Once you have been called to a face to face interview, it is important to take the time to prepare correctly. Today’s business world is very competitive, especially in London, and there are bound to be quite a few other candidates that have the same or similar qualifications going after the job.
It is important to make yourself stand out and a good way to do that is to practice exactly how you will sell yourself to your prospective employer. The first meeting is crucial, and therefore it is essential to be at your best and fully prepared.
Here are 10 top tips to help you prepare for your interview:
1. Do your homework. Make sure that you research your prospective company before you go to the interview. If you showcase your knowledge to the interviewer it will boost your credibility and show them that you really know what you are getting into. Make sure that you know all about the position itself as well as the company you will be working for.
2. Know where the office is. Make sure you find out before hand exactly where the office is and how long the trip will take. Formulate a plan as to how you will get there and what time you’ll leave, this will save you stress in the long run.
3. Dress right. You should be neat, pressed and professional looking. It is better to be too conservative then to err the other way.
4. Rehearse beforehand. There are common questions that interviewers tend to ask (such as: What are your strengths or weaknesses?), try and come up with answers to them before your interview.
5. Be prepared with references. Find key people in your employment history who will speak highly of you and secure their permission to use them as references before the interview.
6. Arrive at the interview early. Make sure you get there at least 15 minutes early and check your appearance and turn off your mobile before going in.
7. Bring any documentation that you might need. An extra CV, passport, driver’s license and your NI number may all be needed.
8. Sell yourself. Think of the interview as your chance to shine, not as an interrogation. Come up with a sales pitch that sells you as person and as the ideal candidate for the job. It should include your strengths, abilities and what sets you apart from other applicants.
9. Ask questions. This meeting is also a chance for you to interview them. Use your earlier research to ask insightful questions about the job. Be interested in details about the position itself and the company as a whole, where the long term plans are, what direction the department you would be working in is moving towards and so on.
10. Follow up. After the interview send a note or an informal email thanking the interviewer for his consideration and stating that you hope to hear from them soon.
Additional advice for office workers in London including Healthy Office Lunch Delivery Services in London, Business Etiquette, Office Kitchen Etiquette, Making a Good Impression on Your First Day in the Office, A Guide to Managing Stress in the Workplace and advice on Working Remotely.
Spot on wiith these questions. Number 1 is the one many candidates overlook.
I would also suggest that if you get a very difficult, potentially a trap, question, pause for a while, then reflect the question at them “I think you are asking me……….” Carefully reflected, the interviewer might answer or expand the question.