. Be aware of how you are sitting, moving and the general impression you’re giving out. And remember to smile occasionally; it will make you all feel better. Further Reading -

Marketing Yourself Successfully - Video How do I deal with an interviewer I'm attracted to?

‘Grass is Greener’ eBooks

Nailing Your Job Interview

What are the most common job interview questions? Although there is no set format that every job interview will follow, there are some questions that you can almost guarantee will crop up. Here’s a list of the most common questions and a guide to the kind of answers your interviewer wants to hear. •

“Tell me about yourself” - This is usually the opening question. Begin with an overview of your highest qualification then run through the jobs you’ve held so far in your career. You can follow the same structure of your CV, giving examples of achievements and skills. See a video response.

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“What are your strengths?” - Pick the three biggest attributes that you think will get you the job and give examples of how you have used these in a work situation. See a video response.

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“What are your weaknesses?” - The dreaded question, which is best handled by picking something that you have made positive steps to redress. For example, if your IT ability is not great, state it as a weakness but tell the interviewer training courses you have been on that have improved your skills. This turns your weakness into strength. See a video response.

www.monster.co.uk •

“Why should we hire you?” - State your biggest achievement and the benefit it made to your employer to show how you could bring success to their company. See a video response.

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“What are your goals?” - Where do you see yourself in five years time? It’s best to talk about both short-term and long-term goals. Talk about the kind of job you’d eventually like to do, relating this in some way back to the position you’re interviewing for. See a video response.

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“Why do you want to work here?” - If you’ve prepared for the interview properly, you should have a good inside knowledge of the company’s values, mission statement and products. Use this information to describe how your goals and ambition matches their company ethos. See a video response.

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“What salary are you seeking?” - You can prepare for this by knowing the value of someone with your skills. If they have provided a guideline salary with the job description, you could mention this and say it’s around the same area you’re looking for. See a video response.

You should always have some questions for your interviewer to demonstrate your interest in the position.

Virtual Job Interview Before you go to your job interview, it's good to have a few practice runs so you don't freeze like a rabbit in the headlights. Our Virtual Job Interview will let you know whether your answers are on the right track.

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Nailing Your Job Interview

What questions should I ask my interviewer? Most interviewers will give you an opportunity to ask questions after they’ve finished grilling you, so be prepared to make the most of it. Try to concentrate on issues that are important to you and combine an interest in the company with an interest in the job. It’s unlikely that everything you want or need to know about the job will have been covered over the course of the interview. There is always more information available and you should have at least five questions prepared. Regarding role specific questions, look through the job description to see if there are any areas that you would like more information about. Here are some good examples: •

“Why has the position become available?”

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“What are the main objectives of the position?”

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“What obstacles are there in reaching these objectives?”

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“What aspirations do you have for the person you hire?”

• “Where will the job fit into the team structure?”

www.monster.co.uk Good interview preparation should have given you an insight into what it’s like to work for a company, but it’s good to get answers straight from the horse’s mouth in case you’ve misinterpreted anything. These questions are a good place to start: •

“What’s the best thing about working at your company?”

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“How do you build good relationships within teams?”

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“Are there any plans for expansion?”

• “How would you describe the company culture?” To show your interest and knowledge of the industry the company operates in, it’s also a good idea to have a question ready regarding a current event or issue in the market. For example, “How do you think the recent merger between your two main competitors will affect the future of the industry?” How well your interviewer reacts and answers your questions gives you a great insight into the company. The interview isn’t just for them to see if you’re the right fit for the organisation – you should also be making sure they’re the right fit for you. Generally, it’s not a good idea to ask about pay or benefits, as this can make you seem more interested in what the organisation can do for you, rather than what you can do for them.

‘Grass is Greener’ eBooks

Nailing Your Job Interview

How do I prepare an interview presentation? It’s not unusual when recruiting for senior roles, or where presentations are going to be part of the job, to ask candidates to make a presentation as part of their interview. This is an excellent opportunity to show your potential employers what you can do, away from the formal interview question and answers procedure. The most important thing is to know who you’re going to be speaking to. This will inevitably influence what you say and how you pitch your presentation. Find out how many people will be on the panel and their expertise on the subject this will help in your preparation. You should always have one clear message that runs through your presentation, and limit yourself to three sections: introduction, development of your argument, and summary. Ensure that your ideas are clear and come in a logical sequence, using sentences that are to the point. When calculating how much time to devote to each section, allow 10-15% for your opening, the same for your conclusion, and the rest for the main content. Keep your opening punchy and have a memorable ending that will leave your audience on an upbeat note. Speak slowly and with purpose; avoid rambling. Make regular eye contact with members of your audience.

www.monster.co.uk Try to learn your presentation by heart. It will save you having to fumble around with prompt cards or PowerPoint slides and will give an excellent impression of your confidence and professionalism. However you choose to present, practice your presentation beforehand, testing it on friends or family. If you’re using slides, the maximum content should be a headline and perhaps three or four bullets per slide with graphs and diagrams where appropriate. Avoid glancing down at the screen for prompts – if you’ve learnt your presentation properly, you won’t need them – and talk to your audience, not your laptop. Dealing with questions gives you the opportunity to further demonstrate your knowledge of your subject. Let your audience know in advance that you will be willing to take questions at the end so they don’t disrupt the flow of you presentation. Answer the question you have been asked, not the one you fancy answering. Repeat each question as you receive it and give yourself a moment to consider what is actually being asked.

Further Reading -

How to Make an Interview Presentation - Video

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Nailing Your Job Interview

How will a second job interview differ from the first? Once you’ve reached the second interview stage, it can be tempting to think you’re almost there and that the job’s there for the taking. There’s still a lot of work to do so prepare as well for the second interview as you did for the first. They may want to delve deeper into your personal skills and interests to see if you’re the right fit for the team, or they may have brought someone in to play the tough guy to see how you handle pressure. Expect more open-ended or challenging questions. If you’ve been asked to give a formal interview presentation, request that all the equipment you need is ready and waiting for you when you turn up. Second interviews are a good opportunity to deal with the second thoughts you had on the way back from the first. Go through any notes you took first time around and draw up a list of things you’d like to clear up when they offer you the chance to ask questions. This is also a great time to really think hard about whether you’d want to work for these people or not. Do you like them? Is there something deep down that doesn’t feel right? Try to pick up as many signals as you can.

www.monster.co.uk Occasionally, second interviews will take place off-site, in a bar or restaurant. There’s a very good reason for this - your interviewer may want to check out your interpersonal skills by seeing how you react in an informal setting. This technique is also used to catch you off guard and tempt you into saying something you might not say in a more formal environment. Be on your guard. Alcohol can often make you say something you regret and never fall into a trap of drinking too much too quickly so stay professional and focussed. You may be offered the job on the spot. Regardless of how much you want the job, express your gratitude, but don’t accept…yet. It’s very reasonable to ask for time to consider. Think the offer over in your head and discuss it with friends to make sure you’re totally comfortable with the idea. Did the atmosphere feel right? Use your common sense and experience, and don’t go all glassy-eyed and lose your judgement in the thrill of the moment. Take this as an opportunity to negotiate a deal that’s right for you so take your time.

What Next? Whether you’re just starting out on your job search or close to securing a role, upload your CV to Monster and discover the great tools we have to offer.

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Nailing Your Job Interview

They say that the grass isn’t greener on the other side, but often it is. Our series of eBooks brings together expert advice to help you secure the job you want and build a successful career. For more career tools, visit career-advice.monster.co.uk.