At Lamb Personnel our tagline is ‘Recruiting with Passion’ and this flavours all that we do. Our focus is always on providing a great service for candidates. What makes us different is that we are non-transactional, friendly, fast and most of all, personalised.
When it comes to working with candidates, we always give it our best shot. When you come to us for advice and coaching, you know that you are going to be on the receiving end of some sure-fire powerful techniques.
This applies even to interview tips. Once you get to the interview stage of job selection, you have a real opportunity to sell your innate skills and abilities. As well as the company finding out more about you, you have the chance to ascertain if the job is ideal for you.
Here are a few interview tips to get you off to a good start:
Appear confident
Even if you are shaking in your shoes, give a firm handshake (if offered) and maintain eye contact. The more you act confidently, the more assured you will feel and this will make a great impression.
Practice common interview questions beforehand
Have some stories readily stacked up relating to your past experiences and use them to emphasise your superb qualities. When they ask you, ‘Tell us about a time that……’ you will be ready. Focus on your key strengths such as flexibility, leadership, being a fast learner, problem solving etc.
Link your strengths to the job requirements
Study the job posting and match your skills to each requirement. If you are missing a skill, assure them that you will study for it.
Make a list of questions
At the end of the interview; ask a few short questions about the company, the job and anything else that shows you have carried out research. You can ask about specific responsibilities assigned to you, organisational structure, computer equipment, forward plans etc.
Prepare a Portfolio
Depending upon the type of job you are applying for, you may wish to take a Portfolio with you of past work to show examples.
On the day
Arrive on time. You don’t have to be too early but rushing and arriving flustered is definitely not a good thing. Look and dress professionally and to suit the role. Make sure that your mobile phone is off or on silent and enter the room confidently with a smile on your face. Listen carefully to the questions asked and make sure that you answer them; when a little nervous, it is easy to waffle and talk about everything but the answer. Think through what you are going to say before you speak and don’t rush. Don’t feel that you have to ‘over-talk’ in order to create a good impression – concentrate on your strengths and experiences and if the job comes across as being the perfect fit for you, don’t be afraid to say so. Before leaving, it is always a good idea to ask when you will receive a decision or if there be any secondary interviews.
Do all of this and you are well on your way to landing the job of your dreams!