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 links to articles with tips on how to prepare for a job interview and deal with specific interview questions:

General Tips

10 Common Job Interview Questions For 2024
5 Ways to Prepare for Situational Interview Questions
How To Shine At Your Next Interview Using The Star Method

Click here for more General Tips

Interview Stress and Body Language

10 Tips To Reduce Job Stress And Anxiety During A Job Interview
7 Stress-Buster Tips To Ace Your Job Interview
How To Conquer Your Nerves When Interviewing

Click here for more tips - Interview Stress and Body Language

“What Do You Like Least About Your Job?”

How to Answer “What Do You Like Least About Your Job?” Without Venting
What do you like least about your job?

Click here for more tips - “What Do You Like Least About Your Job?”

“Why Do You Want This Job?”

What to Say When Your Interviewer Asks “Why Do You Want This Job?”
Why Do You Want to Work For This Company?

Click here for more tips - “Why Do You Want This Job?”

“Tell Me About a Time You Failed”

How to Answer “Tell Me About a Time You Failed” in a Job Interview

‘Tell me about yourself’

How To Answer “Tell Me About Yourself” In A Management Job Interview
The ultimate guide to nailing the ‘tell me about yourself’ interview question
Tell Me About Yourself

Tricky Questions

Answers To 7 Hard Job Interview Questions
10 Unexpected Interview Questions Designed to Get Insightful Answers
How To Answer Tricky Interview Questions

Click here for more tips - Tricky Questions

Your Strengths and Weaknesses

How To Answer ‘What Is Your Greatest Strength?’ In A Job Interview
The Best Ways to Talk About Your Strengths and Weaknesses in a Job Interview 1

Show your leadership skills

4 ways to show your leadership skills in a job interview

Why Should we hire you?

4 Better Ways to Answer “Why Should We Hire You?”
What to Say When Your Interviewer Asks “Why Do You Want This Job?”

Hobbies

What Are Your Hobbies?

How do others describe you?

How Would Your Boss or Colleagues Describe You?
3 Ways to Talk About How Your Boss and Coworkers Would Describe You

“How Do You Stay Organized?”

What Interviewers Really Want to Know When They Ask “How Do You Stay Organized?”
How to Answer the Interview Question “How Do You Prioritize Your Work?”

“What Can You Bring to the Company?”

What Interviewers Really Want to Hear When They Ask “What Can You Bring to the Company?”
Why are you the best candidate for this position? Or Why Should We Offer the Job to You?

Salary

3 Strategies for Answering “What Are Your Salary Expectations?” in an Interview

Why did you leave?

Why did you leave your job?

5 Years

Where do you see yourself in five years?

What Motivates You?

What Motivates You?

“What Do You Like Least About Your Job?”

What Interviewers Really Want When They Ask, “What Do You Like Least About Your Job?”

Sales interviews

The 6 Sales Interview Questions You Will Get Asked (and How to Answer Them)
Sell me this pen. Or pencil, or coffee cup, or shoe, etc.

Video / Phone Interviews

8 Phone and Video Interview Tips To Help You Land That New Job
How To Avoid Making The Top 5 Virtual Interview Faux Pas

Click here for more tips - Video / Phone Interviews

Questions You Can Ask

25 Questions To Ask At The End Of An Interview  
How To Answer ‘Do You Have Any Questions For Me?’ In A Job Interview
Ask These 3 Questions At The End Of Your Next Job Interview

Click here for more tips - Questions You Can Ask

Behavioural Interview Questions

Everything You Need to Know About Answering Behavioural Interview Questions
10 examples of competency-based interview questions

Click here for more tips - Behavioural Interview Questions