Congratulations, your Brilliant CV has made it through the one-minute window, your recruitment agency has met with you and now you have been called for an interview with the client company. What can you do now to deliver the Perfect Interview?
Ask your agency to get you the first available slot on the interview roster – first impressions are lasting and remember that interviewer/s are human too and will be at their best earlier in the day.
Try to avoid personal or work stress in the 24-hour period prior to your interview – a fresh mind and properly nourished body will have the opportunity of delivering the best possible result.
Remember how good you looked in your CV photo? – The interviewer expects to recognise you – look great but be careful not to overdress for the interview. Shake hands firmly without breaking bones – avoid the limp handshake as the interviewer will view this as a lack of sincerity. Use good eye contact without eyeballing – share eye contact equally with an interview panel.
Your agency will have briefed you comprehensively on the position available at the client company – do your own research – try to have some intelligent relevant questions ready for the interview for that magic moment when you are asked “do you have any more questions?” – Be careful here not to be critical or confrontational in your questions – how the client company answers your queries will tell you a lot about how well your interview is going.
Avoid being critical of your previous employers – in your interview, you are talking to an employer who will, as a minimum, expect you to talk respectfully about those who have previously taken a chance on you.
Finally, if you get to the Money question, answer clearly giving room for flexibility. You will know from your agency what the salary ballpark is but sometimes an answer such as “I know the value I can bring to your company, but I am very happy to work for whatever you consider I am worth” will make a lasting impression with the interviewer.
Well done, you are now a frontrunner – to seal the deal, all that we need now is for your referees to say great things about you!