interview guide
Your CV will have meant you are on at least equal footing with other applicants and the employer will be satisfied that you have the relevant experience to be invited forward for interview. Now is the time to make yourself stand out as being head and shoulders above the competitors.
Before the interview make sure you know the background on the company:
- What are their key activities?
- Take a look at the company accounts.
- Make yourself familiar with the company website.
- Find out about subsidiaries and the history of the organisation.
You should also make yourself familiar with the industry / sector that the business is in:
- How has the industry as a whole been performing compared to the business?
- Who are the major competitors?
- What are the opportunities and threats within the industry?
- Search for press releases about the industry to broaden your knowledge in this field.
in the interview
The body language you use and the way you answer the questions posed to you are imperative in the interview process.
- Make sure you arrive in plenty of time so that you have time to relax rather than rushing.
- Always offer a firm handshake both at the start and at the end of the interview.
- Make sure that you maintain good posture and eye contact throughout the interview.
- It is important to build rapport quickly but remember to be professional as well as friendly.
- Answer questions precisely and concisely using good English.
- Be positive and enthusiastic throughout. Enthusiasm can sometimes compensate for lack of experience.
- This is your chance to sell yourself so make sure you elaborate in your answers.
- Use your research to make sure you have a list of questions to ask the interviewer.
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