Dear Job Doctor,
How can I prepare for an interview?
Good preparation is paramount to performing well at interview. It will also give you confidence and help settle any nerves. Preparation can be both practical and knowledge based.
On the practical front, ensure you have all relevant details including time, date and interview location, as well as the interviewer names.
Next, plan your journey and factor in the chance of delays. Don’t be late or too early. Ten minutes before is OK. A negative impression is most likely created if you do not keep to this guideline.
Then, research the company you are interviewing with, the role you are interviewing for, and your interviewer’s background if relevant. Use the internet, friends and your recruitment consultant. Think about the firm’s background, current projects, culture, mission statements, etc.
Look at their website and other information on the web. It is essential that you are able to talk about the company, how many offices they have, how long they have been in operation and where their head office is based. See if anything of note has happened recently and be able to mention it in the interview, creating the impression that you have taken an interest in the company and that you have actively decided you are interested in them and what they do.
Read the job description carefully and think of ways in which your experience would benefit the company and where the challenges would be for you.
Know your CV and check dates of employment. Ensure that you are able to relate your discussion back to points you have raised on your CV.
Wear correct clothing. If in doubt: a dark suit, white shirt or top and plain tie (for men). Clean your shoes, shave (if appropriate) and ensure your hair is tidy. Makeup, if worn, should be conservative.
Composure tips
Body language is an extremely important and often ignored part of an interview. It is said that a person will form an opinion of you in the first five minutes of a meeting. This is often based on sub-conscious reading of your body language (see this previous column).
In addition, remember that a good handshake is a great start: firm, without crushing their hand!
Don't move about too much. Sit comfortably. Don’t play with your hair, clothes, pen or business card; it implies non-interest and nerves.
Maintain natural eye contact, and in the case of multiple interviewers, look at who is talking to you. When giving your answer shift your gaze, to involve everyone in the discussion.
Use affirmative actions such as nodding and saying ‘yes’ and ‘mmm’ as they speak. This will show that you can listen and understand.
Smile!
Finally, use your recruiter. Ensure you have selected one who can provide comprehensive face-to-face interview preparation. You should also expect your recruitment consultant to coach you on how to confidently and successfully respond to the different types of questions and questioning techniques.
Darren Robinson is managing director of Badenoch & Clark Luxembourg, the largest staffing and recruitment firm in the Grand Duchy.
Have a question for the Job Doctor? Send an email to [email protected] with “Job Doctor” in the subject line. Your inquiry will be confidential: the Job Doctor will not be given your name, nor will it be published anywhere by Delano.