Interview Tips

Interviews are stressful; here are a few simple pointers to ensure you make a great impression:

• Do your research - Read the pre-employment pack we send you; Find out about the company and the business unit's services conducting the interview.
• Search the client website to learn about the current strategies and objectives of the business unit.

To get the basics right, ensure that you:

• Know the date, time and location of the interview and note who to ask for upon arrival
• Use the name of the interviewer, contact information of the department and title of your interviewer
• Use the google map to plan your route and allow plenty of time for travel
• Bring your ID and a copy of your DBS certificates if required for the job
• Dress smartly and look professional at all times - face to face or video interview
• Know your CV and work history - essential
• Read the job description to have a clear answer as to why you're the right person for the job
• Be positive, polite & confident, and engage the entire panel in your replies to questions
• Impressions count; it begins when you enter the reception
• Make eye contact and keep your nerves under control and express yourself clearly
• Engage the interviewer, nodding, making eye contact showing signs of acknowledgement
• keep your responses concise and powerful; for each competency question, explain the Situation, Task, Action and Result
• The interview is also about finding out if the job is right for you, asking questions, demonstrating that you are listening
• Don't say negative things about your previous employers
• Balance income with career development, training and other benefits
• Don't leave your mobile phone on during the interview
• Don't express preconceptions or any personal narrow-thinking

Online Interview

Virtual interviews are the new normal. As you're not there in person, certain aspects of the interview can be more challenging, so you must be prepared to make a fantastic, virtual first impression.

Here are some tips:

• Prepare the setting
• Think about where you will have your interview
• Wherever you choose, check the lighting in the room, and try to avoid direct light sources or bright objects behind you. Elevate your laptop to avoid staring down into the camera and position yourself at a table against a plain, neutral background.
• Ensure that the background is not distracting; the interviewer's attention
• Exclude children, pets etc., from the room for the duration of the interview
• Close the door to keep out any external noise.
• Test your equipment beforehand
• Research the company thoroughly, know your interviewer
• Thoroughly review job specification
• Review critical competencies and ensure that you have practised answers
• Have a copy of your CV to hand
• Turn up early
• Act as you would for a physical interview
• Dress for the job you want
• Have pen & paper at hand, and a have a glass of water next to you
• Minimise distractions
• Close all other applications on your laptop
• Stay calm and patient