REC - Recruitment Employment Agency Interview Tips

Interview Tips

So you have identified the ideal job opportunity, by now you have already sent in your immaculately typed and presented CV, this is a nerve wracking time!

The art of successful interviews includes the art of interesting and free-flowing conversation and this is all about technique and preparation.

The interview is competitive, usually in most situations there are a number of other people applying for that same position. You will need to be very particular in answering the questions put to you in order to stand out from the crowd. We understand that when you are being interviewed, especially if it is a panel interview, this can make you feel nervous and intimidated.

Below we have outlined some basic and also some fairly advanced questions and guidance in order to prepare you for the day! Remember some interviewers are better than others. Good ones ask open questions and probe for further information and examples and poorer ones fall into the trap of asking closed questions. All you have to do is look out for open questions - you want them because they give you a chance to make your points and provide evidence of your competence in the task in mind.

What makes you a good leader?

Human Resource Managers have got 'degrees in people' and they're looking for talent, not just someone to do this job. They want people who'll do the job well and have potential for the future.

The best communicators are listeners, remember the 80/20 rule. Leaders always concentrate on the interests of their people. In fact a good leader may very well know a lot more about you than you do about them.

Matching and Mirroring the Interviewer

Interviews are like speed dating. You quickly eye each other up and decide whether or not you are interested in taking things further. You need to be able to build rapport with the interviewer as quickly as possible. You never have a second chance to make that first impression.

The key here is to use mirroring. Mirroring body language is based on the theory that we are more at ease, subconsciously with people who are similar to ourselves. You can mirror most things like sitting upright, open body posture, crossing of your legs. Listen to the tone of their voice and aim to mirror this also. Remember that if you feel more comfortable take in a portfolio and ask if you can take notes also, again mirroring the interviewer, you will instantly feel more in control, conduct the interview as a business meeting, you are selling to each other.

Pick up their mood, if they are very smiley and humorous then you adopt the same approach however being very careful not to overstep the mark and be too familiar, this however is not an easy task. If the interviewer is serious and fairly formal then you will need to adopt this approach. Ensure that you are smiling at various stages and that your body language and posture is open for dialogue.

Talk to me about your working history?

This is a very difficult question as you need to understand exactly what the interviewer is looking to achieve in a short space of time. You should ask either 'Is there anything in particular that you would like me to cover?' or 'What exactly would you like to know at the moment?' This is a fair question as it shows that you are focused on what they are truly interested in.

Tell me about a time when you had to take a risk within the workplace?

You will need to demonstrate here how you evaluate and sometimes reject risky projects even though you may be under pressure from management above or from your team to take them on.

Middle Managers are expected to have a reasonable grasp of the topic and to take appropriate calculated risks.

If you are applying for a position within your current industry your knowledge should mean that you are aware of the general risk profile of a company working within the same industry.

Remember that risk taking can be both good and bad. Being a risk taker is often good when you are leading a project / team, you are getting involved when the high rollers are riding for a fall. The downside of being nervous about taking a risk is missing out on potential opportunities and then missing out on the returns.

Tell me about the most successful team that you have worked within?

Team work is of paramount importance to any successful company. When a team is working really well everyone performs their job in a way that helps other team members to operate efficiently. Apart from that, good team members recognise their responsibility to make the workplace a friendly and pleasant place to be. Good teamwork produces a sense of pride that can be the envy of other teams, this makes it easier to attract good people into the team.

Make sure that you discuss your own personal contribution to that team and provide evidence that you can work on your own initiative and also assist team members and work within instructions given by your superior.

Can you tell me about a time when you have had to project manage?

Keep it simple, the interviewer is looking for you to talk them through the project from implementation through to delivery without using jargon or being emotional or rambling. You need to be very clear and concise, showing ownership and reliability. Do not use 1,000 words when you can use 100, you will bore the interviewer and they will quickly loose interest in you.

How ambitious would you say that you are?

This question has many guises. It could mean 'Where do you see yourself in five years time?' or 'In an ideal world what job would eventually fulfil your dreams?' or even 'When do you expect to get your next promotion?'

Start with an honest and reasonable answer to the question 'Well I certainly want to move forward and have a career with good promotional prospects, but I would look towards yourselves for direction and guidance, as I appreciate that I need to perform in this current role firstly.'

Why do you want to work for this company?

There are so many sources of information that you need to know prior to attending interview to show the interviewer that you are interested in working for their organisation not simply attending the interview to secure employment.

You need to know:

What is your ideal definition of 'The Ideal Boss?'

This is a very important question so you need to be open and honest and take your personality into consideration. Explain that you are looking to work with someone that will develop you as an individual along with providing you with constructive criticism as you work together working towards achieving the same goals.

Try and get some information about their reputation for dealing with employees. This helps you to know whether you want to work for them and gives you the opportunity to pay a compliment during the interview.

Tell me why you want this position?

This question should be relatively easy to answer if you have carried out your research. If you find this question difficult then you are applying for the wrong job. An interviewer wants to see genuine enthusiasm for the challenges you will face if you join their team. Research and a good self-insight will give you the right answers.

Talk about their reputation within the marketplace as employers and the positive feedback that you have heard about them. Also identify yourself as a potential staff member and that you see yourself developing with the company. Again, give evidence where possible in terms of your skills to back-up your personality and confidence in yourself.

How easy are you to work with?

This is not an easy question to answer, however the interviewer is probing to find out whether you are likely to be an employee who causes problems rather than one who resolves them. You have to show loyalty, stability and that you will be an easy person to work with and manage.

You can also tell them about the type of environment that you like working within i.e. small / medium / large teams etc. This will help them assess your suitability for their working environment.

Tell me about your ideal working environment / culture?

If you have carried out your research you already feel that the environment and culture will suit your personality. Simply describe to the interviewer your ideal place of work and if you have analysed them then you will be describing their culture.

You must be open and honest, if you are not then you run the risk of eventually hating your job. What you are looking for is compatibility.

What would you like to ask me / us?

At this point in the interview you must have questions ready to ask, it would be a huge mistake if you have not prepared for this. The worst answer here without any doubt is 'no'. It will appear that you are not interested in the job and does indicate poor preparation.

Ask questions such as:

How important to you is work / life balance?

To answer this is important, as much to you as it is to them. Make sure you do know what that balance should be before you go into the interview. There is no point in just being a safe pair of hands for the job.

Add some flair and evidence to your answers and you will stand out from the competition. Everyone is going to say that they're indeed looking for a healthy balance and that their partner/children/interests etc are important as their career. For a high number of staff they can only work so many hours at their desk due to outside commitments and to others they are happy burning the candle!

Know your limitations and your capabilities, if you put yourself in a situation that will eventually make you unhappy then you will leave your employer and then you both loose out.

What makes you feel motivated about the working day ahead?

This response reveals a lot about you. Think about the main points you are trying to make about yourself and the job. Show how you have spent time and energy creating what for you is an ideal working environment.

Answer with a big smile, look as though you are pleased to be asked the question and perhaps indicate that it is a lot of things in combination that add up to a happy working life. Companies know and appreciate that an enthusiastic employee will spread enthusiasm within the team and encourage others to be happy within the workplace.

In your current role tell me about a time when you have been disheartened?

Do not be afraid of this question, no one is perfect. Lay your disappointment out openly however do not over-criticise your previous employer and do not let your emotions be seen too clearly.

They are looking for honesty but most importantly they are looking to identify how you have dealt with these feelings within the workplace. Do not lie and do not speak aggressively about ex-colleagues this will make you appear unprofessional.

What are your outside interests / hobbies?

This question is simply to try and identify what you enjoy doing outside of the working environment. Do not lie for example if you say enjoy going to the Opera be prepared to expand on this, they may be an avid Opera fan themselves!

Is it all right if we take up references now?

Be very clear and prepared to detail exactly who the interviewer can contact for references and also who they cannot, with justifiable reasons given. Simply smile and say that is fine and provide names and telephone numbers.

It may be obvious but if in permanent employment ensure the interviewer does not contact the company until you have been offered the position and have this in writing.

How long is your notice period?

A general mistake that a lot of people make is to state that their notice period is 4 weeks for example but they are sure they can reduce this, or worse still state that the notice period is not important to them!

This could ultimately ensure that you do not secure the position. Interviewers are looking for potential employees who will still have respect for their position even if they are looking for a new job. Remember that 99% of the time if you leave a job then you have to do a handover with your successor. Show that you can be reliable.
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