THE INGREDIENTS

FOR A
SUCCESSFUL INTERVIEW

INTERVIEW TIPS
INTERVIEW DO’S

• Arrive on time or earlier if possible (but not too early, 10-15 minutes is acceptable)
• Switch off your mobile telephone
• Introduce yourself courteously
• Communicate clearly and do not interrupt when somebody else is speaking
• Smile throughout the interview
• Demonstrate how your skills and experience can benefit the company
• Ask questions relevant to the business
• Show willingness to learn and progress
• Be assertive without being aggressive
• Prepare 5/6 relevant questions, it is likely you will cover 3 in the interview
• Ensure that you THANK the interviewer,

INTERVIEW DON’TS

• Don’t be late for the interview

• Don’t be unprepared for the interview
• Don’t over emphasise financials. Do not discuss salary in the 1st interview unless they do
• Don’t say negative things about previous employers
• Don’t answer questions with a “Yes” or “no”. Always expand on any points made
• Don’t show lack of career planning or aspirations
• For every responsibility/requirement on the job specification, ensure you have at least one
example of an experience or a transferable skill that covers that requirement for the
interview.

RAISING CAPABILITY FROM FARM TO FORK

RESEARCH
Research the company in as much detail as you can. You can visit the company websites for more
detailed information and request additional information from your recruitment consultant. Your
consultant will have expert knowledge of the client, the company culture in addition to the employer’s
expectations and what they are searching for in a candidate.

There are numerous research methods you can use to obtain this information. Some of the most
common are:

• LinkedIn
• The company’s annual reports
• Kompass
• Company websites
• Other internet sources – Eg. Google

When completing your research, you are not expected to understand their full history! What we advise
you to look for is:

• What are their products and services?

• Who are their main competitors?
• How are they currently perceived in the market?
• Are there any recent and relevant news articles related to the business?
• What is their vision and mission statements?

DON’T FORGET The interviewer is very likely to ask you questions about your current and previous
employers. Make sure that you review all information that could be discussed during the interview.

BE ON TIME
Getting an interview is a big challenge itself therefore damaging your chances by being late will
never leave a good impression. Once you have confirmed the exact time and location of the
interview you should then research how much time you need to allow that will ensure you will be on
time. Where possible, we advise you should practice the journey that will highlight any potential
issues on the day of that important interview.

FIRST IMPRESSIONS
A company is more likely to hire somebody who is well presented as they will be future representatives
of their company.

Wear your smartest suit and act in a professional manner throughout the interview. If you are unsure
what dress code is most appropriate, please ask your recruitment consultant for their opinion.

RAISING CAPABILITY FROM FARM TO FORK

TYPICAL QUESTIONS FROM THE INTERVIEWER(S)
Q: TELL ME ABOUT YOURSELF

A: This is a conversation starter and is nearly always asked. Talk about your qualifications, career history and
range of skills. Particularly emphasise those skills that are most relevant to the position on offer.

Q: DESCRIBE YOUR ACHIEVEMENTS TO DATE (What they want to know: Are you successful?)

A: Prepare for this question... It is another frequent interview question! Select an achievement that is career
related. When preparing these answers, you should break every achievement down that helps describe… WHAT
you did… WHY you did it… WHAT were the results from your actions!

Q: TELL ME THE MOST CHALLENGING SITUATION YOU HAVE FACED RECENTLY AND HOW YOU DEALT
WITH IT?

(What they want to know: Are you logical? Do you show initiative? What’s your definition of difficult?)
A: This is a trap question. To avoid it select a difficult work situation that was not caused by you, the options
available, how you selected the appropriate one and why and how you resolved it and what the outcome was.
Ensure that it is positive.

Q: WHAT ARE YOUR STRENGTHS?

A: This is asked 99% of the time during interviews! Your answer should not be a list of 15/20 strengths… Discuss
your main strengths. List 3/4 main strengths and they should add value to the potential employer. You should
always begin with a strength based on your technical proficiency. In addition, you could highlight your ability
to learn quickly, determination, positive attitude and your ability to relate to people and work as a team.
Provide examples and be prepared to back them up.

Q: WHAT ARE YOUR MAJOR WEAKNESSES? (interviewer thinks: I hope you’re honest, what aren’t you
interested in? what will you need help with? what’s your self-awareness like?)

A: Don’t say “none” – we all have. There are two options available when asked such a question – use a
professional weakness such as lack of experience on your part in an area that is not essential to the job on
offer. The second option is to describe a personal or professional weakness that could also be considered a
strength and the steps that you have taken to combat this.

Q: WHAT DECISIONS DO YOU FIND DIFFICULT TO MAKE?

(What they want to know: Are you decisive? Do you have a human side?)
A: Your answer must not display weakness. Focus on decisions that have to be made without sufficient
information. This will show your positive side.

Q: WHY ARE YOU LEAVING YOUR CURRENT EMPLOYER?

A: Should be a straightforward answer – looking for more challenge, responsibility and experience. DO NOT
be negative in your reasons for leaving, positive reasons are better

Q: HOW DO YOU DEAL WITH CONFRONTATION? (What they want to know: Are you strong? Can you admit
you’re wrong?)

A: Again – this is a trap question. Demonstrate that you’re willing to listen, implement changes where necessary,
but you have the courage of your convictions and will be firm when necessary.

RAISING CAPABILITY FROM FARM TO FORK

OTHER LIKELY QUESTIONS
INDUSTRY/ROLE:

• What do you enjoy about the industry?

• What kinds of people do you like working with?
• How does your job fit into your department and company? (Gives an idea of level of
responsibility).
• What are you looking for in an employer?
• What changes in the workplace have caused you difficulty and why?
• How do you feel about working long hours and/or weekends?
• Which part of this role is least attractive to you?
• How do you see this job developing your skills and experience?
• Why do you want to work for this company?
• Why do you want to work in this area of this company?
• What qualifies you for this job?
• Where do you see this job going?
• Why do you think you would like this role?

YOUR SKILLS

• How do you respond to working under pressure? Provide examples.

• How have you coped when your work has been criticised? (Give an example including the
outcome).
• What is the worst situation you have faced outside work? (Give an example including the
outcome).
• How do you measure your own performance?
• What motivates you?
• Why do you think you would be good at this job?
• What example can you give me of when you have been out of your depth?
• What have you failed to achieve to date?
• What can you bring to this organisation?
• What area of your skills do you want to improve? (Try to relate this to the role on offer).

DEALING WITH OTHER PEOPLE

• What kind of people do you find difficult to work with? (Be extremely careful when answering
this question).
• Tell me about the last time you disagreed with your boss. How did you resolve this?
• Where have you been unable to get on with others? (Give an example and how you
resolved/overcome the situation).
• What are your preferred working conditions, working alone or in a group and why?
• How do you think you are going to fit in here especially as this organisation is very different
to your current employer? (You may not be able to answer until you have established what
he/she perceives as the differences).

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ABOUT YOU AND THE FUTURE

• Where do you see yourself in five years time?

• Why should I give this position to you instead of the other people on the shortlist? (Strengths).
• What reservations should I have about you as an employee? (Weaknesses).
• What do you do in your spare time?
• What will you do if you don’t get the job?

QUESTIONS TO EMPLOYERS
The interview is a two-way process. As well as the employer interviewing you, you are also
interviewing your prospective employer. Remember, employers ask questions to get information out
of you – but it is a two way process - make sure you tell them the information you want them to hear.
Prepare questions prior to the interview:

• How has this position become vacant?

• What will my role entail?
• What will my daily routine involve?
• How does my role fit into the structure of the overall department?
• How will my performance be monitored?
• Who will I report to?
• Will anyone report to me?
• What are the opportunities for further training?
• Where is your company going? Expansion plans?
• Will this position involve travelling?
• What is the objective of this organisation/department/team?
• How does the culture of this team, this organisation compare to others?
• What sort of person does well here?
• How might I influence my own future in the company?
• Which of my skills are required to do this job?
• How will this role satisfy my drives for success/progression/travel?
• What is it about this department and organisation that you (the interviewer) enjoy?
• What is the next step?

CLOSING THE INTERVIEW

• If you are interested in the role, ask about the next interview stage if appropriate. If the
interviewer offers you the job on the spot and you want it, accept it there and then. If you
require further time to think it over, be tactful in saying so and qualify your reasons. Try and
provide a definite date as to when you can provide an answer.
• Do not be disappointed if no definite job offer is made at the interview stage.
• The interviewer will in most cases need to consult colleagues first or interview other suitable
candidates
• If you feel that the interview is not going well, do not be discouraged.
• Sometimes this is part of an interviewer’s technique to see how you perform under pressure
- and may have no bearing on whether you will/will not get the job. Display a positive attitude
at all times.

RAISING CAPABILITY FROM FARM TO FORK

 AFTER THE INTERVIEW
After the interview it is essential that you call your recruitment consultant and provide feedback. In
most situations the consultant will not be able to get feedback from the client without speaking to
you first. Any delay in providing this feedback can slow down the whole process. One of the most
important learning aspects of interviewing is the feedback that you’ll receive from the recruitment
consultants after they’ve spoken to your potential employer. Whether it is positive or negative, it is
essential that you take it on board and use it for future interviews. Feedback is a great learning
opportunity for you.

RAISING CAPABILITY FROM FARM TO FORK