Common Questions & Answers

If you are applying through Greenbank and Kirk, much of the following will have been done for you but it is important you know this information yourself.

Research - it is vital to find out as much about the company and their business sector as you can. Read through a company website and any other information you can find on them from on-line searches, library, newspaper or industry press archives. Try and get hold of an annual report or a company dossier or talk to an informed person who works at the company.

Make sure you know who to ask for on arrival then, who will interview you, what their role (s) is/are and what the interview process consists of. For example how many stages are there? Will there be any form of testing, for example personality or psychometric testing? Will you be presenting to anybody?

Find out exactly where the interview venue is and allow plenty of time to arrive. Arrive at least 15 minutes early, this way you will be able to prepare mentally for the interview.

Take two copies of your CV with you to the interview. It is perfectly acceptable to have a copy of your CV in front of you during the interview as a reference point. It will demonstrate how well organised you are.

Correct dress is imperative at interview. Even where working clothes will be casual a formal appearance for interview shows respect for yourself and your potential employer. Go an extra yard where you are interviewing for a client facing role. You could be the face of your next employer. What would they expect you to look like or how would you expect them to look?

Although some would beg to differ, un-buttoned collars, unpolished shoes and creased clothes are just the tip of and iceberg of inappropriate clothing that have cost people jobs. All are avoidable mistakes.

You have just arrived at the company. Take a few moments to mentally prepare for the interview, as the first impressions are the strongest you will make and they will set the tone for the meeting.

Introduce yourself and sit down in reception and try to look relaxed even if you are not. Always be polite to the receptionist as they may be reporting back to the decision maker on your behaviour or asked their opinion of you. If you accept a drink think about where you are going to put the cup when the interviewer arrives. Courtesy and respect go a long way.

Think about your strengths and smile. When your interviewer arrives be enthusiastic and make sure you shake their hand firmly, give them eye contact and introduce yourself. This person would like you to impress them enough to work with them. Start now.

Be prepared to make business related or other small talk at this stage, as the interviewer will use this as a way of breaking the ice and trying to put you at ease. During the interview consider the rules of business etiquette and do not take your jacket off without asking and sit down when invited. Only use first names when requested to do so.

It is likely that your interviewer will be pleasant and supportive of your achievements. They will ask you highly relevant questions based on this. Always be prepared to back up statements you make about yourself with evidence using examples of your real experience rather than what you may do hypothetically.

Never say disparaging comments about your current or previous employers, particularly if you are asked why you are looking to change jobs. Keep it positive, you are seeking new challenges or want to develop your skills in new areas rather than you cannot stand your boss or the way your employers do things.

Sit upright and maintain eye contact during the interview. It shows interest, professionalism and creates a good impression.

During the questioning you are likely to be asked questions that will explore not only your technical skills but other areas such as motivation, communication skills, problem solving ability, interpersonal and organisational skills.

Interview Tips

· Always listen carefully to the questions and ask for clarity if you do not understand

· Kow your CV

· Be concise, informative and to the point

· Know and communicate your strengths for this role and why they should employ you

· Always back up achievements with real examples

· Avoid bringing up contentious issues such as politics and religion

· Minimise any negatives by stressing skills or attributes that compensate 

· Be positive and never criticise your current employers

· Avoid using clichéd answers

· Be honest if you cannot answer a question then explain why

· Do not exaggerate or be economical with the truth

Questions for You to Ask at Interview

We will discuss role specific questions with you before interviews but the following generic questions are worth thinking about in advance. Selecting those you feel are unanswered will support your understanding of that particular matter and show diligence on your part.

· What is the vision for the company?

· How would you describe the culture in the company?

· What attracted you to join the company?

· What are the values for the business?

· What are your growth plans over the next 3-5 years?

· What are the major opportunities for the business?

· Who are your major threats in your business arena?

· Who are your major competitors?

· Why is your business so successful?

· Why is the post vacant?

· What was the profile of the individual who was in the role previously?

· Why did they leave?

· What skills and attributes are you seeking in the ideal candidate?

· What are your expectations of the person who will be appointed?

· What are the development opportunities in the role?

· What type of training is available within the company?

· How regularly is performance assessed in the business?

· How does my experience match with what you are looking for?

· The ultimate question…….read on!

 

Questions You are Often Asked at Interview

We will discuss role specific questions with you before interviews but the following generic questions are worth thinking about in advance so that you provide full and fluid answers at interview.

· What are your strengths and weaknesses?

· Tell me when you last experienced pressure in your role?

· What are your short to medium term goals?

· What do you have to do to achieve them?

· Tell me about how you have gained career advancement in your present company

· What aspects of your role do you enjoy and why?

· What aspects of your role do you least enjoy and why?

· Give me an example of when you last demonstrated initiative in your role?

· Looking backwards how could you have further improved your career?

· How do you handle criticism?

· When was your last appraisal and how did it go?

· Tell me why you left your last position

· What interests you most about this role?

· What interests you least about this role?

· Give me a good reason why we should employ you for this role 

 
As the interview closes, emphasise how keen you are on the company and the position by enquiring what the next step in the process is and when you can expect to hear.

The final question! Before leaving the interview ask the interviewer if they have any reservations about offering you the post or recommending you for the next stage of the process? The idea of asking this will daunt most, but it allows the interviewer to clear the air on any matters they are unsure about and has saved many people from being un-necessarily rejected.

As recruitment consultants we are amazed by the number of applicants who are rejected when an issue or area of their experience is not properly discussed or explained at interview and the interviewer concludes there must be a lack of strength or experience here. We then have frustrated candidates who would have discussed X, Y and Z if the chance had come up and interviewers who are not sure what to do next.

The solution? Clear the air before leaving the interview.

 

Now we suggest you put this information in to practice and wish you every success!