MA Recruitment

Interview Tips for Greater Success

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Mathias Andrews place a great deal of emphasis on Personal Safety and with this in mind we would like to suggest the following:
Make sure you are happy with the credentials of the recruiting company.
If the interview is not held either at the employer's office or at your Mathias Andrews office, ensure that it is in a public place. E.g. a hotel foyer.
Make sure that someone knows where you are being interviewed.
Make sure you have transport home arranged - do not accept a lift.

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Find out about the company
General Interview guide

Questions based on your CV
General questions about you
Telling you about the Company and Position
Your questions
When you will hear if you have been successful

What is the date, time and location?
Who will be interviewing you?
How should you dress?
What should you take
How to behave
Answering questions
Asking questions
After the interview

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Preparation
Find out about the company
What are its products or services?
What size is it?
Who are it's competitors?
Your Mathias Andrews Consultant will be able to help you with information about the company, but you may wish to do some personal research. As for a job description before the interview to find out which of your skills and qualifications are relevant to the company. This will help you to prepare significantly for this position.

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Most interviews follow a similar format and this is our guide for their general structure
Questions based on your CV to explain your career path and ambitions
Pick out your skills or achievements that are directly relevant, and rehearse these.
Be prepared to explain any unusual parts of your CV, such as any time taken out from employment or education.
General questions about you
How much do you know about the job?
What interests you about the job?
What skills or experience do you have that make you right for the job?
Why did you leave your last company?
What interests you about this company?
When have you had an opportunity to show initiative?
Who and what were your responsible for in your last job?
Can you give an example of when you coped well under pressure?
Do you prefer to work as an individual or as part of a team?
What are your three biggest achievements so far in your career?
What do you see as your good and bad characteristics?
What are your long term goals? How are you going to succeed in achieving them?
Tell me more about your hobbies and interests?
Are you considering any other jobs?
Telling you about the Company and Position
Which department the vacancy is in, and how that fits into the company.
Who you would be working for and with.
Your questions
Asking relevant questions show you are interested, organised and able to plan ahead.
Salary and benefits are important, but an employer will be more impressed if you ask questions about the company, the department and the job first.
Good questions to ask are about training opportunities, who you will report to, who you will be working with, promotion prospects, what the working hours are and if there are peak periods when you will be expected to work longer hours.
Informing you on the next stage in the process and when you will hear if you have been successful
Whether there is a second or third round of interviews

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Important details for your forthcoming interview
What is the date, time and location?
Your Mathias Andrews consultant will write down this information for you. Allow plenty of time for the journey and aim to arrive at least ten minutes early. First impressions count and it is widely acknowledged that the first 30 seconds are the most important in any introductory meeting. If you are held up, phone ahead and let them know. Do a trial run at getting there if necessary, and don't forget to check timetables or parking availability. Please note that some employers take time out of a very busy schedule to see you, so arriving late will probably not go down too well!

Who will be interviewing you?
Ask your Mathias Andrews Consultant. Be prepared for the possibility of a panel interview. In a panel interview, answer questions looking from one interviewer to another.

How should you dress?
Once again 'first impressions count'! Dress suitably for the company, and don't overdo your makeup, jewellery and perfume or aftershave. Hair should be clean and tidy. Take just one neat bag or briefcase with you. Be smart and clean, but make sure you are wearing something you are comfortable in. Your Mathias Andrews consultant can advise you on what to wear if you are unsure. It is best to wear a slightly different outfit for a second interview at the same company, but do be as smart.

What should you take?
A copy of your current CV, all relevant certificates and references. A notepad and pen may also be handy, along with a few questions to ask the interviewer.

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During the interview
How to behave
Shake the interviewer's hand firmly if he/she offers
Take the lead from the interviewer - note whether their attitude is formal or relaxed
Make eye contact (but don't stare!)
Smile where appropriate
Don't sit down until you are asked
Look alert and sit upright
Rest your hands on the table or on your lap to look calm and prevent fiddling
Don't eat or smoke even if invited, but do accept a coffee, tea or water if you want to
Answering questions
Listen carefully and concentrate, and don't interrupt
Show interest
Talk slowly and clearly
Keep your answers clear and to the point and avoid talking for too long
Take time if necessary before answering a question or as for clarification if you are unsure of the meaning.
Don't be afraid to admit if you can't answer the question
Don't criticise your current employer, or reveal confidential information
Be honest
Find opportunities to sell yourself, relating your skills to the job. An employer is looking for determination, enthusiasm and a willingness to learn
Concentrate on positive words, such as 'enjoy' and 'enthusiastic'.
Asking questions
Make questions relevant
Show that you have researched the company
Ask about training and who you will be working with
Leave questions about salary and benefits until a later stage of interviewing
Ask when you will be given a decision
When the interview ends, do say if you haven't had the opportunity to put a point across or to ask a question.

If you are interested in the job say so and do remember to thank the interviewer for seeing you.

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After the interview
Speak to your Mathias Andrews Consultant immediately so that the interview is still fresh in your mind, and say whether you are interested in the vacancy or not. Your consultant will phone the interviewer and pass any response on to you. If a job offer is made, your Mathias Andrews Recruitment Consultant will do all the negotiations for you, and as they know you and the market you can rest assured that you will get the best possible package.

If the interview does not create a job offer, do not be too disappointed. It is excellent experience for the future and we can help you to build on your interview technique if necessary.

Just remember we are here to help you
Good Luck!

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