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If the mere thought of it makes you squirm in your seat, there's lots
you can do ahead of time to help you feel at ease at that big
interview. Here are 10 things to consider, plus a few Q&A prompts.
-
Know
the company. Who are they? What do they do? Why do you want to
join? Use the internet, library, your Love & Tate consultant
and the press to find out.
-
Know
the job. What are the expected outcomes, and how can you achieve
them? You'll find clues in the job advert, and your Love &
Tate consultant can help you fill in the rest of the picture.
-
Know
your strengths. What do you do really well? Think through a few
examples to demonstrate it and your potential for development.
-
Carry
a briefcase, not a plastic bag: take examples of your work, spare
copies of your CV, the job advert, testimonials and any relevant
certificates - most places will ask for your passport (ID check
and right to work).
-
Dress
for success. Smart, groomed, discreet jewellery, some token
individuality but leave out the totally wacky clothes, unless
going for a wacky job.
-
Arrive
early. Booking in at reception can take 10-15 minutes. Be in
'interview mode' the minute you step in the door, make polite
conversation with receptionist (no guys, not chatting her (him!)
up, read company literature etc.
-
Greet
your interviewer by name and a smile. A firm handshake only if they
offer their hand first.
-
Listen
carefully to the questions. Keep the answers relevant and concise.
Best to ask for clarification if you don't fully understand a
question or didn't quite catch it.
-
Give
specific examples wherever possible to back up your answers.
Stress the similarities in what you have done previously - not the
differences.
-
Have a battery of questions to ask them about the company and the
role. But please do NOT zoom in on salary, hours, benefits,
holidays, early promotion and opportunities to work in the New
York office - be patient, these can come later.
 A FEW QUESTIONS YOU
SHOULD ASK
-
What
are the main challenges for the department/in this role?
-
How
will I know if I've done a good job?
-
Why
has the vacancy arisen? What happened to the last guy?
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If
I do a great job, where can I go from here?
-
Is
there any special training given/what is the company policy on
training generally.
-
Are
there any downsides to the job we haven't discussed?
AND
SOME THEY MAY ASK YOU
-
Why
would you like to work here/have this job?
-
What
do you know about the company?
-
What
do you think your main contributions would be?
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What
are your strengths? Weaknesses?
-
Tell
me about your biggest challenge? What did you find difficult? How
did you overcome it?
-
How
would your friends/colleagues describe you?
See Also:
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