Prepare for the interview

Make sure you are familiar with the details on your CV
Prepare your journey in advance

  • Have you got the full address?
  • If the company has more than one site check that you have been given the correct location.
  • Check train times — Railtrack 08457 484950.
  • Internet www.railtrack.co.uk
  • Plan your route if driving or taking the tube.

Consider your response to frequently asked questions

  • What are your strengths?
  • What are your weaknesses?
  • What have you achieved in your current job?
  • What do you look for in a job?
  • What are you leaving your current employer?
  • What are your long term goals?

Research the company

  • Be aware of what the company does, its products or services and any current press coverage.
  • Look for information about your prospective employer on their website.
  • Ask the company for a brochure and/or their latest accounts.
  • Ask your agent for any specific information relating to: the interviewing manager, the office environment, the technical test.
  • What type of people do they employ? Again your agent may have placed other candidates at this company, find out about their background and why they were successful.
  • Read the trade press and national press.

Are there any technical tests or other assessments?

  • Find out in advance and be prepared.

What is the vacancy?

  • Does the agency have a job specification? Ask for a copy.
  • Is the position advertised on the company's website?
  • Has the role been advertised? Ask for a copy of the advertisement.
  • Make sure you know what you are applying for. That way you will know how to sell yourself for the role and avoid wasting your time due to misunderstanding.

Tackling the Interview

  • Present yourself well.
  • Dark, conservative business dress.
  • Arrive on time, if not 5 -10 minutes early to compose yourself.
  • Listen to the interviewer.
  • Answer the questions asked.
  • Don't be afraid to ask questions yourself.
  • Make sure you call the interviewer(s) by the correct name. If you cannot be sure of the name do not use it.
  • Cover unspoken objections - gaps in your employment, explain.
    • Childcare arrangements if relevant
    • Projects not completed, explain
    •  
  • Be enthusiastic and interested
  • Don't talk badly about a previous employer

Concluding the Interview

Ask some final questions e.g.

  • What are the Company's or Department's expansion plans?
  • Who are its major competitors?
  •  

Thank the interviewer for his/her time
If you are interested in the job, say so!
Ask what happens next and within what time-scales

Beyond the Interview

  • KEY POINT: Call your agent as soon as possible after the interview and give feedback. The sooner the better.
  • Ask the Agent if he/she has spoken to the interviewer and received feedback yet.
  • If you feel that any part of the interview went badly advise your Agent in order that it can be covered with the employer quickly and rectified if possible.
  • If the interview went badly or on reflection you could have answered a question better, telephone, e-mail or write to the interviewer and try to cover all the relevant points again.
  • Think how the interview could have been handled better by yourself and learn from the experience.