Interview Technique
Our consultants are committed to helping our candidates achieve their personal goals – a successful interview is a key part of that process.
Interviews need not be stressful – they are an opportunity for you to show you are a talented, enthusiastic professional who will be a valuable asset to any organisation. Treat the interview as a business meeting and conduct yourself in the manner you would in a meeting at your current/past employer.
The following interview guidelines will assist you to give the representation you desire and commence the new relationship with your potential employer on the right footing.
Before the interview
Research is a critical part of the interview. Appropriate research demonstrates your genuine commitment to the right career move and your interviewer will be suitably impressed with your knowledge of their business.
As a minimum you should:
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Understand the main business of the company |
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Analyse industry facts, figures, trends including the company’s key competitors |
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Review mission statements, past performance, future goals and current press releases |
Your Toner Graham consultant will ensure you are well prepared on the culture of the business and the personal attributes of the interviewer(s).
During the interview
Remember the basics:
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a positive, warm greeting is essential (first impressions) |
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Sit in a comfortable position, speak clearly with confidence and remember to maintain good eye contact with the interviewer(s) |
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LISTEN carefully to what is being asked |
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Remain positive throughout the interview |
Interview questions
The list is endless! Good interviewers will focus on open questions, allowing you to freely tell them what you are good at and what you are like in the work environment. Be prepared to talk for a while when asked:
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Tell me about yourself? |
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What are your strengths and weaknesses? |
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What do you like and dislike most about your current role? |
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Are you happy with your career to date? |
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How have you handled difficult situations in your life/career so far? |
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Talk me through your various jobs to date and what you have learned most from each one? |
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Would you call yourself a team player and how would you support this? |
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Why do you want to work for us? |
The above are the open, get the meeting flowing questions, and your ability to make it flow will increase your confidence and inspire the interviewer that the character fit is right.
In addition, you should be prepared for more specific job related and technical questions about your skills and experience. These will often be focussed on examples from previous experience - therefore have a thorough understanding of everything you have stated on your CV.
Your questions
Prepare questions for the interview, they will be expected and the quality of your questions can often result in the job offer going your way.
Ask sufficient questions to give you the comprehensive understanding you need about the business and role which enables you to make a decision when a job offer is presented to you.
General
Clarify date, time and venue with your consultant – larger businesses can have numerous sites around the same town/city.
Make sure you are on time - but don’t appear anxious by being too early.
First impressions start with security, receptionists and other staff you may meet in the reception area - let everyone see how courteous and personable you are.
The above is an overview to assist in the interview process. Meeting a Toner Graham consultant will be an invaluable experience as we interview you as a client would. We will be thorough, probing and challenging, to ensure you believe we understand what you represent.
Please call one of our consultants if you need clarification on any of the above.
Testimonials...
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