Preparing for a Job Interview in 2010

Beforehand:

• Research the firm – look at the company’s web site, social networking sites, check up-to-date company literature, read the press and talk to people you know who work or who have worked there.
• Know your CV inside out – the interviewer will expect you to be able to answer questions about anything (and potentially everything) that is written on your CV.
• Check out the interview process; how many stages will there be, is there going to be a written technical test, who will you be meeting (get their full name and job title).
• Review the job description – think of how your experience would benefit the company.
• Remember the interview is a two-way process – it offers you the opportunity to get all the information you need on the company / team in order to be able to decide if you want the role.
  

On the day:

• Make sure you know the location of the interview (e.g. if the employer has more than one office in London).
• If you’re going to be late, let the agency know straight away don’t call the company, unless the agent has given you permission to call the client, do not do so.
• It’s a good idea to arrive 10 minutes early for the interview to give yourself time to gather your thoughts and to be calm before meeting the interviewer.

Some top tips:

• Smile and maintain good eye contact throughout.
• Dress conservatively / appropriately for the interview.
• Prepare a list of questions to ask.
• Answer questions with more than just a "yes" or "no" - always try to back up answers with examples which illustrate your skills and how you could contribute to the company.
• Let the interviewer bring up the subject of salary, when asked about salary always back up your answer with “although salary is a factor for me, the nature of the job and organisation I work for is very important too”.
• Don’t criticise your current/previous employer.

Body Language:

• The way in which you present yourself will tell the interviewer much more about you than your CV ever could so be aware of any bad habits you are prone to such as fidgeting or gesticulating.
• Keep your handshake firm, but not too forceful.
• Aim to maintain good posture throughout the meeting – try not to slouch.
• Listen - acknowledge the interviewer's comments with nods and if you are being interviewed by more than one person, engage the whole panel when answering their questions.
• Maintain good eye contact throughout the interview.

Commonly Asked Interview Questions:

• This is a range of questions that are frequently asked at interview:
• Tell me about yourselfHow would you colleagues / manager / team describe you?
• Describe your management style
• How do you handle working under pressure?
• Why do you want to work here?
• What do you know about our company?
• Why are you interested in a career in this industry?
• What are you looking for in a company?
• Why are you looking for a new job?
• What do you dislike about your present job?
• What do you look for in a job?
• What do you want from your next role?
• Where would you like to be in two to five years?
• What are your key strengths and weaknesses?
• What are you really good at?
• What can you offer our company / would you do for us?
• Why should we hire you? or Why should I give this job to you?
• What is your greatest achievement to date?
• What is the biggest challenge you have faced in your career?
• What are the biggest decisions you have made in the last year?
• Do you prefer to work alone or in a group? Why?
• What is your ideal working environment?
• What kind of people do you like working with?
• Are you a self-starter? (Back up an answer with examples)
• What are you interests outside of work?
• What do you do in your spare time?

Questions to ask the interviewer:

• How has the position become vacant?
• Where does the role sit within the team / department / organisation?
• How will my performance be assessed?
• What are the longer-term opportunities involved in this role?
• What are the key challenges involved in this role?
• Describe the company / team culture?
• Tell me about the company’s training programme / employee career development programme?
• What could I expect from the first 6 to 12 months in the role?
• What skills and attributes are most needed to progress within the team / company?
  

Points to consider - what interviewers are looking for at interview:

• Your academic and personal achievements as well as distinctions / success at work
• Your business training, aptitudes, positions of responsibility
• Your career motivations and ambitionQuickness of mind, initiative, judgement and flexibility
• Your general appearance and suitability of dress, speech and self confidence
• Your work ethic – are you receptive, persistent and adaptable to change?
• How you project yourself in terms of assurance, communication style, manners, leadership qualities

In addition

• They will want to know if you can do the job
• They want to know if you WILL do the job – i.e. are you motivated?
• They will want to see if you fit in with the organisation's culture.Good luck!

Jo Lee
Marketing Manager
Meridian Business Support

For more assistance with your career, visit Meridian Business Support's brand new recruitment website; www.meridianbs.co.uk