Preparation

People who have obviously prepared for an interview are not only more confident, they inevitably impress.

Your GBL Personnel Consultant will provide you with as much information as possible about the role, the company, background information and interview technique, but to have the real edge on other candidates – do your homework!

• Study the job description.
• Research the company, industry and competitors
• Access their website and the internet
• Source annual reports, brochures, promotional material, newspapers
• Talk to customers, suppliers and friends
• Refresh your memory
• Scan your CV for dates of courses, roles, duties and projects with present and past employers
• List your strengths and weaknesses with work related examples
  Ask your friends, family and workmates
  We know it is hard to talk about yourself – practise talking about them with confidence
• In relation to the job description, think of work examples that display your abilities in relation to the set competencies or criteria, why you are interested in the role and what you can offer
• Prepare an interview folder – include:
• Interview details – time, location and name/s of the interviewer/s (check the pronunciation)
• Copy of your CV, certificates/qualifications and written references
• Work samples, such as brochures and PowerPoint presentations that you have created or written (nothing commercially sensitive!)
• Job description – make notes on it and highlight queries
• Company research material
• Questions regarding the job and company.

Getting Ready

• Presentation and grooming – GBL Personnel primarily works with corporate organisations and therefore smart business clothes or a suit is appropriate. If the company is more informal, your GBL Consultant will advise you of the dress code. Make sure you're always neat, tidy and well groomed
• Be on time, if not early
• Check the location – If unsure of the interview location, either locate it a day or two in advance, or allow more time, especially if parking and public transport is required. Again, your GBL Consultant will be able to assist
• Turn off your cell phone and put it away before you enter the building.

The Interview

Interview Styles

Expect clients to have varying levels of expertise in recruitment interviews – interviews will range from casual 'one to one' conversations through to the latest competency based or panel interviews and possibly additional psychometric evaluations, role plays and assessment centres. Some clients will require you to meet with them and the team on a number of occasions.

Your GBL Consultant will inform you of the interview process and style.

• Informal and unstructured interviews
  When dealing with a more informal style, you have to keep your wits about you! No doubt you will be more relaxed but make sure that you relay your strengths and experience in a factual and sincere manner. Keep in mind that you are the best person to 'sell' yourself and make the interviewer aware of the potential benefits that you can offer the organisation.


• Competency based interviews/behavioural event interviews
  With competency based interviews, once you understand what is expected and with a bit of practice, it's very straightforward. The interviewer will have a series of key competencies or criteria for the role and organisation, and will ask you for detailed examples in relation to your experience.

Examples of competencies are: flexibility, problem solving ability, teamwork, time management, customer service focus, planning and implementation.

Sample Questions: Competency – problem solving ability

"Tell us about a particularly difficult problem you have encountered?
Or "Give me an example ......?"
"How did you approach the situation?"
"Why did you use that particular method or action?"
"What was the outcome or achievement?"

Helpful Interview Hints

• Greet the interviewer with a smile and a firm handshake
• It is not unusual to be presented with an application or security form. Fill it in. This will be a standard company procedure
• Follow the interviewer's lead as to where to be seated, sit upright and make eye contact – avoid gazing around the room when someone is talking to you or when responding to a question
• You will be nervous, it's only natural, and the interviewer will understand. Take a few deep breaths then try and relax! Smile!
• Be natural, positive, calm and confident. Remember personality is really important and this is your opportunity to show it
• Listen carefully to questions – ask for clarification if you don't understand the question and use specific work related examples – and keep to the point. Speak clearly and formally – don't use slang or swear words. Don't interrupt or talk over the interviewer
• Emphasise that you are keen and willing to learn areas of the job where you have little or no experience. If you have previous experience in something similar, highlight it.

The Don'ts

• Don't answer with just 'yes' or 'no'. Always use examples wherever possible and distinguish clearly what part you played versus the collective 'we'
• Don't be negative about previous managers or companies
• Don't chat about personal problems
• Don't smoke, even if offered and never go into an interview smelling of smoke – it's a guaranteed turnoff.

Commonly Asked Questions

• What is your ideal role?
• What are your strengths and weaknesses?
• What do you know about the company?
• Where do you want to be in 5 years? 10 years?
• What management style brings the best out of you?
• What motivates you?
• What has been your most notable achievement?

Questions to Ask the Interviewer

No matter how thorough the interviewer has been and how well you feel you have performed, when you are asked if you have any questions, you must find at least one! Some useful questions are:

• "Can you tell me why this vacancy has come up?"
• "How many in the team?"
• "Why did the last person leave?"
• "What makes your company good to work for?"
• "Who are your main competitors and how do you compare with them?"
• Or impress them with your research! "I noticed on your website..."

Should you talk about money?

• When working through an agency, do not discuss salaries, benefits, hours, holidays or sick leave at the interview, unless the interviewer raises the subject.
  Your consultant would not have shortlisted you for the role if there was a mismatch in your expectations and the company's. Saying this, it is very important that you remain consistent and trust your consultant's judgement.
• If you are independently applying for a role direct with a company, generally speaking, do not discuss these matters until the second interview, unless raised by the interviewer.

Closing the Interview

• If you are interested in the job, make sure you let them know before you leave the interview. If you are asked, say "yes" even though you might have some doubts. This allows you the opportunity to really consider the role and interview before making a final decision.
• Make sure you know what the next step is and when you or your agency can expect to hear from the client.
• If you are offered the job and you want it, accept on the spot.
• If you wish some time to think it over, remain positive, be tactful and agree a definite time and date when you can provide an answer.
• Last impressions are also important. The way you leave may be the way you are remembered. Thank the interviewer for their time and shake their hands firmly as you leave.

After the Interview

Immediately call your GBL Consultant after the interview. We need your feedback as soon as possible and this will be seen as a clear signal of your interest in the role. If you have any questions or doubts, raise them with your consultant who will either be able to provide an immediate answer or discuss the issues with the client.

Regardless of whether you are offered the role or not, your GBL Personnel Consultant will provide you with feedback on how you performed at the client interview. Use this information constructively to improve your interview technique.