Interview Tips

Once you have got as far as an interview with one of our clients, you are on the first step to securing the job you want. Obviously up to this point, our client has been impressed with your education and employment history- so make sure that they like your personality and attitude as well. Remember that our consultants have already interviewed you once, so they are confident you should not have any problems with our client.

Preparing for an Interview

Although there is no guaranteed success path for the majority of interviews, generally it is the candidates that are most prepared that are successful. On that basis, you should carry out extensive research on the prospective employers, the position that you are going for and make sure you can relate the role to previous skills you have learnt. Of course, we will always try and send you as much detail regarding the role and company as possible, but the simple truth is that you can never know too much.

• Research the Company - Information can be found on the Internet, the Press or a company brochure. Amongst other details, try and find the company's owners, subsidiaries, current and future strategy, market place standing, competitors, recent growth and its product and services.
• Review the Role - Our job specification will give you a rundown of the role. Know what department you will be working in, the hours and responsibilities that you'll be carrying out.
• Review your Experiences & Qualifications - Look at what you have done in the past and match it up to the responsibilities of the role so that you can justify why you are the most suitable candidate. Review your CV before the interview, as it is highly likely that the interviewer would have done so.
• As it is probable that you will be going to one of the leading companies in London, we always recommend that you dress formally for an interview; a smart suit is a must. Ensure that you are well groomed with tidy hair, clean shoes and clothing. Do not wear too much perfume or aftershave and keep make-up, jewellery and nail polish simple.

To make it easier for you, we will tell you where the interview is to take place and the simplest way of getting there. Even so, make sure you plan your journey beforehand so you know exactly where you are going and allow extra time for any possible travel delays. In case of any major problems, please contact your consultant beforehand so that we can inform our client that you suspect you will be late.

During the Interview

When you first arrive, make sure of a positive handshake, be polite to all the staff that you meet and maintain eye contact at all times. Communication is essential during the interview, so from the previous research you have done, make sure the employer knows the benefits of employing you and show how your past experiences would benefit the company. Even so, do not try and dominate the interview and always try to turn any negative information into a positive. Interviews are a two-way process, so not only are they are a chance for our client to find out a little more about you, take the opportunity to find out for yourself further information about the organisation and the position.

If you are interested in the position, make sure you let the interviewer know just before you leave and find out when second interviews will take place and who will conduct them. However, try and avoid the issue of salary as this can be taken up later with one of our consultants- remember you are going for the role for the challenge, responsibility and opportunity rather than the financial reward.

After the Interview

Once your interview is over and whilst it is fresh in your mind, contact your personal consultant immediately. Tell them how you felt the interview went, how long you were there for and whether you thought the position was right for you. From this, our consultants will act as the contact between yourselves and the interviewer and we will let the client have some feedback and discuss what happens next.

If the final offer is not what you had hoped for, ask your consultant to talk to the client. Say that you like the job but the package is not up to your expectations and ask if the company can be flexible. Now you have got this far, it is much easier to negotiate closer to your demands.

GOOD LUCK!!