Interview tips

Performing well at an interview

You need to convince the interviewer that you are the best possible person for the job. Unfortunately, prior to entering the interview room, you are just another name on a list of potential employees. Your CV has generated interest - however, there is nothing to set you apart from the other candidates at this stage. Make sure that by the time you come out of your interview your name is at the top of the list.

Remember, it is always better to get the job offer and then decide if it's the right move for you. It may seem obvious but don't forget - you won't have that option if you aren't offered the job.

Stay calm, think clearly and try not to let tricky questions or pressure put you off your stride. If you are searching for an answer don't worry about stopping to think for a few seconds. In most cases a considered response will be better than blurting out the first thing that comes to mind.

Preparation Get a copy of the job spec, re-read your CV and take a copy with you. Ensure you get a good night's sleep beforehand. Make sure you know exactly where the interview will take place and the name and position of the person you are due to meet. Work out your route in advance and allow a generous margin of error in case of unforeseen circumstances. Check out http://maps.google.co.uk/ or similar if unsure. Have the telephone number of the company and your contact at Applause IT handy so that you can let either of them know if you are running late - this is generally forgiven, whereas unannounced lateness is less likely to be excused. Find out roughly how long the interview will take and arrange other appointments accordingly. Don't leave your car on a meter and end up worrying more about getting a ticket than landing the job.

Research Where we can, we include company information to help you prepare for your interview and better understand the company and the work it does. However, you may find that digging a little deeper also boosts your confidence at the interview. The company's website is usually an excellent source of suitable information. Being even a little knowledgeable demonstrates to the interviewer that you have gone to the trouble to see whether you would fit into the team and make a successful 'career' out of a 'job'. Make sure you ask intelligent questions in relation to the activities of the company, the responsibilities involved in the job, scope for career development, training, etc. - and try to avoid questions of the "how much holiday" variety. We would also recommend that you should wait for your interviewer to mention money. They will know what you are looking for beforehand and you will know what they are willing to pay. But if they ask, be truthful, don't over exaggerate or even sell yourself short; honesty is normally the best policy.

Quiz Yourself Time and again interviewers ask the same general questions in addition to those of a more technical nature. Common ones are, "Why are you interested in this position?"; "Tell me about your current boss"; "What are the most satisfying/frustrating things about your current employment?"; "What are your strengths/where do you think your weaknesses lie?"; "Why do you think we should give you this job?"; "Where do you see yourself in 5/10 years time?"

Learn them, prepare your answers and practice them on friends.

Dress to impress People shouldn't judge a book by its cover, but they do. If you look untidy that's how you'll be remembered and first impressions really do count. Always wear a suit and tie or a smart skirt or dress, as appropriate. Don't forget to polish your shoes.

Abide by these rules when attending a second interview, even if you know the organisation allows less formal work dress. Always maintain a professional and formal approach, as you just don't know who you will meet - the Managing Director perhaps!

On Arrival

Have some 'stock' questions in mind to relax both you and your interviewers - you may have to walk a fair distance to the interview room. Perhaps someone else will pick you up and take you to the interviewer. You can talk about your journey or ask them about the building, their products, services, company history, etc. If offered a drink, do not hesitate to tell them what you want. Try not to pace the reception area and always stand when your interviewer approaches, that way you look ready for business.

Be assertive in a non-aggressive manner. Find the right tone in which to present your positive aspects. You have to talk about your achievements to show you are the right person, but do it without being boastful. Try and use phases such as "I", as in "I implemented this procedure", rather than "We", to demonstrate your skills and experience. At worst the interviewer may think you are taking credit for work done by other members of your current team.

Body language is the key. Don't slouch or lean in too far - and think about what you will do with your hands. Never interrupt. If you think of something important, make a note immediately and come back to it later.

Turn weaknesses into strengths Under no circumstances should you spend a significant portion of the interview criticising your current or previous employer as this is viewed as negative and will definitely give cause for concern to a potential employer. Try and turn negatives into positives i.e. "At my last company I felt too tied to one particular platform but what excites me about this role is the chance to work with both Windows and Linux". Don't pretend you haven't any weaknesses, because everybody has some. On the other hand don't do yourself down, as you may be talking your way out of a job.

Discussing your weaknesses shows that you have recognised and are striving to overcome them. For instance, "I used to have bad time management, now I prioritise my workload first thing every morning", or "I like to take control and be involved in everything. I sometimes find it hard to delegate but the times when I have, the results have been positive".

Have a positive attitude Above all, do not wait until after the event to wish you had tried harder to get the position. Always go in with the intention of getting an offer, only then do you really have the chance to weigh up how this opportunity compares with others. Many people, with the benefit of hindsight, have regretted they did not take a particular interview sufficiently seriously. Don't fall into this 'if only' category. Your Applause IT consultant will be able to help you with queries and suggest useful tips on how to best impress the particular client in question. They will have dealt with the client before and may be an invaluable source of information.

A lot of this will be common sense, some of it may be new. Even if you learn just one thing from this you will have greatly improved your chances of getting the job!