HELP ME GET THAT JOB

Here at PB our Recruitment Consultants are dedicated to finding you the right job, with the right company.

But we don’t stop there! Once we’ve found this ideal role, we want you to be the best you can be during your interview, so that you make the job yours. We will be with you all the way and will advise you as much as we can to help you make the most of your opportunity.

Find your dream job here.

SO WHAT ARE EMPLOYERS LOOKING FOR?

All employers want something different – remember this is a two-way street – it’s as much about the employer being right for you – as you being right for them.

SO HOW DO YOU FIND OUT?

The main thing is to be natural. If you act up at this stage, then the employer will be buying into something that doesn’t exist and you might not keep the job which is just as important as getting it!

Make sure you find out everything you can about the company before you get to the interview – even if they don’t ask the question – drop into conversation something you have read on their website or social media – they WILL be impressed – promise!

Read the job spec and think about how your previous experience will show them you can do the job and refer to it in the conversation – “my experience with ‘so and so’ company means that I will be able to perform that ‘element’ of the role very easily.”

They will expect you to understand the terminology of their business so drop in to conversation words that you know they will relate to.

They will love you for understanding things that are relevant to them; for instance, if the company is anything to do with construction one of their main concerns and headaches is Health & Safety. Even if you haven’t got any previous experience in this area and it may not be anything to do with the role on offer – the very fact that you understand its importance to them will be impressive.

Come prepared with questions – you want to know if they are a good company to work for and that their culture suits you – if working for an ‘Alan Sugar’ type of boss turns you cold, then you need to know if that’s the case in this company.

Find out what their expectations are – ask them what they are looking for and be prepared to tell them why you are a good candidate - this really is one of those occasions where you ‘blow your own trumpet’!

And if you don’t get the job remember that the reason might be that you are not a good fit for them but that doesn’t mean you are not a good fit for anyone!

WHAT CAN TURN AN INTERVIEWER OFF?

Timing
Always plan to arrive ten minutes early for your interview as being late won’t do you any favours. Plan your journey on Google maps so you know exactly where you are going and the journey won’t stress you out before you even arrive!

What does ‘Dressing Appropriately’ actually mean?
If you are applying for an office job then you need to look like you work in one already – that means some kind of business wear – it doesn’t need to be a suit but it DOES need to be smart.

If you are going to work in a casual environment or outside then wearing casual clothes for the interview is ok as long as they are clean and tidy.

And girls, watch the height of those heals; the interviewer won’t be impressed if you look like you are going clubbing or fall off your heels as you walk up the steps!

Your interview may end up being in a small office so consider your personal hygiene including the strength of your smellys’ – less is more in this case!

Nobody likes a moaner
You may have had some bad experiences but your interviewer doesn’t need to know the gory details. Saying enough about it so they understand why you left the job for example but don’t slag off your old boss or work mates – it won’t make you a desirable hire.

Being friendly and approachable
Remember your telephone voice – you are not out with your friends, laughing and joking and possibly using a bad choice of words. Think about what you are saying too – refrain babbling on about trivial matters.

Be confident – if you are not confident in you – how can someone else be? A limp handshake is always a major put-off for employers. Eye contact is key. Remember that you are applying to work for these people though – don’t be arrogant!

Be wary of your body language – getting too close and being too smiley and over-friendly can be as detrimental as crossing your arms, being shut off and being rigid. Try to relax whilst keeping professional.

Always thank them for their time and leave with a smile – leave the audience wanting more!

Some typical interview questions:

1. What interests you most about this job?
2. What are your strength?
3. What are your weaknesses?
4. What have you done that you are proud of?
5. Tell me about something you did that didn’t work out – what did you learn from the experience?
6. How do you handle criticism?
7. What do you do to relax?
8. What are your career aspirations?
9. What do you see yourself doing within the first 30 days of this job?