Interviewing prospective employees is one of the most important activities employers do, and a chance for the best candidate to secure the job of their dreams. Here are the key areas that will help you conduct a good interview and maybe secure the role you want:-
Tips for Interviewers
Identify the best person in your company to conduct the interview. Some interviewers have a 100% hit rate and everyone wants the job; others never get anyone to accept.
Prepare by reviewing the candidate’s CV in advance, creating a list of questions that elicit the information you’re seeking etc.
Select a comfortable and private setting free of distractions. Avoid areas with loud background noise, interruptions or spectators lingering about during the interview.
Ensure you ask competency based questions that really get to what motivates and makes them tick. Ask for specific examples of challenging situations etc.
The interview provides the opportunity for you to obtain in-depth information about a candidate however ensure that you ask lawful, non-discriminatory questions.
Remember to discuss the social aspects as well as the work and the package.
Don’t forget to ask what the candidate knows about your company and why they want to work with you. Has the candidate done their research?
Remember to give the candidate an opportunity to ask questions.
Remember: whether you offer the candidate the role or not they will go away with an impression of you and your company which they will convey to others. This can be good or bad!
Tips for Candidates Research:
Visit the company website
Understand what they do, who their clients are, what their values are etc
Go on to www.LinkedIn.com and find out everything you can about those conducting your interview
Plan & Prepare:
Your journey. Ensure you know exactly where the interview is taking place and visit websites such as www.tfl.gov.uk and www.walkit.com to plan your route and print off the directions.
Your questions. It is acceptable to have a prepared list of questions. Intelligent and unique questions can leave a positive impression.
Your outfit. Always dress to impress and appropriately as first impressions are very important. Mostly, this will be a conservative dark suit with a plain shirt or blouse and smart shoes.
On The Day:
Double check www.tfl.gov.uk for any delays/line closures on route to your interview
Grooming is as important as being smartly turned out. Take a hairbrush/comb and perhaps deodorant etc as well for last minute preparation.
Don’t smoke before going into an interview. Non-smokers really don’t like it! If you must - freshen your breath and/or your clothes.
Ensure you arrive 15 minutes early so that you are calm and unflustered.
Try to be relaxed and comfortable and reflect this through your body language:- shake hands, maintain a good posture and a friendly smile so you appear professional, eager and confident.
Claire Gibbons is a Director at Claibon Recruitment.
