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Preparing for an Interview

The job interview is the ideal opportunity to show a hiring manager that you are the most suitable person for the job. That is why it is important to begin preparing for an interview ahead of time and understand how to avoid common interview mistakes. By using our interview tips below, you will be in good stead to land the role you’ve always wanted.

Interview preparation will not only offer you greater knowledge of the company, its people as well as the role itself, but will also ensure you are more relaxed and confident on the day. Do some research about the organisation that is meeting you, which will in turn help you list some intelligent questions to ask interviewers. Company brochures, annual reports, websites and back issues of the trade press are all good sources of information. Additionally, do some research into the most common interview questions that you may encounter and practice the answers prior to the date. Our specialist construction and engineering recruiters can always lend a hand here.

When preparing for an interview, it is useful to know:

  • How strong is the potential for future growth?
  • How does the company compare to others in the industry and its competitors?
  • Annual growth in sales/turnover for the past five years
  • The organisation structure and how can this affect your promotional path?
  • What developments have occurred recently?
  • Location of offices, company size and number of branches

This knowledge will not only allow you to demonstrate your interest in the company but will also help you decide if it is going to suit you. Your interview preparation should also see you know the interviewer’s full name, the correct pronunciation and their title together with the time and location of your interview. One of our main interview tips relates to punctuality. Arriving late always creates a bad impression so plan your journey well and allow sufficient time for heavy traffic, bad weather and parking.

Making the Best Appearance

Aim to arrive at least 10 minutes early to ensure you have time to freshen up and be aware that the interview begins when you arrive at the reception and finishes when you leave the premises. Receptionists and secretarial staff are often asked to give their opinions on jobseekers so create a good impression from the start.

As always, an interviewer’s first impression of you is important. When dressing for an interview, choose smart attire, ensuring it’s appropriate for the company and role concerned. If possible, visit the job site before your interview and get an idea of how other members of the workforce are dressing as part of your interview preparation.

The Interview

Ensure that you walk into your interview confidently with your head up, a smile on your face and a positive attitude. Shake the interviewer’s hand firmly and maintain eye contact with them throughout your interview.

The type of interview questions you will be asked will vary from position to position and may depend on whether the position is temporary or permanent. In an interview for a temporary position, the most common interview questions will usually be around past experience and the ability to complete the task at hand. Interview questions for a permanent post will be centred on your background and how it will fit into the organisation and what your career objectives and aims are.

One of the more common interview mistakes is offering up yes or no answers. You should keep things concise but give something back by explaining things wherever possible. Remember that every interview is a two-way street. Always prepare a few questions to ask interviewers; after all, you need to evaluate the employer as much as they need to evaluate you. Don’t bombard them with your knowledge of their company but ensure the interviewer is impressed as it will show that you have given serious thought to joining their organisation.

When explaining your reason for leaving your present or former employers, limit your comments to those necessary to explain your rationale and avoid making any derogatory remarks.

After the Interview

Afterwards, make a note of everything you need to remember. This may include the name of the interviewer, the date you expect to hear back from the company and any interview questions you were unable to answer.

Consider all job offers carefully and make certain that you want the position. It is important to think back to your reasons for wanting to move and ensure the prospective post will satisfy those requirements.

Even if you are unsuccessful, use what you have learned from the interview to help you when preparing for an interview next time. Look at what went well and what needs improving and work at making each interview better than the last.

Follow Up

Immediately after the interview, write a follow-up letter/email regardless of how you think the interview went. The letter should be brief, relevant and:

  • Express appreciation of time and opportunity
  • Recap/emphasise salient points
  • Add points you didn’t cover
  • Reiterate/elaborate how you can contribute; express interest in continuing dialogue.

If you have been asked to send further information, ensure this is done quickly and efficiently.

The Interview – Additional Information

Some of the most common interview mistakes to avoid include:

  • Being too friendly
  • Not listening to questions carefully
  • Answering interview questions with yes, no or little substance
  • Saying “we” instead of referring to your own achievements
  • Making very general statements which lack substance
  • Being over enthusiastic
  • Being poorly prepared
  • Slouching, mumbling, speaking slowly
  • Knowing nothing about the company to whom you are talking
  • Making derogatory remarks about your present or former employers

Remember, not all positions you are applying for will be right for you. The purpose of the interview is to help you (as well as the company) sort out if the “fit” is right.

Most common questions:

Some of the most common interview questions include:

  • Tell me about yourself
  • What kind of position are you looking for? Why do want to work in this industry/company?
  • Why did you leave your last position (or current position)?
  • What did you do in your previous position?
  • How was your time allocated?
  • What did you like the least/best about it?
  • How many people did you supervise?
  • What was the budget responsibility?
  • What did you accomplish?
  • Give me some examples of the most difficult problems you encountered in your previous position, how did you resolve them?
  • How was you performance measured?
  • How did you get along with your manager?
  • What are the qualities do you look for in a manager?
  • How would you describe your own operating/management style?
  • What do you consider to be your strongest qualities? What are some of your weaknesses?
  • What position do you hope to reach in five years?
  • What are your leisure activities? Your hobbies? Why do you like them?

Inappropriate or illegal interview questions:

Equal Opportunity (EO) guidelines limit the questions that can be asked in job interviews. By being aware of EO considerations, you can recognise possibly discriminatory or illegal interview questions when they are asked. If asked an interview question that you consider inappropriate or that you suspect may be the basis for discrimination, you are under no obligation to answer it.

For example, an employer may ask whether you have children as part of idle chatter, or they may be motivated by their prejudice that working mothers are not able to commit fully to a full-time position.

Alternatively, in asking about your childcare arrangements, they may for be trying to assess your level of preparation and professionalism.

If you are uncomfortable with any question, politely and professionally refuse to answer it or request clarification on its relevance to the position. Some suggestions are:

“I don’t think we need to talk about this. I would rather focus on issues relevant to the position and the requirements of your organisation.”

“I don’t understand how this question is relevant to the position or my ability to perform in the role. Could you clarify for me why you think it is important, and I will try to provide you with the relevant answer?

If you are seeking more advice on preparing for an interview, get in touch with the team at Consultive.