Interview Questions UK

The second step in getting the job is meeting the potential employer for an interview. The first step that an applicant has successfully completed was sending your application and passing the screening process of the company.

The employer got the resume through a variety of sources that can be from an ad that was posted, a referral from a friend or a headhunter, or by a person who simply submitted an application by logging on the company’s website. 

Here are a few tips that will help in having a successful interview;

• Before going to an interview, it is best to do some research about the company one is applying to.

• It is also best to practice with a friend or family member mock up questions that the employer will likely ask so you do not choke during the real interview.

• When you go for an interview, it is best to always arrive 10 to 15 minutes ahead of time. This shows employers that the person is punctual and serves as a good attribute in a potential employee.

• When meeting an employer, you should bring an extra copy of the resume and other documents that are needed if asked certain questions. A good example is architects and photographers who are professionals in the respective fields who have a portfolio of the works done which may impress the interviewer. 

• It is always best to dress appropriately. This shows the employer sincerity on the part of the applicant applying for the job. One must have finger-nails and hair well groomed for the interview. The outfit worn should be professional.  This would mean that shoes must be used to match the outfit. If you typically wear a lot of jewelry, it is advisable to remove and tone it down for the interview.

• When you are in front of the employer, smile and greet the interviewer with a firm (but not bone crushing) handshake  which is always a good start to get the interview moving.

• During the course of the interview, listen very well to the questions asked. Each must be answered truthfully and confidently to be able to sell yourself to the potential employer.

• Afterwards, the applicant should thank the recruiter for the time that was given to meet for the interview.

Many people feel that the interview is the single most stressful part of the job search process. Any number of things can go wrong, and a big part of being successful is avoiding simple mistakes.  The things you should avoid doing are as below:

1. Trying to wing the interview: Practice! Get a list of general interview questions, a friend, a tape recorder, and a mirror and conduct an interview rehearsal. Practice until your delivery feels comfortable but not canned.

2. Not being yourself: Be yourself and be honest! Don’t pretend to understand a question or train of thought if you don’t. The interviewer will pick up on this. If you don’t know an answer, say so. Relax and be yourself. Remember you’re interviewing the company as well as vice versa.

3. Not listening: Focus on the question that is being asked and don’t try to anticipate the next one. It’s OK to pause and collect your thoughts before answering a question. Pay special attention to technical or work process related subjects that are unique to a given firm or organization. The interviewer may have provided information you will need to answer the question earlier in the conversation. Employers will be looking for your ability to assimilate new information, retain it, and, most importantly, recognize that information as useful to you later in the interview.

4. Not providing enough details: When answering case questions, technical questions or solving technical problems, take the time to “talk through” your thought process. Recruiters are much more interested in seeing how your mind works and how it attacks a given type of problem, than the answer itself. Articulate your problem solving process and verbalize your thinking.

5. Lack of enthusiasm: Maintain eye contact, greet the interviewer with a smile and a firm handshake (not too weak, not too strong), and show common courtesy. Don’t be afraid to display your passion for the job/industry and to show confidence.

It is easy to think that a telephone interview is going to be a really soft option. After all, you haven’t got to walk into a room with an interviewing panel and then try to convince them that you are the right person for the job. Instead, you just have a chat with someone on the phone and if they are pleased with you then you will get the job. Far easier, right?

Well the reality are that telephone interviews are actually much harder. When you are having a face to face interview, then the interviewing panel will be able to pick up on your body language, they will know if you establish good eye contact, how you seem. Even subconsciously they will be making judgements as to whether or not you are trustworthy or are reliable.

Yet you can’t give many signals out when conducting a telephone interview. So to make sure that you give a good interview, prepare for it in the same way as you would an ordinary interview. Make sure that when you speak to the interviewer, that you have a copy of the job description in front of you. If you have had a few hours or days notice about the interview, then make sure that you have prepared some answers to possible questions. Jot down key headers in big letters to act as prompts for you when you answer their questions.

But at the very start of the interview, when you are exchanging greetings, smile as you say hello. People in the media say that you can ‘hear’ a smile, because it changes the tone of your voice. So smile and this will send a signal that you are trustworthy and that you have good interpersonal skills.

The rest of the interview will be like a standard interview, but in order to make a good impression, you need to smile, have the job description and some notes in front of you: breathe deeply, relax and go with the flow. This should help you to give a really good impression of yourself and make that job yours!