Interview Do’s and Interview Don’ts
• Do make sure you have prepared thoroughly for the interview
• Do make sure you are not late for the interview and if delayed, phone your consultant
• Do make sure if you are late you extend your apologies for your lateness
• Do make sure you give a firm positive handshake and SMILE when you are first introduced to the interviewer or interviewers
• Do make sure you introduce yourself courteously
• Do make sure you sit down only when you have been offered a seat
• Do make sure during the interview that you maintain eye contact with the interviewer who is asking a question and during your answer but when answering do not exclude any other interviewers present
• Do make sure you are alert
• Do make sure that you listen carefully to the questions asked
• Do make sure you think about your answers and how you want to express them
• Do answer assertively but not aggressively
• Do ensure you answer questions honestly, fully, clearly and precisely
• Do make sure you correct a statement you made but did not mean by simply restating what you wanted to express
• Do smile during the interview but don’t over do it
• Do make sure you relax. Remember its an interview not a firing squad!
• Do not forget what is on your CV
• Do ensure you appear positive and enthusiastic during the interview
• Do ensure you demonstrate how your skills and experience can be of benefit
• Do make sure that for every responsibility or requirement on the job specification, that you have at least one example of an experience or a transferable skill that covers that requirement for the interview
• Do show that you have a willingness to learn and develop
• Do make sure you ask some or all of your prepared questions on the company and the role
• Do demonstrate your enthusiasm by letting the interviewer know at the end of the meeting that you are interested in the position, asking when a decision will be made
• Do make sure you thank the interviewer for their time and SMILE
• Do make sure you contact your consultant at Cameron Kennedy with feedback
• Don’t be rude or impolite to receptionists
• Don’t dress loudly or outrageously for an interview
• Don’t slouch in a chair
• Don’t fidget or pick your nails
• Don’t wear sunglasses during an interview
• Don’t have your mobile phone switched on
• Don’t be verbose or long winded in answers to questions. You will bore the interviewer
• Don’t give yes or no answers only to questions. Make sure you expand your answers
• Don’t lie about your experience or skills. It is likely you will be caught out
• Don’t make any derogatory or negative comments about your previous employer/boss
• Don’t raise questions about salary in the 1st interview unless the interviewer does; ensuring you get the job or an offer for a further interview is the main priority at this stage - salary negotiations will follow at a later stage. Your Cameron Kennedy consultant is a trained negotiator - leave it to him or her.
Interview Conclusion
Ask about the next interview stage if appropriate. There may be an explanation of how the process will continue. Try to find out when you should hear back. However, do not appear pushy. Some recruiters will not want to commit themselves to any timescales until they have had time to consider all the candidates who could comprise both internal and external candidates.
(You might have a surprise if the interviewer offers you the job on the spot. If you would like to accept it, then do so. However, if you require further time to think it over, ask for more time tactfully and qualify your reasons. Provide a definite date as to when you can provide an answer.)
For permanent positions, it is unlikely that you will be offered a job instantly. The interviewer will in most cases need to consult colleagues first or interview other suitable candidates.
Make sure you say that you look forward to hearing from them. Finally, thank your interviewer for his or her time, shake hands and smile. Do not forget to say a personal farewell to each person present at the interview. Remember to pick up business cards in order to write thank you letters if need be or if you are asked to call the interviewer in relation to any questions you may have.
Do not ignore the receptionist when you leave.
Post Interview
It is essential that you call your consultant after the interview and provide feedback. Often the consultant cannot get the prospective employer’s feedback without first getting your feedback. You should call the consultant within a few hours of the interview or if the interview occurs early evening, the next morning. Any delay in you providing feedback can slow down the whole process. It is also for your benefit to gain the interviewer’s feedback on how you fared at the interview. Whether the feedback is positive or negative, it is important that you take on board the comments and observations made and use it for future interviews or to take corrective action.
Cameron Kennedy’s consultants not only liaise with you but can also handle any queries or objections raised by the prospective employer. Some interviewers may give you their business card (which has their direct line) for you to call them in case you have any further queries. Allow a reasonable amount of time – 4-5 working days is the ideal time gap before calling if you desire to.
It's occasionally a good idea to write a letter confirming your interest and thanking the company for its consideration. A timely but subtle reminder like this could really help your chances and reinforce a positive image the interviewer has of you.
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