Interview Basics

1. It’s still expected that formal business dress is worn for interviews: suit or jacket/ trousers and tie. Even the nicest Cardigan just won’t cut it!
   1. Novelty ties and socks are also no no’s
2. Many people spend more time preparing a car for sale. You need your own wash and wax – spoil yourself – look good, feel great – Including shoes and nails. Don’t forget it’s a job interview, not a filming day for the Voice or the X-Factor!
3. Don’t smoke just before or during a meeting – non-smokers can tell
4. During the interview, don’t chew gum or anything…
5. Don’t swear, even if they are “your new best mate!”
6. NEVER “bad-mouth” your ex-boss/ employer
7. Don’t be over familiar – It’s a job interview – Remember!
8. Turn off your mobile phone or turn to silent – the interviewing needs to know that they are THE most important person at the meeting.
9. Prepare by looking at websites, reading the press, company literature. Don’t just print it out, they may ask questions.
10. Take a look at their competitors’ information too
11. Take a pen a notebook to write down salient points
12. Write down questions beforehand – plenty of examples are given below

Questions you might want to ask the employer:

Their Company:

1. What are the company’s biggest challenges?
2. Who are OUR biggest competitors?
3. Why do they win business?
4. Why do WE? (use We as an assumptive close)
5. Who is perceived to be the best/ biggest and why?
6. What are OUR USP’s (unique selling points)?
7. Are there any takeovers/ mergers imminent?
8. Will there be any consolidation of sales teams or branches?
9. Have there been any major organisational changes recently?

Branch/ Sales Team:

Role:

1. What would be expected in my first weeks/ months?
2. What exactly is the area?
3. What support would I get?
4. What training is there – product/ sales?
   1. Ongoing?
5. Are there regular assessments?
   1. Are they 360 degrees?
6. How many existing accounts are there on the area?
7. How are the leads created?
8. What is the target?
9. What is the average order value?
10. What is the largest deal this year in the branch?

The People:

1. Where did the interviewer start out?
2. What do they like about the company?
3. What don’t they like?
4. Given a magic wand, what would they change?

Questions the employer might ask you:

1. What do you know about our company?
2. What is your understanding of the role you are applying for?
3. What interests you most about the company?
4. Tell me a little about your work history to date?
5. What were/are your main duties and responsibilities in your current/last role?
6. Which aspects of the role do/did you enjoy the most/ least?
7. What do you want to avoid in your next job?
8. Why did you leave or are you leaving your previous/current position?
9. What compliments have you received for your work to date?
10. What comments were mentioned at your last appraisal?
11. How do you cope when working under pressure?(Give examples if possible)
12. What kind of supervision brings out the best in you?
13. What would be your ideal job?
14. What kind of people do you like to work with?
15. What are your greatest strengths/weaknesses?
16. (weaknesses need to be portrayed in a positive light – perhaps a weakness you have already overcome or learnt how to handle)
17. How do you handle direction?
18. How do you feel when left to do a task without supervision?
19. Give me an example of your flexibility at work
20. What can you bring to this organisation?
21. What personal characteristics would best suit this role in your opinion?
22. Where do you see yourself in 5 years?
    1. What are your career aspirations?
23. How would your boss describe you?
24. Is there any aspect of this role that you are unsure about?
25. What is your greatest success/achievement?
26. How do you feel about persons with backgrounds and interests different to your own?
27. Can you be tolerant of their differences?
28. If you could change one thing about yourself, what would it be?
29. What makes you angry/annoyed/upset?
    1. How do you deal with it?

AND FINALLY CLOSURE QUESTIONS:

If you are interested, don’t be afraid to tell them!

1. Where do we go from here?
2. Are there any reasons, that we can discuss today why you wouldn’t offer me the job?
3. Do you have any reservations? –
   1. What are they?
4. Is there anyone else who needs to see me?
   1. When can this happen?

If they are seeing others:

1. When will you finish seeing them?
2. Can I call you the day after?
3. What’s the best number to get you on?

Interview Check-list:

• You know who you are meeting, their title and job function;
• The time and date of the interview;
• You know the address;
• You have a fall-back route for contingency
• How long it is likely to last;
• What they are expecting of you
  • Presentation
  • Psychometric Test
  • Form filling
• A copy of your latest CV + referees
• Passport/ Driving Licence/ Photo ID
• Documentary Proof of:
  • Success
  • Qualification

“People Don’t Plan to Fail, They Fail to Plan”

Written by Fred McDonogh; Red Chair Recruitment