Interview tips| CPX Recruitment

Before the interview

Do your “homework”. Research the company thoroughly, check their website, reviews, investigate their competitors; what do they do? What are their values? Financial information? Short and medium term goals?
Ensure you have a copy of the job description – you may be questioned on it.
Similarly, you need to study and know your own CV, again you may be asked questions about it.
Be clear on your reasons for leaving, be professional about your previous companies. Any time gaps in your CV should be explainable (e.g. travelling, raising young children)
Think through your outfit and ensure it is appropriate to your work environment. Be presentable, shoes polished, hair tidy etc.
Plan your route to the interview, and allow plenty of time to get there (you don’t want to be late!)
Make sure you know the names of the people or person interviewing you and their position(s)

Greet the interviewer by name with a firm handshake and introduce yourself.

Key points to remember:

The interviewer wants to know that you are interested in the role.
Answer questions asked fully but try not to get side tracked, speak clearly and calmly.
Above all, be honest in the interview. Do not be tempted to embellish your skills. Be yourself.
Negative comments about previous employers should be avoided
Ask relevant questions, it is acceptable to ask the interviewer when they are expecting to make a decision or if/when you will be asked back for a 2nd interview. Let the employer know you are interested in the role. As you leave shake hands with all present and thank them for your time.

Tell us about you and why you are interested in the role. Describe yourself to us. Describe a typical day.
What do you know about us?
Describe your present duties and responsibilities?
What are your strengths and weaknesses?
What do you have to offer us over other candidates?
How long do you think it wold take you to make a meaningful contribution to our business?
What motivates/demotivates you most?
2, 5 and 10 year career plan?
Why should we hire you?
Have you got any questions for us?

Some possible questions to ask the interviewer

Can you describe my area of responsibility?
Is this post a new or existing one?
What are the opportunities for promotion/training?
Have I said anything that would give you cause to question my suitability for the role?

If the interview was arranged through a recruitment agency, call your recruitment consultant to give them your feedback on how the interview went.

If you are not successful always ask for feedback as this can be used constructively to help you improve your success for future interviews.