Interview Tips
Once you have made it to interview, this is one of the last things that you need to do before the job is yours. Here are a few tips to help the interview run as smoothly as possible:
- Prepare Prepare, Prepare – I cant stress this enough. The more preparation you do for an interview the better. You will look more interested if you can drop into conversation things that you know about the company already. This will show how serious you are about getting this job. You will also feel more confident and relaxed if you already know something about the people you are going to see.
- Plan your arrival – Make sure you know where you are going, how long it will take to get there and who you are going to see. Plan to arrive at least 10 minutes before the interview time. If you are going to be late on the day make sure you phone ahead.
- Dress smartly – Make sure you look presentable, ideally in a suit or smart outfit, also make sure your shoes and finger nails are clean and your breath is fresh.
- Handshake – A firm handshake will show confidence in yourself. Practise with a friend until you can give a confident handshake without any embarrassment.
- Relax – Be yourself and relax. Interviews are stressful enough without getting wound up. Try to relax and you will find that you can think much more clearly and give better answers. If you do start to get nervous just take a slow, deep breath and think calm thoughts. Remember your interviewer may also be nervous and is only human after all. Also if you have properly prepared this will reduce your nerves
- Smile – Not only does this make you look more interested in what the interviewer has to say but it will also help you to relax.
- Eye contact – Try to keep eye contact with the person interviewing, it will make you look more interested in what the interviewer has to say. If you find it difficult to do this, try looking at the interviewer’s ear (this may sound strange but it really works).
- Enthusiasm – Be enthusiastic, this will show the interviewer how serious you are about the job. If you are in any doubt about whether or not they think you want it dont be afraid to tell them.
- Direct answers – Try to give concise answers, not necessarily one-word answers but don’t waffle around a subject without actually answering the question. If you don’t understand the question ask them to repeat it or to expand and be more specific. Remember you can’t be expected to give a clear answer if you don’t understand the question.
- Structure your answers - If you are asked for an example of a time that you have demonstrated something structure your answer clearly. For example, set the scene by giving the background to the example you are going to discuss, explain how you approached the issue, say what YOU did, tell the interviewer what the outcome was and lastly explain what you learned from this experience.
- Question – Try to have at least one question for the interviewer at the end, things like “If I am successful in getting this job, when would you be looking for me to start?” or “How long do you think it would be after starting that I would actually be doing the job hands on?”. Matters such as holidays and pay will normally have been discussed earlier, but if not and you do have the opportunity to ask a question, try to avoid these topics. If you leave without this information we can always discuss that with or for you at a later date. One of the best questions you can ask in my opinion is a checking question about whether or not there is anything that the job involves that you havent discussed or demonstrated your skills in. This will either give you the chance to address any concerns in the interview they may have or tell them about things you have done to show that you are suitable.
- Confidence – Have confidence in yourself. Remember you wouldn’t have been asked to come for interview if they didn’t think you could do the job – This is your opportunity to let the interviewer know that you can.
If you require any further information or advice please do not hesitate to contact your CK Medics consultant on +44 (0)1438 743047.
