Take note, you never get a second chance to make a first impression – do your best to prepare for an interview in advance.
Below is a list of information you need to research:
Note: Technical Interview:
If you are attending a technical interview they may have prepared a LAB test or a Q&A session, so make sure you do your homework on the technical skills listed.
If unsure, then contact the consultant who arranged your interview to get a full understanding of the technical assessment.
Basic interview points:
- If it is a face-to-face interview, make sure that you are smartly dressed in a suit and tie.
- For a telephone interview, make sure that you are in a quiet environment with no distractions and strong internet connection.
- Have your CV printed off and to hand.
- Have a list of your key achievements to hand.
- Have a list of 5 – 10 questions based around the company to hand.
- Have a list of 5 – 10 questions based around the people in the interview to hand.
Why do you want this job?
- Why do you want to work for this business?
- Why do you want this position?
- What development can this organisation bring to your career?
- Why do you want to work with the people in this business?
- What makes this business and position stand out above others?
Sell yourself:
- What have you achieved throughout your career?
- What value will you bring to this organisation?
- Why are you right for this business?
- Why are you right for this position?
- What makes you stand out above other candidates interviewing?
- Why should they hire you’?
Financial side:
There is a chance that you will be asked about your salary expectations/current salary in the interview. When you are asked, in the most polite way say “Alessandro at Mantell Associates is fully aware of my financial situation, however here I would like to focus on the opportunity and not the money” – this will only reflect well on you.
Mandatory question:
At the end of the interview when the interviewer asks you if you have any questions, ask this: “If there are any reservations regarding me or this opportunity, what are they?” – This question is so powerful because it not only lets you know how you performed, but it also allows you to alleviate any concerns they may have.
Typical questions you may be asked:
- Talk me through your experience and what you have achieved to date.
- What do you do on a day-to-day basis in your current role?
- What do you know about us?
- Why are you interested in this job?
- What do you feel you can contribute to this organisation?
- What are your career goals?
- Describe a situation where you had a difference of opinion with a superior – how was it resolved and what was the outcome?
- How would your colleagues describe you?
- How would your friends describe you?
- What are your weaknesses?
- What are your key strengths?
Closing the Interview:
If the position is of interest to you and you feel it’s a company you would like to work for, then start thinking how to gauge their interest.