The office recruitment specialists

Perfecting your interview technique

If Tate could guarantee to improve your chances of getting a job offer by at least 40% - would you take our advice and promise to use it?

How you prepare for and perform in an interview will heavily influence your chances of getting a job offer and we want the choice to be yours. In order to be fully prepared, your Tate consultant will brief you through every step of the process however, to perfect your interview technique we have listed some hints and tips that will help you.

Preparation
· Ensure you have the full address, telephone number, contact name and the job title of your interviewer along with clear directions and route to the company you are going to be interviewed at.
· We would recommend you aim to be there at least ten minutes early. If you are delayed for any reason, contact your Tate Consultant immediately who will phone the client on your behalf.
· It is also essential that you allow plenty of time for the interview itself.
· Research the background information on the company thoroughly through their website or any press releases. Your knowledge of the company and industry will demonstrate your interest and commitment.
· Understand the key components of the job and consider how your skills compliment each area. This will assist you in selling yourself at interview.
· An interview is your opportunity to find out more about the role first hand, however it is advisable to avoid asking about salary as your Tate Consultant will be able to clarify. Some good examples of questions to ask are listed on our website (www.tate.co.uk) under Candidates / Permanent / Interview Questions.

First impressions
At the interview, make sure you:

· Look smart and presentable! This is the first impression a potential employer will have of you.
· Provide a firm handshake at the start of the interview.
· Greet your interviewer making good eye contact.
· Smile!
· Speak positively about your last employer.
· Listen!
· Be aware of your body language - maintain an open stance, trying not to fidget or fold your arms across your chest.
· Always thank the interviewer for their time and express your genuine interest in the role.
· Finally and importantly... do try to be yourself!

The Interview

Behavioural Interviewing can be an intimidating activity if you are not prepared. To properly answer a behavioural interview question, there is a three-step process referred to as “STAR”

1. The Situation or Task you were in
2. Action that you took
3. Result of that action

The interviewer is focusing on your past behaviour as this is a predictor of future behaviour. Keep your answers simple and to the point. Below are some examples of behavioural questions:

· Describe a situation where you have had to deal with a difficult person.
· What do you do when priorities change quickly? Give one example of when this happened.
· Describe a situation where you felt you had not communicated well. How did you correct the situation?
· Describe a time when you made a suggestion to improve the work in your organisation.
· When you have a lot of work to do, how do you get it all done? Give an example?
· How do you decide what gets top priority when scheduling your time? Give an example.

After the Interview
Speak to your Tate consultant with feedback as soon as possible after the interview.