Interview tips and recommendations
The Interview process is the method by which both Candidate and Client evaluate each other and make key decisions as to whether or not this is a mutually beneficial opportunity, yet surprisingly, all too often the Candidate pays little attention to preparing for this event.
Following is a guide to help make the interview a successful one.
- Request as much information as possible from your Agent as to the specific requirements of the Client, both technically and business-wise. Further, though a relevant skill set is clearly very important, appropriate personal qualities are often considered to be just as important. For example, it might be essential that you work well within a team or perhaps get on with a particular manager or Client. Strong communications skills will always be seen as a benefit, so do your best to demonstrate these.
- Make sure that some time is allocated to making sure you are absolutely as up to date as possible with regards to the skills demanded by the Client. All too often a candidate will come out of an interview having realised their skills are rather rustier than they originally thought.
- Turning up much too early is as detrimental to your chances of success as being late. Always factor in a good amount of time for unexpected delays but, upon early arrival, find a place near to the Client site to wait and relax. It is best to arrive for an interview 5 minutes before the arranged time.
- Always dress smartly. It is a good rule of thumb to go to an interview wearing a suit and black dress shoes unless specifically asked not to. When there is little to distinguish between two Candidates it is such things as this that can make the difference between success and failure.
- It is very important to maintain a degree of balance in terms of personal projection. Both lack of self-belief AND over-confidence are regular stumbling blocks. Of course, it is important that you present yourself as well as possible during the interview. To do this it is important to prepare properly, further than just making sure your technical skills are up to date. The Client will always appreciate discerning, intelligent and well informed questions about the environment you are to work in, from specific day-to-day duties to long term projects and departmental and company aims overall. Research via the Client's web site for example will demonstrate a professional and proactive approach. A critical appraisal of the information given to you by the Client should be avoided, as this will be seen as contentious and argumentative.
- NEVER discuss contract rates or salary with the Client. This is our job. All too often Candidates are inclined or pressured into discussing these very sensitive negotiations directly. Our position is much more effective because we act as a buffer to the sensitivities of pay negotiations.
Of course every Client, Position and Interview is different and accordingly, specific advice given to you by your Agent at Anson McCade will reflect this.