3 Things to Do Before Your Next Interview
When it comes to the job interview, preparation is key. Going into one without a solid plan can mean struggling to answer questions, missing information about the company or just generally facing more stress than you’d ever have to otherwise. Most people know how to prepare for an interview at a basic level, but if you’re in the Architecture, Building, Construction, Engineering or Property sectors, you’ll know that the competition can be tough out there, and it sometimes takes a little extra skill to stand out from the crowd.
To give yourself the best head start, here are our top tips on preparing for an interview like a pro.
Research the Company
Although as specialist recruiters we will always do our best to provide you with an overview of the company, looking up details for yourself may unearth stories of previous employees and their experiences, how the business presents itself to the outside world and more. Websites such as Glassdoor and LinkedIn are a great place to start.
Does this look like a company you’d gladly be involved in? Does its culture resonate with you? For roles in Construction, Building or Engineering, you’re certain to be working with a team of some size – so finding out what current employees are saying is always valuable. At the very least, you’ll get a jumping-off point for the interviewers to start filling in the blanks.
Additionally, many companies will ask you what you know about them coming in; it always looks good when a candidate has done their homework, so having a solid answer prepared will demonstrate your professionalism and genuine interest in the role.
Practise Your Technique
No matter how many times you do it, interviewing can be a nerve-wracking experience. There’s always a lot to remember – and, of course, the pressure to make the best first impression you can. Rather than worrying about every little gesture or the inflection of your voice in the moment, set aside some time when preparing for a job interview itself to practise being in that situation.
A great idea is to hold a ‘mock interview’ with a trusted friend or family member. Have them ask you common interview questions so you can rehearse your answers and practise building rapport with the hiring panel.
These questions could include:
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Tell me about yourself.
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What major projects have you worked on recently?
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Where do you see yourself in five years?
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What attracted you to our company?
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What are your greatest strengths/weaknesses?
By preparing your answers and having some relevant anecdotes and examples ready to go, you’ll be able to go into the real interview feeling a lot more confident.
Don’t forget that having a few relevant questions of your own to ask the interviewer will show them that you’re enthusiastic about the role.
Understand the Market
Before you head into an interview, it’s crucial to be well informed about the average market rate for similar roles, as well as have an idea of the benefits that are generally on offer (download a copy of our 2019 / 2020 Salary Survey here). This will allow you to weigh up what is most important to you and ensure you’re prepared if the hiring manager enquires about your salary expectations.
Keep in mind that while remuneration is important, sometimes a job may offer lower pay but have more benefits and opportunities for advancement. If this role has a strong possibility of opening doors in the near future or ticks other boxes such as work/life balance, it may be worth considering. Some flexibility is good – just don’t sell yourself short.
Summary
In the end, these interview preparation tips are just a framework to spark further thinking. To give yourself the best chance of success during your next Construction or Engineering job search, reach out to the team at Consultive – as specialist recruiters, we are experts in your field and we know what employers are looking for in today’s market. Talk to us at any time for more interview tips or to find out about the latest opportunities we have available.