If you’ve followed our advice preparing your CV, hopefully it’s secured you an interview. You’ve sold yourself on paper - now you’ve got to sell yourself.
 
Employers need to confirm that you have the required knowledge, skills and willingness to contribute and fit into their organisation’s culture. They are also interested if your career expectations are in line with the opportunities available and whether you’ll be a valued, trusted and a productive team member.

Interview preparation can make the difference between two identical candidates so, as experienced interviewers, we’ve put together the following guidelines that we hope will give you the edge over other applicants.

Preparation:

Find out as much as possible about the company. Read their website and as much third party information as you can to familiarise yourself with their past, present and future.

Know your CV. You should be able to answer any question about any element of your employment history, qualifications or interests. You will need to explain anys gaps in employment.

Prepare some answers – ask yourself are you able to work without supervision, or cope in critical situations, are you enthusiastic with good time management skills, how do you handle a crisis and can you handle constructive criticism? And be prepared to discuss the reasons you left your previous jobs.

Prepare some questions. This shows you’ve done your research and shows an interest in the company and ensures you’ll receive all the additional information you require. Steer clear of questions on salary or annual leave though.

The Interview:

Statistics show that most interviewers make a decision within the first few minutes of meeting someone as to whether or not they like them or would want to work with them. To get the edge, make sure you wear appropriate business dress, are punctual, have your phone switched off and take anything requested with you.

When the interview gets under way, let the interviewer lead. Your interpersonal skills are on display regardless of the content of your answers. Always listen to the interviewer, compose, and then give your answer. Don’t monopolise the conversation, go off on a tangent or just settle for one-word answers.

Bear in mind the importance of body language and remain relaxed, enthused and maintain eye contact with the interviewer.

Good luck!