Interview Tips
Scroll to the end of the page for tips on individual interview questions and a pdf CV template with Tips.
Information at your fingertips – key job interview details you need to know
There is no guaranteed way to ensure success, but People First Recruitment can help. We will provide you with all the information you need prior to your interview, whether it's for a Mandarin Chinese job, a job in Supply Chain, a Japanese job or a Multilingual job speaking other languages so that you will be fully equipped to perform to the best of your ability. We will ensure you have the :
- Contact names and titles of the interviewers
- Dates and times of the interview
- Full job description
- Company background information and web address
- Directions or a map
- Information about the interview process – will there be tests? How many people will you meet? How long will it take?
Planning for Success – do your research!
- Make sure that you have done some research on your potential employer. You can look at the company website, Facebook page, Twitter and LinkedIn profile
- Download a map
- Many employers favour competency-based interviews. They will be evaluating your responses to see that you can demonstrate you have the core competencies required for the role. Think of good examples to back up your statements and prove your suitability for the role
The Interview
- Be punctual – we recommend arriving about 10 minutes early
- Make a good impression: Start with a firm handshake, maintain eye contact throughout and make sure that your body language is confident, but not too relaxed
- You should be forthcoming with information, but also ensure that your answers are succinct and to the point
- Support your answers with examples from your own work experience; relate your skills to the job description
- Always be positive and enthusiastic. There is always something positive in even the most negative experience. Don’t be too critical of former colleagues or employers. It may set alarm bells ringing for the interviewer that it is you, not your colleagues, who are difficult to work with
- Prepare questions for the interviewer
- If you are interested in the position, don’t be afraid to let the interviewer know. Enthusiasm can be very persuasive. You could even write a letter after the interview, to reiterate your interest
- Most of all, try to relax and be yourself and remember that this is a two-way process – the client has to impress you, too!
The follow up – next steps
- It is vital to call your consultant to let him/her know your feedback as soon as you possibly can
- If you are interested in the role, then make sure you tell us – and tell us sooner rather than later!
- Clients will ask us for feedback, so if you haven’t called us, they may assume that you’re not interested
- If you have any questions or concerns, then we can find out more for you
- If you decide the position is not for you, let us know quickly so we can have a fuller understanding of what you’re looking for. We will also inform the company on your behalf
Here are People First Recruitment's tips on how to prepare for a job interview and deal with specific interview questions: