The Actual Interview

An interview should be viewed as an interactive, two-way process. You are not there to be interrogated. The purpose of the interview is for both the client and candidate to assess suitability and whether you will fit into the company culture.

It is also your opportunity to learn more about the expectations of the role and meet your potential new work colleagues. Remember, most interviewers will employ a structured approach to interviewing and you should adopt the same principle if you want to be successful.

At any interview dress code is important and you should pre-qualify this with the recruiter.

The old adage that you never get a second chance to make a first impression was never more correct. Gents, you should wear a clean suit, freshly ironed shirt and a complementary tie. Leave the comical Mickey Mouse tie at home, have a haircut and wear polished shoes. Ladies, smart business dress is essential, earrings if worn should be small and unobtrusive.

You should arrive around 10 minutes before your interview is scheduled to start. Conversely, arriving too early can create an impression of desperation or could place the interviewer in an awkward situation where they may feel pressurised to start earlier than planned. When you meet the interviewer, stand up and offer a firm handshake. Eye contact is vital, as is a smile and a sincere greeting without being over familiar.

During the interview, take a measured approach to answering questions and do not launch into potentially irrelevant rhetoric - stay focused on the point.

Be concise with your answers and confirm with the interviewer that you have interpreted the question correctly. Everybody likes to talk about themselves. Ask about their experiences in a particular field, you may find some common ground which can be an excellent ice breaker and will increase your chance of success.

Try not to discuss salary unless it’s unavoidable. If the interviewer wants to discuss your salary expectations, you should always tell them your current details first as this is the best way to justify the salary you are looking for. Don’t be afraid of saying that you’re looking for a higher salary, but be prepared to justify your reasons.

How you close the interview is as important as the way you open it. In the closing stages, make sure you qualify whether the interviewer has covered their agenda and if they need any further information from you.

You should never leave without understanding what the next stage will be and more importantly if you are going to be a part of it.

Read interview questioning