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Part of the service that we offer all of our candidates is to provide a full briefing of the client company and the role before an interview. The consultant will have visited the client on starting the assignment and will therefore be in a position to offer first hand advice. This is an invaluable resource, don’t let it pass.
There is some sound advice to take on board before attending interview in order that you are fully prepared and confident to make a strong first impression.
Research the client company and role thoroughly
Although you will have been well briefed on company and the role for which you have applied, it is worth conducting your own research before attending the interview. Industry publications, websites and company literature are all good sources from which you can gauge key information.
Dress code
Your appearance will create an immediate impression on the client. You should always wear business attire regardless of the level of position, unless agreed otherwise. Remember 1st impressions count!
Mix I’s and WE’s
Be aware of how you answer questions by using the words I and We at appropriate intervals.
Too much emphasis on what ‘I can do …’ or ‘I have achieved …’ or ‘I have implemented …’ can leave the interviewer doubtful of the validity of the information that you have offered – Why did you take on all of the responsibility? Why was no-one else involved?
Similarly, over emphasising what ‘We do …’ or ‘We have achieved …’ or ‘We have implemented …’ may imply that you are incapable of developing your own ideas or working autonomously. It may simply leave an impression that you are too dependent on your colleagues and therefore a poor team player.
Ask pertinent questions
Remember, the interview is a two-way process. You will be judged on your ability to ask good questions. Use all available resources to prepare questions that relate to the organisation and the role itself. What plans are in place, if any, for future development/expansion or new markets? What challenges does the role offer? What issues are present that you may have to face?
Ask ‘hurt’ questions
‘Hurt’ questions are an effective tool, used to identify any challenges or issues that the company is currently faced with. This is a good opportunity to empathise by recalling similar situations faced by your company and to discuss how you overcome them.
Be enthusiastic
All your efforts in progressing an application will be wasted if you do not show a degree of enthusiasm during the interview. For the first time, the interview is able to gauge first hand, your level of interest following your application. It could prove to give you a competitive edge at the decision making process.
Close
Try and gauge some commitment from the client. Tell the interviewer your thoughts on the company and the role itself. Offer comments as to how you feel the interview went and invite them to do the same – would they like to see you again?
Contact EMS
Report back to the consultant immediately following the interview. It is likely that the client will want to speak to the consultant later that day and will need your feedback in order to ascertain the next step.
Be yourself!
Perhaps the most important aspect of the interview. Be honest. Familiarise yourself with the content of your CV before the interview. Not having met you before, it is likely that the interviewer will use your CV as a base for the interview itself.
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