How to Prepare for your Interview Process
Types of interview
There are several different types of interview:
- Telephone - some employers use an initial telephone interview to eliminate unsuitable candidates. Successful candidates are usually then invited to face-to-face interview or an assessment centre. Telephone interviews usually last around 30 minutes.
- Video - An alternative to the traditional telephone interview, some organisations will screen candidates via Skype or alternative video conferencing methods.
- Face-to face - The most common type of interview, face-to-face encounters can take place with either one interviewer or, more commonly, a panel. Face-to-face interviews usually last between one and two hours and could involve the requirement for presentations.
- Ability Testing/Personality Profiling - These usually involve written/online and/or in-tray exercises. They could be required at any stage of the interview process.
Preparation
Research and planning are key to preparing yourself for a successful interview. Generally, you should:
- Consider how you will explain problematic aspects of your career, such as gaps in your work history.
- Identify the skills, interests and experiences that the organisation is looking for by looking at its website and social media channels.
- Prepare answers to common interview questions, as well as your own questions to ask at the interview.
- Keep up to date with your market, research the issues, trends and opportunities affecting the organisation and the wider job sector.
- If a presentation has been requested, make sure you understand the Job Brief and what the employer is looking for. If you have any doubts, contact your Laborare Group recruitment specialists for guidance.
- Find out about the people who will interview you, research their linkedIn profiles.
- On the night before your interview, avoid alcohol, prepare your outfit and get plenty of rest.
- Plan your journey in advance, aim to arrive ten minutes before your interview is scheduled and ideally completing a 'dry run' beforehand.
Practice
It is important to practice for your interview:
- Generate a list of common interview questions
- Script answers to common interview questions
- Practice your responses
- Practice with a friend
Laborare Group have compiled a list of common interview questions, including questions candidates may wish to ask an interviewer. Our candidate packs are issued for guidance prior to interviews. We work with our candidates to ensure they are fully prepared prior to taking part in any interview process.
Make a Good Impression
Effective interview techniques include:
- Be well-mannered with any staff you meet before or after the interview. During the interview, avoid talking about any personal problems unless completely necessary, and never badmouth your previous employer.
- Nerves can run high during any interview process. If you are well prepared, then nerves can be minimised. Avoid where possible any "ice breakers" or humour, unless this has been initiated by your interviewer. Whilst humour may help alleviate your nerves, it may give rise to your professionalism and motives being questioned.
- Remember you are being assessed at every point in your interview, from the moment you arrive. Ensure your body language is in check, retain eye contact and smile.
- Answer all questions clearly and concisely, evidencing your most relevant skills, experiences and achievements. Its perfectly acceptable to ask for clarification if, at first, you are unsure what the question means.
- It is important that you allow your personality to shine and you show your enthusiasm for the role. Demonstrate that you are genuinely interested in the role.
After the Interview
When leaving the organisation, let the interviewer know that you are available to answer any follow-up questions,
Call your Laborare Group Specialist - they will be keen to know how you thought the interview went. Your Laborare Group Recruitment Specialist will deal directly with the interviewing company to seek feedback from your interview. This will be discussed in depth with you once it has been received by our team.
In most cases, the organisation will now have enough evidence to make their decision. In some cases however, you may be asked to attend a second interview, which aims to more closely scrutinise what you and any other remaining candidates can bring to the role. Prepare for you second interview just like your first, but you should also:
- Ensure you have received feedback from your first interview, before addressing anything that caused you difficulty.
- Research the organisation in even greater detail than you did for you first interview, preparing examples that demonstrate how you can benefit the organisation.