Interview Advice

What to wear

Assuming you aren't wearing a ball gown or a top hat and tails, it is very difficult to over dress for an interview. The interview is your moment to shine and if you don't know the dress code within the business then be safe; wear formal business wear. 

Try not to over do jewellery, make up or anything that your interviewer may have a personal opinion about. Remember, people hire people they want to work with.

Fail to Prepare, Prepare to Fail! 

Different companies have different styles of interviews. From competency based questioning to frankly ridiculous questions with no right answer. Don’t let it throw you.

Below are examples of some of the types of questions you may come across. It’s worth giving some thought to how you would answer them.

Competency Questions:

These are most commonly used by recruitment professionals who work with a structured, often score based approach to selection. Ultimately they are used to get real examples from your past and to see if you have the character and skills to do the job you are applying for.

• Give me an example of something you’ve tried in your job that didn’t work. How did you learn from it?
• What was the last big decision you had to make?
• Why are you a good fit for this company?
• Can you tell me about a recent situation where you took the initiative and made something happen?
• Tell me about a time you have disagreed with a senior member of staff.

The Traditional Questions:

These are the common interview questions of all. They will generally pop up in most interviews and are well worth being prepared for.

• Tell me about yourself.
• What is your greatest strength and weakness?
• Where do you see yourself in 5 years time?
• Why are you applying?
• What did you like/dislike about your last job?

About You Questions:

These questions are to learn about your character. They tend to be delivered early in the interview to put you at ease and tell the interviewer the things that your CV does not. This is your chance to connect and create a good rapport. They are of course fully loaded to discover your core values.

• How was your journey here?
• How do you maintain a good work/life balance?
• Tell me about your hobbies and interests.
• Who do you admire and why?
• Why should I choose you over other candidates?

The Frankly Ridiculous Questions:

These questions are designed to throw you and see how you perform under pressure and when the unexpected hits you! There are usually no right or wrong answers but they can lighten the mood and create laughter in a strained situation.

• If you were an animal what would you be and why?
• What would your current boss say about you?
• Every CV has a lie on it somewhere. What’s yours?
• Sell me this pen.
• What was the last website you looked at?

So, the interview is coming to an end and the final question is asked. Are you prepared?

“Do you have any questions for us?”

Everything you say at an interview is being heard and taken into account. Whilst you think you know everything there is to know about the company and the role, it is important you take this chance to show your enthusiasm and interest.

Here are a few examples.

• What does a typical day look like?
• Why do you like working here?
• Do you have any concerns about my suitability for the role?
• What are the biggest challenges within this role?
• Can you tell me about the team I would be working in?

Questions to Avoid in Interview

You have given a great interview. There are a few questions that are inappropriate to ask at interview stage. They risk painting you in a bad light and the interviewer may perceive your motivations for the role incorrectly.

• What’s the salary?
• How much time off do I get?
• Do you pay sick pay?
• Is there an opportunity to do this role part-time or are you flexible on working hours?
• Is pre-booked holiday honoured?

These questions are important and relevant and can be saved for later in the process. If you are interviewing via a recruitment agency your consultant will handle the more “uncomfortable” questions for you and often will know the answers.

Need More Help?

Frankly Recruitment offer interview coaching, advice and feedback. If you feel you would benefit from this, please let your consultant know.

 Our job is to support you all the way to your perfect role!