Get a good nights sleep the day before your interview.
Arrive 10 minutes early.
Make sure you know exactly where you are going and have figured out how to get there and how long the journey takes (citymapper.com is a useful website/app to help with journey planning).
Check that there are no delays on your chosen method of transport (check on tfl.gov.uk).
Ask your Consultant about dress code. The majority of interviews will require a suit.
Take a copy of your CV to the interview but avoid looking at it when answering questions.
Thoroughly research the firm and industry. Your consultant will have met with the client and got a thorough job description and detailed company information. Find out about company ethos, previous incumbents and why they are looking for someone, company strategies, size and structure of the business, personality of the interviewer, types of questions they are likely to ask, potential long term opportunities etc. Use LinkedIn to research people that work at the company.
Go through the job description in detail and match your previous experience to the job specification.
Think about why you are suitable for the role and why you want it. Remember that an interview is as much for you to find out if the role and company is right, as it is for the employer to assess your suitability.
Make a list of your strengths and weaknesses to assist you with competency based questions. When discussing your weaknesses try to focus on something that you have turned into a positive. E.g. an area of weakness that you have overcome and learnt from.
Avoid saying anything negative about previous employers.
Think of some questions that aren’t possible to have found the answer to during your research.
Practice your interview technique with a friend if possible. Use the internet to find typical interview questions and practice your answers out loud (we have listed some questions below).
As soon as possible, provide detailed feedback to your Consultant.
Remember to smile and make eye contact. Upon arriving and leaving, shake hands (firmly) with your interviewer(s).
Do not swear, chew gum or take a takeaway coffee cup into the interview.
Sample Interview questions
Why do you want this job?
What do you know about this role?
What do you know about the company?
What are your strengths/weaknesses?
How would your friends describe you?
Describe a situation when you have had to deal with high levels of stress.
Describe a situation when you have had to manage your time well.
What qualities do you think we are looking for?
How do you respond to criticism?
Why are you looking to leave your current role or why did you leave your last role?
What did you least like about your last job (try to keep this as positive as possible)?
Do you have any reservations about the role or company?
What salary are you looking for?
How do you feel about occasionally having to work longer hours?
Where do you see yourself in 5-10 years time?
What is your greatest achievement to date?
Do you prefer to work as a team or alone?
What do you like to do in your spare time?
Questions you could ask
Why has the role become available?
Who will I report to?
What is the working environment/culture like?
What do you think are the main qualities required for this role?
