Candidates

• Take careful notes of the date, time, and address of your appointment, as well as the name and position of the person at your meeting.  

• Ask your consultant about the details of the interview, for example, what kind of interview it will be, what the interviewer is like, as it will help you prepare for the interview.  

• Familiarise yourself with the location and plan your journey so that you arrive in good time. Always allow time for potential delays and/or parking. If you arrive early (more than 10-15 minutes), wait in a nearby cafe or in your car.  

• Make sure you have a contact name and telephone number in case you are delayed. Always contact the organisation and your consultant to inform them that you will be late.  

• Make sure you can fully describe each of your previous roles and what duties were involved.  

• Prepare a list of questions to ask. 10 questions is a good benchmark, as some of your questions will be answered during the conversation. 

• Bring your CV, ID or passport, Right to Work permits, certificates, references and other documents they have asked you to bring. If they haven’t asked, email your consultant and check what you are expected to bring.  

• Use online resources to research both the company and who will be interviewing you.  

• Write down your strengths and personal achievements. 

• Research the company you are interviewing at to show that you have done your homework. Link your strengths and qualities to how you would be an asset to the company and why you would be a good match for the role. Prepare relevant questions to ask.  

• Prepare 2 examples of when you overcame a difficult situation, how you overcame it, and what the end result was. This is a common question to be asked in a competency-based interview.  

• The interviewer might go through your social media profiles - so make sure to delete anything you wouldn’t want a future employer to see or change your profiles’ settings to ‘private’. 

• Ensure that you are dressed smartly and look tidy and professional. If you are not sure what to wear, ask your consultant.  

• If you arrive earlier than 15 minutes before the interview, don’t go inside as this can come across as an imposition.  

• Be friendly with all the staff members you encounter. They are likely to report back to the Manager or Interviewer. 

• Turn off your phone or at least put it on silent.  

• Briefly review your notes on the company. 

• Your body language is important - make sure to give a firm handshake, sit up straight, smile, active listen and keep eye contact during the interview. Avoid fidgeting or keeping your arms crossed, as this can be read as defensive.  

• Listen carefully to questions and answer honestly. If necessary, pause and think about your answer first, and always be clear and confident in your replies.  

• Highlight your achievements, e.g., promotion, increased responsibilities, salary rises, and staff prizes won.  

• Remember that the interview is a two-way process. The employer wants to ensure that you have the specific skills to do the job and that your personality will fit. Likewise, you want to make sure that you would like to work for the company. 

Remember that the interview is a two-way process. You also want to make sure the role and company are right for you. So, ask as many questions as possible until you feel you fully understand the role. Asking the interview questions will also show the interviewer that you are interested in the role. Here is a list of general questions you could ask, but it is also a good idea to think of some questions tailored to the role.

• What training will I be given?  

• To whom will I be responsible?  

• By what criteria will you judge and review my success in the job?  

• What progression might you see for me over the next five years? 

• Does the company have any expansion plans? 

• How does your company stay ahead of competitors?  

• What do you like most about working for this company?  

• How would you best describe the company’s culture? 

• When will I hear back from you? 

• Is there anything else I can provide to help you make your decision? 

• Being negative about your current or previous employer.  

• Chewing gum.  

• Asking questions regarding salary, benefits, or holidays at the first interview, unless broached by the interviewer. These are normally discussed at the second interview, or Stafffinders will liaise between you and the employer.  

• Being too familiar with the interviewer - be open but keep it professional. 

• Review your responses to the questions asked to determine whether there is anything you could have answered differently. This will help you be even better prepared for your next interview.  

• Contact your Recruitment Consultant and tell them how it went and they will follow up with the company for their feedback.  

• Pace follow-ups and show patience.  

• Even if you feel that you did well in the interview, continue to consider other opportunities.