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    Contractors

    At Quay Appointments, we believe in treating our ‘temporaries’ like permanent employees

Interview Techniques

We know how important it is to nail that interview and make sure you secure the job so we have put together a few tips to help you.

Know the exact place and time of the interview, the interviewer’s full name, the correct pronunciation and his or her title.

Plan your route and start off early – Should you be delayed, ring your consultant immediately so we can try to re arrange a suitable time for you. It is also essential to let us know, prior to interview, if you decide not to attend for any reason.

Learn pertinent facts about the company such as principal lines of business and locations by looking up their website.

First impressions count – good presentation is essential, dress smartly and in keeping with the type of company you are approaching, this also applies to make up and jewellery.

The interview is a two-way meeting; find an opportunity to mention key points about you and be positive about your achievements and what you feel you would contribute to the company. Remember at interviews you have to SELL YOURSELF. Don’t rely on your application or resume doing the selling for you. Interviewers will want you to speak for yourself.

Greet the employer with a warm smile and firm handshake. Walk in confidently and make eye contact. Sit when invited, don’t slouch and fold your arms – it can make you look nervous. If the interviewer offers you a glass of water, it is ok to say yes, it is normal for your mouth to become dry during an interview.

Do always conduct yourself as if you are determined to get the job you are discussing. Never close the door on opportunity.

Do show enthusiasm. If you are interested in the opportunity, enthusiastic feedback can enhance your chances of being further considered. Your responsiveness will also demonstrate professionalism.

Don’t answer questions with a simple “yes” or “no.” It is important to explain whenever possible and to describe those things about yourself which relate to the situation.

Don’t make unnecessary derogatory remarks about your present or former employers. Obviously, there were issues or else you would not have left a prior company or be looking to leave a present employer. However, when explaining your reasons for leaving, limit your comments to those necessary to adequately communicate your rationale.

Don’t inquire about salary, vacations, bonuses, retirement, etc. on the initial interview your consultant will be able to give you advice on these matters.

If you are interested in the position, let the interviewer know. You can sell yourself by saying something like: “I’m very impressed with what I’ve seen here today; your company, its products and the people I’ve met. I am confident I could do an excellent job in the position you’ve described to me.” The interviewer will be impressed with your confidence and enthusiasm.

If you get the impression that the interview is not going well and that you have already been rejected, don’t let your discouragement show. Once in a while an interviewer who is genuinely interested in you may seem to discourage you as a way of testing your reaction.

Thank the interviewer for his or her time and consideration. If you have answered the two questions- “Why are you interested in this position?” and “What can you offer?” – you have done all you can.

Don’t be too discouraged if no immediate commitment is made. The interviewer will probably want to communicate with other people in the company or possibly interview more candidates before making a decision.

Be prepared to answer the range of questions

Question relating to the relevant position you are interviewing for

  • Why do you want to work here?
  • How do you feel you can help or add value to our company / organisation?
  • What do you expect in this position that you were not getting in your past positions?
  • Are there any questions you would like to ask about the position / company?
  • Are you considering any other positions?
  • How do you think you would fit in with our firm? Why?
  • What do you know about our company?

Question relating to your current position and previous position

  • How did / do you enjoy working at…(last company) and why?
  • In your last position, how much of the work did you do on your own, and how much as part of a team?
  • Which did you enjoy more?
  • In your last / current position what has been your level of autonomy in decision making?
  • Why do you want to leave your present company?
  • Does your present employer know you are planning to leave?
  • What did you like best about your last / present position?

Questions about yourself:

  • Are you considering other positions at this time? How does this one compare with them?
  • Are you considering other positions at this time? How does this one compare with them?
  • What does success mean to you? How do you judge it / measure it?
  • What are the things that motivate you?
  • What do you feel is your greatest strength?
  • What are some of your weaknesses / areas for development?
  • What else do you think I should know about you?
  • What is the minimum salary you would accept?
  • What are you looking for in a position?
  • Do you enjoy working independently or as a member of a team?
  • Are you creative? Give an example
  • Are you analytical? Give an example
  • How would you describe your personality?
  • How would you describe your ideal manager?

Behavioral Questions:

  • What are some of the more difficult problems you have encountered in your past positions? How did you solve them?
  • This question may be behavioural, for instance, give me an example of a time when …

Questions about your future:

  • What are your short / long range goals?
  • How long would you expect to stay with us?

Questions to be prepared to ask:

  • Can you give me a detailed description of the position? If you don’t already have one?
  • Why has the position become available?
  • What is the culture of the company?
  • What induction programme is there?
  • What type of person has previously been successful in the company and why?
  • What potential for development is there for someone who demonstrates ability and achievement in this role?
  • What plans does the company have for future development?
  • Which are the company’s best selling products or services?
  • What is the next step in the selection process?
  • What are the greatest challenges in this position?
  • How do you think I fit the position?

After the interview

Second interview questions: Some roles will require a second interview, the second interview will often focus on different areas to the first. Below are some examples of questions that you could be asked:

  • Why would joining us be a good move for you?
  • What can you bring to our company?
  • Why should we offer you the position?
  • What have you found out about our company since our initial meeting?
  • If I were to offer you this position, what would you say?

What happens next: Don’t be afraid to ask what happens next and when it is likely to happen. Not only does this show you are interested and motivated, it may also enable you to get that essential information for the next stage.

After the interview: Lastly, and most importantly, call your Consultant immediately after the interview to discuss how it went. The Consultant will want to speak with you before the interviewer calls.

Learning from the interview:

Even if you don’t get the position you can treat the interview as a learning opportunity. Ask yourself the following questions:

  • What went well? / What did not go well?
  • How does the role /company fit with your interests and career aspirations?
  • Did you stumble on any questions, and how would you approach those questions next time?
  • What did you learn?
  • What will you do differently next time?
  • You can also follow up with your consultant for feedback