Here’s our version of what to do before, during and after the interview process to survive – and win.

BEFORE THE INTERVIEW

It sounds so obvious but planning is absolutely crucial. You absolutely must plan what you are going to say and what qualities you will emphasise.

In many ways this is not as hard as it might first appear because interviews are, in part at least, predictable. If you think about it, every employer is looking for evidence of qualities such as:

• A ‘can do’ attitude
• Communications skills
• A real interest in the company and the position
• High standards of performance
• A stable work history

Demonstrate these, and you are already half way towards winning the interview!

Most interviews boil down to a few key questions that essentially have to be asked (although they may be dressed up in slightly different forms). These are:

1. Why did you leave your last job / why are you thinking about leaving your present employer?
2. Why do you want to work for this company /why do you want this job?
3. What can you do for us / how will you do it?

Prepare straightforward answers to give in response to these questions (see below) and practice what you will say, again and again. The best way to do this is to practise in the mirror, or in front of friends or by recording yourself, ideally on video. Listen to your voice and watch your body language. Your words need to sound lively and animated rather than monotonic and flat. Learn to adopt an open posture: sit up comfortably and look alert and attentive by leaning slightly forward.

Visit your potential employer’s office before interview. You need to be dressed in a similar manner to your next boss. If in doubt, aim to be smarter or a touch more formal.

Remind yourself that you are going to a two way interview. In fact a meeting with another Manager broadly on the same level as you. You are there in your own right. He/she wants to know about you; you need information out of whoever it is that you meet.

Plan your route to the venue for the interview and allow plenty of time. For every interview we arrange, we’ll give you full information so you’ll always know where you’re going.

On arrival be nice to everyone you meet. Especially secretaries and receptionists.

Don’t forget the fresh breath mints!

DURING THE INTERVIEW

Your approach will be relevant to your personal circumstances, but guideline responses to the ‘inevitable’ questions are:

1. Why did you leave your last job / why are you thinking about leaving your present employer? The basic rule of thumb here is don’t lie. Have your (well rehearsed) version of events ready if you have not worked for a while. Never be embarrassed about redundancy. Your position was made redundant, not you. Be positive about ‘new doors opening’ and never be rude about your last employer or bitter about your personal circumstances. If there was a clash of personalities, say so.
   
   If you are in work, be clear as to why you are/may be looking to leave your current employer. There’s nothing wrong with being ambitious and it’s generally accepted that, given the demise of the ‘job for life’ culture, employees these days are less faithful than they perhaps were and are more inclined to be mercenary. It cuts both ways.
   
2. Why do you want to work for this company / why do you want this job? Describe what you know about the business (research beforehand) and the position. Give basic information as to why you appear suitable, but ask for more details on the role. For example, you could ask, ‘Are there any particular requirements of the job it’s worth talking about now?’ You need to gather as much information about what problems this employer may have and what sort of person they are looking for so you can tailor your responses and feed back what it is they want to hear - demonstrating relevant skills, abilities and achievements in the process.
   
3. What can you do for us / how will you do it? Here your answers will depend on the seniority of the position applied for and your personal circumstances. Central to your responses, however, should be an ‘on tap’ verbal list of your main skills, your management style and how you manage. Use your achievements and commercial success as evidence of what you can do - ideally quantified.

Ask as many intelligent questions as possible. Encourage the interviewer to talk. You may not always get a straight answer to the rather obvious question ‘so, what sort of person are you looking for to do this job?’ but simple requests for more information about the position, responsibilities, criteria for success and so on will usually enable you to build up enough of a picture for you to frame your answers and statements in the most effective and positive way.

Remember that an interview, by definition, is a two way conversation. Seize some control and ask questions of your own.

A great question to ask at or towards the end of the interview is ‘do you have any doubts about my ability to do this job?’ You can then head off any objections before the end of the interview, or finish on a really positive note with you looking forward to the next step – and of course finding out what this is.

AFTER THE INTERVIEW

Immediately after your interview please telephone your consultant at Acorn Recruitment for an interview debrief. This is a vital part of the placement process so that we can go back the client with your views and find out theirs.

On your way home, think objectively about the interview. Did you actually prepare as thoroughly as possible. Was there anything you could have done differently or better? Treat every interview as experience – practice makes perfect!

Do not forget, there are always more candidates than jobs, so you have done well to get that far. Keep trying and stay positive!

Lots of luck and call us if you need any advice