Interview Tips

Be prepared
You will have been fully briefed by your consultant before your interview. However, you can never be too prepared! Make sure you know exactly where you are going, how long the journey will take and have the name and contact details of the person you are meeting at hand. If you are delayed for any reason, please contact your consultant as quickly as possible who will in turn inform the client/interviewer of your delay. Failure to do so could result in a wasted journey and could jeopardise not only your candidacy for the position but also the reputation of Blue Lynx.

Find out as much as you can about the job and company before your interview. Your consultant will brief you as fully as possible but any extra research you carry out yourself will always be well worth the effort. Search the internet for up to date information or alternatively ask for a company brochure and keep an eye on the business press.

Know your CV. Be prepared to answer questions on it. Try to read through the job specification matching your specific skills and experience with those the company is looking for.

Plan your timetable so that you arrive approximately 10 minutes early. This gives you the opportunity to freshen up, prepare yourself before the interview.

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Dress code
Our rule of thumb is – wear smart business dress. Remember you can always dress down at a second interview.

Essential Checklist

  • REMEMBER TO SWITCH OFF YOUR MOBILE PHONE!
  • Take a pen and some writing paper in order to take notes
  • Remember all necessary personal papers (certificates, CV, references) where applicable
  • If you are a smoker do not go into an interview smelling of cigarettes

The importance of Body Language & Behaviour

  • Do make sure that you smile and maintain eye contact during the interview
  • A firm handshake at the beginning and end will leave a positive impression
  • Try to relax and maintain an open body posture
  • Listen – don’t do all the speaking
  • If you don’t understand a question then ask for an explanation
  • Be confident but not arrogant – there is a huge difference
  • Do not bad mouth your current or previous employer – it never goes down well

Questions
Prepare some good questions and consider what the interviewer may ask. Remember that an interview is a two way process. It is equally important for you as it is for the interviewer.

Here are some Examples to Consider:

  • Why has the position become vacant?
  • How does the role fit into the structure of the department?
  • Can you tell me about the company culture?
  • What is the next stage after the interview?

The interviewer is likely to ask questions that test your motivation, aspirations and ability. Be prepared to answer the following questions:

  • What interests you about our company?
  • What interests you about the job we are discussing?
  • What type of environment best suits you?
  • Why did you choose your career?
  • What are your strengths and weaknesses?
  • Can you tell me something about yourself?

Closure
Always thank the interviewer for their time and remember to telephone your consultant with feedback.

Finally, remember that formal test conditions have proven that it is in the first and last 90 seconds of your interview that prospective employers will make up their mind about the sort of person you are. First impressions in this instance really are lasting impressions.