Interviews are a core part of the recruitment process. It’s as much for you to investigate the role as show what your credentials – so here are a few pointers.
Types of interviews:
- Competency-based interviews – these focus on ensuring that you can prove your ability to perform the specific competencies required to fulfil the role, using examples from your past
- Technical interviews – are used when there is technical knowledge required within the role and may involve real or hypothetical technical problems
- Portfolio-based interviews – are most common in the creative industry where you will be asked to show your previous work and discuss its development, reasoning and success
- Case study interviews – are usually reserved for more senior roles where you will be presented with a business case study and expected to show how you would evaluate, manage and complete it
Different interview styles:
- Face-to-face interviews – are the most common and can range from one on one to several key people interviewing you at the same time. It is common to have at least two people so there is a greater perspective on your abilities
- Group interviews – usually reserved for more junior entry roles where your knowledge, communication and confidence are measured more than your specific skills
- Telephone interviews – are a very popular first stage process as they are time efficient and provide greater flexibility for both parties. Do make sure you answer concisely and ensure you have your own CV in front of you.
- Be professional – do not hold the interview where there is background noise, potential interruptions or signal problems
Making the right impression
Always respond promptly to any communications and in a formal manner Dress smartly unless told otherwise. It is difficult to be over-dressed but easy to be under-dressed Make sure your phone is off before entering an interview
- Body language is important. Eye contact and a good handshake are expected.
- Do your homework and know the company you are visiting.
- Prepare questions around the role, business and team.
- Know your CV and make sure you don’t embellish your achievements
- Be aware that social media means they may well know more about you than you think
- Thank interviewers in writing afterwards for their time
- When following up, be patient. What might seem like a lifetime to you can just be busy week for the client.
- Even if turning a job down, do it politely as you never know when you may meet them again
Salary
- The best time to negotiate your salary is before you join.
- Many people find discussing money uncomfortable and this is where using a recruitment consultant such as Penta Consulting is of great benefit as we will handle the conversation and get you’re the very best deal. But think about: What tax band your basic salary falls into as this affects the take home pay What the value of your benefits is Which benefits start immediately and which ones are earned Whether holiday can be carried over year on year and which days are ‘compulsory’ What onsite extras are offered Any subsidised deals – usually travel, gyms or crèche facilities Whether family members are included in your benefits.
If you’ve got any great tips you’d like to share go ahead and share them in the comments below – we’d love to hear them!
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