Interview Tips

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Interview Tips

We will try our best to get you opportunities that fits your skills and taste but after that you will be required to handle the front. Appearing for the interview is an art. We are sure that our tips will give you much needed confidence.

Preparation

Remember the 4 P's - Preparation Prevents Poor Performance

Research

Find out as much as you can about the company, from their website, company literature, contacts etc. Facts to include:

  • Company turnover
  • Who owns it
  • Year established
  • Number of employees
  • How many sites does it have
  • Company's business
  • Customer base
  • Prepare a list of questions you wish to ask the company
  • Ask your agent if they know the interview format
  • Try to obtain a job specification if possible
  • Check out in advance the location of the interview and parking facilities/bus or train timetables/taxi
  • Make sure you know the name and position of the person interviewing you

On The Day

  • First impressions count so always arrive smart and professional looking. Even if you have heard the company operate a dress down policy, keep the suit, you can always dress down later
  • Be punctual, arriving late gives a bad impression from the off
  • Body language is very important - always sit upright but relaxed
  • Try not to be nervous, speak clearly and confidently (without coming over as being arrogant!)
  • Do not be over familiar with the interviewer, even in an informal situation




On Meeting

  • Shake hands firmly, smile and make eye contact
  • Always appear interested in the job and joining the company
  • Concentrate on your strengths, avoid negatives, when talking about a weakness is unavoidable, convey the message that you recognise it but are striving to overcome it
  • Listen carefully during the interview to avoid misunderstanding
  • Give clear and concise answers - don't ramble on
  • Try to find out the next step in the interview process, if not previously discussed
  • Always expect the unexpected

After The Meeting

  • Shortly after the meeting make notes, setting out the pros and cons and any points you still need to raise/clarify
  • Discuss the meeting with your consultant as soon as possible
  • If you are pursuing other options, keep your consultant informed. Do not avoid telephone calls. Your consultant has substantial experience and can assist you provided he or she is equipped with all the relevant information

Accepting a Job Offer

Congratulations. You have secured your ideal position.

The next step is to accept the offer. There are two basic situations that arise when you are offered a role:

  • The interviewer is the decision maker and knows during your interview that you are the best applicant for the role, so he offers it you on the spot
  • The interviewer has to discuss how each applicant performed with the decision maker before offering you the role either directly or via the agency.

Should you be offered during the interview and you have any reservations then it is perfectly acceptable to say "I am very flattered that you are offering me the role and I am almost sure that I would like to accept, however I would like to think it over and discuss it with my wife/parents/partner and call you in the morning with my answer"

On the other hand you may be 100% positive that you want the job then it is acceptable to accept at the time. If you are offered subsequently then our role as an agency is to accept on your behalf.

If you have any reservations then discuss them with your consultant and they will negotiate with the company on your behalf. The next stage is to write your letter of acceptance. Ask for the offer letter to be forwarded to you so that you can formally respond.

When writing your letter of acceptance ensure that you include the following information:

  • Ensure that you include all the relevant information such as names, business addresses and date
  • Thank them for offering you the post
  • Say that you are delighted to accept
  • Let them know your start date, if you are unable to inform them of this immediately then explain why and that you will notify them as soon as possible i.e. I am unable to provide an exact date at this time as my current employer is on holiday for the next week, on his return I will hand in my notice and inform you when I am able to start"
  • End the letter by stating you are looking forward to joining the company/team.

Dear Mr Raghavan,


Following the interview on the 20th July, thank you for offering me the position of Customer Services Advisor within ABC Limited. I have verbally accepted the offer and am pleased to forward my written confirmation. I look forward to receipt of my contract of employment which I will sign and return to yourselves immediately. Having handed in my notice with my current employer I am available to start with yourselves on the 21st August. Thank you for offering me this opportunity, I look forward to joining your team and contributing to the success of your organisation.


Yours sincerely,

Amit Saxena

During your notice period keep in touch with your new employer. If you are invited to an event then make an effort to attend. This will help calm your first day nerves. However remember to maintain a certain level of behaviour, remember the team is also making an impression of you and well as you of them!!