Totaljobs.com > Careers advice > Interviews

Telephone interview

Wed, 15 May 2013 11:43:02 +0100

Interviewers make a judgement about you within 5 seconds and body language counts for everything. No wonder the interview room can seem scary.

But with so many people applying for jobs, many employers are screening candidates with a telephone interview first. This is your chance to impress based purely on your personality and answers. We have some handy hints to get you through…

Why a telephone interview?

Rather than invite a large army of candidates to battle it out in the interview room, many employers use a telephone interview as a quick and cost-effective way to whittle down candidates in the first round.

It also tests your social skills and telephone technique - if you struggle to express yourself, it may be time to read up on the basics of telephone technique…

It’s all in the prep work

Remember you need to treat this like any other interview, so you’ll still need to research the company and look over your CV to remind yourself how awesome you are.

The best thing about having a telephone interview is you can have notes without the interviewer knowing, so if you think you may stumble or forget things have some answers to questions in front of you if it helps. Just be careful not to quote them like you’re reading a script – you’ll send the interviewer to snoozeville.

Job interview preparation

Pick the right place

Location, location, location. This is key to successful phone interviews. Don’t pick a noisy cafe where all the interviewer will hear is screaming children or rattling china. It’s also not the best idea to try and sneak off for an hour when you’re at the office as you may be overheard. Instead, try and pick a quiet room at home, evacuate any noisy people or pets from it, and make yourself comfortable.

Timing is everything

You don’t want to be messing the employer around before you’ve even met, so if you know that you’ll be unable to answer the phone at certain times - we’re talking work commitments here, not a trip to shops – then let them know as soon as you can. You don’t want the first point of contact with your potential boss to be your answering machine.

Speaking of which, if you have a ‘funny’ answer machine on your phone, delete it. Delete it now!

Look the part

We know it’s tempting to do the interview in your slippers and over-worn pyjamas, but just because the interviewer can’t see you doesn’t mean you shouldn’t make an effort. Stay in casual wear and risk sounding too relaxed and sluggish, which isn’t the tone you’re probably aiming for.

Think how confident you feel when you get suited and booted for an interview normally? That’s how you’ll come across if you get all dressed up for the occasion.

Interview dress code rules

Charge your phone!

If you’re using your mobile to take the call (which, let’s face it, you probably are… do house phones even exist anymore?), then remember to fully charge it before the interview. You don’t want the phone to cut out just as you’re telling them how organised and prepared you are.

Stand up and walk around

We know this may sound like daft advice but standing up, walking around and allowing your hands to gesture in a natural way will help you to speak more confidentially and clearly… think of it as interview exercise.

Pronounce your words

Over 90% of an interviewer’s opinion of you is made up of HOW you say your answers; if you speak too fast, too quietly or get lazy with your pronunciation then you may find that half the interview is taken up with the employer asking you to repeat yourself. Not good.

Speak clearly, slowly and project every last letter and the interviewer will hear you loud and clear (just don’t shout!).

Listen

A telephone interview isn’t just about showing your social skills, but also your listening abilities. Listen intently: not only to the questions but also to the gaps in between so you don’t interrupt or talk over them.

Don’t get flustered

The interviewer knows that interviews can be daunting, so don’t worry if you get thrown by a difficult question or need time to ponder your answer.

Take a deep breath, think about your answers and ask for a minute if you need to. Interviewers prefer you to take the time to actually think about your answers rather than blurt out a rushed, flustered answer that makes no sense.

Smile

Have you ever noticed that smiling can be infectious? And we don’t mean like flu. It can make you feel like you’re on top of the world and generally a happier individual.

In a phone interview, it’s not just what you say but HOW you say it. Smiling when on the phone can positively affect how you express your answers and make you sound like a confident candidate.

How to dress for an interview

Tue, 30 Apr 2013 12:08:52 +0100

In the current climate, securing your ideal job is an achievement in itself, so if you’ve managed to get your foot in the door you want to make sure you don't leave anything to chance.

It can be difficult to know what to wear for an interview, especially if you haven’t had many before. So once you've thought about your strengths, your weaknesses and “a time you've overcome a challenge”, don't forget to plan your outfit.

Why is it important?

Like it or not, your appearance will be judged as an expression of who you are and your approach to your work. And before you get disillusioned and think interviews are just a beauty parade; they aren’t. However, the reality is that your clothes, hair and shoes will all be viewed as indicators of your status, self-confidence, self-care and self-worth.

Get the image right, and it will get you noticed. Your prospective employer will just feel that you “look right” and that they can see you in the job. However, get it wrong and you could find it difficult to overcome any negative preconceptions.

What’s right and what’s wrong?

Doing your research is the best place to start. The internet will help you find out as much as you can about the company and the sector they are in. If you can, after this, try and speak to some employees or to friends who work in a similar environment.

You could also call the HR department and ask them if they have a dress code. Failing that it has been known for people to hang around outside the offices of the company they’re being interviewed at and check out what the staff are wearing.

Of course, you can normally tell a lot from the sector you’re going to be working in. For example, for more conservative companies such as law firms, banks and large corporations, men really can’t go wrong with a well-fitting business suit in blue, black or grey; paired with a non-garish, well-ironed shirt and a simple tie – classic and timeless. For women, a trouser suit or skirt suit in neutral colours with a blouse or shirt is a good idea.

Alternatively, a formal work dress in blue, black or grey, paired with a tailored jacket. When it come to footwear, men should go for clean, polished leather shoes, for women the main rule is don’t go too high on the heels.

Another word of advice for women: keep make-up to a minimum and avoid accessories that are garish, chunky or dangly, as this could distract an interviewer.

For companies with a more relaxed dress code like advertising agencies, publishing houses and design consultancies, the general rule for both men and women is the same: err on the formal side. Even for creative roles, you don’t want to be too casual. Having said that, a suit might be too formal, but never ever wear jeans; it’s not worth the risk. So find the comfortable middle ground. Think clean, smart and classic with a twist.

The main thing is to try and gauge the mood of the company and dress accordingly. No matter how cool the company nay appear, it’s still a place of work, so you need to be able to show off your business professional. Of course, your clothes won’t be the deal breaker, but if you can present the right image you’ll certainly be giving yourself a head start.

Our top Dos and Don'ts:

Do err on the side of caution – always go smarter rather than more casual, you can’t go far wrong this way.
Don't go too sexy. The first thing your interviewer should notice is your professionalism and understanding of the work environment.
Do remember that grooming is as important as what you’re wearing, so guys remember to have a shave and make sure your clothes are clean and well-ironed.
Do try on your outfit beforehand to make sure it's right. You don’t want to find yourself panicking about what to wear on the morning of the interview you want to be focused on the job and your experience.
Don't wear anything uncomfortable that will make you feel self-conscious or distracted.
Do forget what you're wearing once you get in the room. You've done all the groundwork in looking great - now it's about telling them what you can do.

Job interview preparation

Tue, 26 Mar 2013 16:15:36 Z

If you’re stressing about your interview then you can help your nerves AND get interview-ready by preparing. It may involve a bit of extra effort but it really can make the difference between getting the job and not…

Here are our tips on making sure you get the small details right to make a big impact.

Print off your job application

And – just in case – print extras for the interviewer(s). You should take a copy of your application form, cover letter and CV as well as the original job ad so you can read over everything when travelling to the interview. Read and re-read it to make sure you’re confident. If possible, put them in a neat folder as this makes you look super-organised!

Research the company

Before your interview make sure you have looked at the company’s website. They may ask you what you know about the business and it helps to have an answer prepared. It’s impressive if you can show you’ve taken the time to learn more.

How to research your job

Plan your journey

Whatever you do, do NOT arrive at your job interview late. It is possibly the worst start to a job interview and can immediately make the interviewer take a dislike to you. In fact, almost half of recruiters won’t give a candidate a job if they are more than 10 minutes late for interview – regardless of how well they perform.

Key to this is planning your journey well in advance, especially if it’s in an area you’re not familiar with. It may seem obvious, but if you need to get the train, where is the nearest station? If you can, print a map off or make sure your smart phone is fully charged with Google Maps enabled. Work out how long it will take you to get there and – if you have time – do a practice run a few days before. You should aim to arrive at least 10 minutes before the start of your interview, NOT 10 minutes after!

Practice your interview questions

Make sure you are confident answering typical interview questions. You can practice alone or with a friend (bribe them with a cup of tea!) and be ready for unexpected interview questions as they may throw you off balance.

See our interview questions and answers

Look the part

Dress to impress! You should walk in feeling confident and looking smart, but remember to dress comfortably as well. You don’t want to be in discomfort, it may throw you off your answers.

Our guide to dressing to impress

Eating/drinking/smoking

It goes without saying that you should NOT drink alcohol before a job interview, even if you just fancy a pint for Dutch courage. They may smell it on you and it can affect your judgement. If you need to eat before the interview then avoid ketchup down the shirt and try to steer clear of smelly food. Finally, if you are a smoker the smell of smoke can linger on your clothes and create a bad impression. If you can, save it until after the interview. Thanks Nicorette!

Mobile phones

Surveys show that having a mobile phone ring during an interview – or, worse, answering a mobile phone during an interview – is a common reason for employers to say a big fat NO to candidates. It’s common sense but you’d be surprised how many people forget. Avoid that AWKWARD moment by turning off your phone.

If you're STILL nervous then take comfort from the fact that you're not one of these interviewees... Interviews: funny, sad and just plain bad

Succeeding in temporary job interviews

Thu, 07 Mar 2013 16:32:33 Z

Performing well in a temporary job interview requires a different approach to the one you will take when interviewing for a permanent vacancy.

Don’t be fooled into thinking that a 3 month assignment requires any less preparation than a long-term role.

Please consider the following points that will help you secure that all-important assignment:

Do your research

Interviewers are not expecting you to be experts in their business but will at the very least have expected you to familiarise yourself with content on their website.

Ensure that you have fully read your CV. Be aware that if you are going through a recruitment agency, the version of your CV that has been sent to their client might look and feel different to your original one.

If there is a job description for the assignment, then focus on any pre-requisite skills/experience that are being sought and how you will answer questions relating to these.

Providing demonstrable examples

The key point to remember about temporary roles is that they’re very much skills based exercises. You’re going to get hired because you can demonstrate that you have the requisite experience to perform the role better than the next person.

When answering technical questions, provide demonstrable examples of where/how you have performed those tasks previously. Don’t be afraid to go into detail but make sure the examples you give are relevant.

Remember, you’re being hired because there is a gap in their business that needs plugging. If you’ve got the skills required then the interview is your stage to reassure the hirer that the job will be left in your good hands.

Ask questions

Have 3-4 questions prepared in advance. An interviewer will like the fact you’ve taken time to think about the opportunity. It also shows that you’re serious about the assignment.

You could ask questions about the team you may be joining (eg size, personalities) and aspects of the job (eg day-to-day duties, technical skills required).

“I’m a committed contractor”

The number 1 concern for any hirer of temps is the fear that you will leave the assignment early. This will result in having to hire again, losing valuable time and resource.

Whilst you can never truly predict what’s going to happen over time, the hirer only wants to hear that you’ve no intention of moving on until after the successful completion of your assignment.

Don’t make any plans to go on holiday that might clash with the completion of the assignment.

Don’t tell the hirer that you’re actively looking for a permanent role.

Do tell the hirer about any previous assignments that you’ve done, especially if you can tell them that you were kept on longer than anticipated because you were doing such a good job.

Do tell the hirer that you can start immediately. Most temp roles require a very quick turnaround.

Finish on a positive

Thank the interviewer for seeing you and let them know that you’re very interested in the assignment. If you’re feeling confident about how the interview has gone, then don’t be afraid to ask the interviewer what their initial impressions of you are. You’ll be amazed how many temps can get offered the role at the end of the interview.

Provide swift feedback

If you’re going through a recruitment agency, then call them straight after your interview. Providing detailed and swift feedback demonstrates your level of interest which can be passed on to the end client quickly and effectively.

Other tips that could help you secure a temporary assignment:

References – your secret weapon

Hiring a temp is a potential risk to any business. They’re inviting you to join their business at short notice in positions that could be facing off to their own clients and employees.

One of the most powerful tools available to you will be the words of a previous employer who would be prepared to speak on your behalf.

If you’re going through a recruitment agency, ask them to speak to one of your most recent managers. If they get good feedback, then they will be more inclined to promote you for the role ahead of someone else.

Make pre-screening a smooth process

Hirers need to know that they’re engaging with temps who have been suitably vetted.

Most temporary assignments are handled by recruitment agencies. Make sure you have provided them with a copy of your passport. This verifies that you are legally allowed to work in the country of origin.

Provide them with all your reference details – these should go back at least 3 years.

What is a job interview?

Thu, 14 Feb 2013 10:07:31 Z

Everyone has a job interview at some point in their life and they can be scary things. However, they are really nothing to worry about.

All a job interview does is give employers the chance to meet you and see if they like you enough to give you a job. Simples. Get it right and you could end up with a great job, get it wrong and you’ll have to live with unemployment or a role you hate for a bit longer…

So, what exactly is a job interview?

The employer (and hopefully your future boss) asks you questions about your career, personality and life and you answer honestly while trying to impress them. Easy, right? Not really - job interviews can be really stressful.

However, if you prepare properly for your job interview – and it really is easy to do(!) – then you can get rid of the nerves and show your interviewer why they MUST hire you. And so our interview advice is designed to get you job interview ready…

Just follow these 5 easy steps and you will stand the best chance of getting a job.

1. What type of interview is it?

There are three main types of interview and when you are offered one they should tell you what to expect…

One-to-one interview – The most common type… You are interviewed by just one person (usually the boss!) and it’s a simple question and answer session.
Panel interview – A bit scarier… This is where you’re interviewed by more than one person at a time – expect two or more interviewers to be in the room with you.
Competency interview – The most advanced interview type. You’ll be tested on different situations e.g. ‘tell me about a time when you showed good teamwork’.

See our guide to different types of interview

2. What should I wear?

It may sound silly but you must plan your interview outfit. You don’t necessarily have to wear a suit, depending on what job you’re going for, but you should follow a few simple dress code rules (see below)…

Interview dress code rules

3. Practice these interview questions

YOU MUST PRACTICE INTERVIEW QUESTIONS! OK, that was a bit dramatic, but this is where many people mess up. By just spending a little bit of time looking at common interview questions and answers you can really improve your chances of getting the job…

Luckily we have done the hard work for you!

Practice interview questions and answers

4. Body language in the interview

It may sound weird but body language has a big part to play in your job interview. For example, if you sit slouched in your chair with your arms crossed you could come across badly, even if your answers are good…

Good interview body language

5. Don’t forget to ask your own questions

At the end of almost every interview, the interviewer will say to you ‘do you have any questions for me?’ If you shrug your shoulders and get tongue-tied then you can look uninterested. Go in with a few interview questions of your own prepared, instead.

Questions to ask at a job interview

How to make a good impression with employers

Thu, 14 Feb 2013 10:06:48 Z

With so many potential candidates to choose from, employers can afford to be picky when they hire.

It’s never been more important for you to make a good impression.

Make a good first impression

First impressions really do count! And there are many firsts in the process of getting a new job including the written application, the interview and the first day.
Make sure the first paragraph of your CV or covering letter is the best in the letter and highlights your three main selling points.
At the interview, concentrate on your body language to make a poised and positive first impression: make good eye contact without ‘eyeballing’, nod your head and smile. It will make you more personable and relaxed.
Make a mini plan of how you wish to approach your first day, and remind yourself of it throughout the day.

Be well informed

Candidates can’t just look the part they need to show some basic knowledge of the business sector and ideally, the employer’s wider business objectives.
Get to know the people who will interview you by checking LinkedIn. That way you avoid any clangers such as dissing a company where they once worked.
Check the company website and Google any mention of the company in the news so you can refer to this in any answer you give – if it’s relevant
Don’t lecture your interviewer about their company’s values or objectives – that’s plain tedious! Do drop in how a company goal could make the prospective job potentially interesting - something you’d like to be part of.

Interview research tips

Let your passion show. Employers want to hire people who want to work for them. So you need to find non-gushy ways of communicating this in the process.

Refer to the company in your cover letter and to their recruitment needs – and explain how you fulfil them. This shows an awareness of and respect for the employer and avoids the ‘me, me, me’ trap.
You can’t actually show your enthusiasm in a letter – but you can say it in words. ‘I am keen, excited by, enthusiastic about..” all communicate your emotion.
Smile, look and sound enthusiastic at the interview.

Dress the part

The best piece of sartorial advice for the interviewee is to dress like you’re already doing the job. So if you’re going for the first manager job, dress formally. It will help get you into role, too.

Ladies: No too much flesh in display. Avoid heavy make-up, perfumes or jewellery that will command too much attention and distract. The exception is if you’re going for a job when your appearance needs to make a statement.
Gents: Go a shade more formal than you would wear for the day job. Clean, well-shaven, ironed, in a jacket - if not a suit - always makes a smart impression.

Turn up on time

Punctuality is absolutely vital to winning over you new employers and can take a bit of planning.

It’s better to be too early rather than late. You can always kill time in a coffee shop and go over your interview strategy or first day plan both at the interview and on your first day.
Do a trial run of your journey to work using the mode of transport you expect to take and travelling during the time period. Then add another 10 minutes.
Let the receptionist know you are waiting. Politely remind them you are there if you are left waiting – in case they have forgotten you.

In other words, if you want to make a bad impression, all you have to do is:

Be late
Dress inappropriately
Look bored or be ill-informed

And whatever you do, don’t make these interview mistakes

Interview tips

Thu, 14 Feb 2013 10:03:04 Z

So, you have impressed with your CV and been called to interview. Congratulations!

This next step is often seen the scariest, but you can use your nervous energy to help you perform on the day.

Do your prep

Prepare answers to common interview questions and expected competency questions. Write them down on separate pieces of paper and pop them in a box or record them and load ‘em into iTunes. Then pick them out and set it to random and practise answering.
Say it aloud: This is important because you have to get used to hearing yourself express these ideas and answers, otherwise you may surprise yourself or stumble.
Research background information about the company, the advertised role and your interviewer. You can find most of this online on Google and Linked In. Think of three questions to ask during the interview.

On-the-day essentials

These may seem pretty straightforward but it’s worth thinking about them in advance. Write a list and follow, in case you start getting overwhelmed by the ‘Big Day’.

Have an early night or a quiet night in, if possible
Have a travel route and mode of transport planned
Have an outfit planned
Have a decent breakfast so you’re energised and not embarrassed by rumbly tummy syndrome

Feel the fear!

The majority of candidates get pretty nervous prior to an interview, there’s a lot riding on it after all. It’s a good thing! It shows that something important is about to happen.

Try and channel nervousness by remembering that your interviewer may be more nervous than you! This is especially true of a panel interview, where inexperienced staff may be pulled in and may be afraid of fluffing their lines or losing face in front of colleagues.

No one will mark you down for being nervous in an interview. It even shows a certain amount of respect. You’re more likely to make a poor impression by appearing complacent or superior.

Calm-down techniques

It’s good to have a couple of techniques to hand if you feel nerves getting in the way of your performance.

In the waiting room, forget about cramming notes about the job description, it’s too late for that and you’ll just stress yourself. Instead, think of a happy memory or someone you love.

The pressure point in the middle of your hand relaxes the mind and eases anxiety, press it gently then release and press more deeply, breathe in to your belly and release tension. This technique is subtle enough to use throughout the interview.

If all else fails ...breathe. So many of us forget to do this when nerves takeover. Breathe out a negative and breathe in a positive.

Focus on body language

Remember, the interview starts the minute you step through the door so be courteous to everyone you meet on the premises. Body language counts more than what you say! So pay attention to the following:

Smile! This immediately warms the atmosphere and the positive endorphins that smiling releases will calm you too.
Have eye contact with your interviewer(s). This makes a connection, shows you are confident and engaged with the interviewer and is a crucial part of forming a relationship with them.
Nod your head from time to time to show your understand or agree with points your interviewer is making.
Smiling, eye contact and head nodding is the most influential body language, according to research from Goldsmiths University. But don’t slouch and have a firm handshake when the interviewer offers their hand.

Interview research

Thu, 14 Feb 2013 09:53:58 Z

Interviews will never be a nerves-free experience, even for those of us confident about getting the job. Selling your ability to do a job to a complete stranger will always be a bit daunting and there’s no getting around that. However, by making sure you’re fully prepared before you go, you will help to calm your fears.

We explain why pre-interview research is so important.

Where do I begin?

The majority of common interview questions, and even difficult interview questions, will focus on two main areas:

Your understanding of what the job actually is.
Whether you can actually do the job – and do it well.

To convince an interviewer that you’re the person for the job you need to show them that you understand these two things.

So, the job ad

Lots of people forget about the job ad after they've written their CV and cover letter, but this is a big mistake. The job description will include all of the information about what the company is looking for in an employee, and you should make sure you've read it, read it and read it again. They WILL ask you questions based on this.

Write a ‘cheat sheet’ of all the ways that your CV matches the role requirements and memorise it before you go. Job interview preparation can mean the difference between success and failure.

Research the company

Interviewers like it when you can show that you know a bit about the company you want to work for. Knowing nothing at all can really harm your chances.

We’re lucky these days as almost every company has its own website where they tell you about their services, their employees, their history and their business. There are also a lot of official social media company sites with extra information. Make sure you know about how the company is structured and where the job sits within it. A little bit of history and what the company is like to work in (and how you’d fit) is a bonus.

Google the interviewer

'To Google' is now a verb in the dictionary and it’s easy to see why. Everyone Googles everyone these days and there’s nothing to stop you looking into the background of your interviewer – if you have been given a name. Just stop short of actual stalking!

LinkedIn profiles are probably the best way of learning about their work history and getting an idea about what kind of person they are. It’s even better if they have a blog. And don't forget, you can Google the interviewer but the interviewer can also Google you. Be sure to check your social media 'footprint' and change privacy settings as necessary!

Know your online fingerprint

Interview presentation tips

Thu, 14 Feb 2013 09:53:58 Z

Interviews can be nerve-wracking enough, from making sure your body language doesn’t put off the interviewer to rehearsing common questions, there’s a lot of preparation to do.

If that wasn’t scary enough, some employers now demand you do a presentation as part of the interview process. It's time to read some handy hints.

Time to rehearse

Rehearsals aren’t just for thespians, dahling, it’s vital that you do as much preparation as possible to conquer any nerves. If you have to do a presentation, you'll be given plenty of time to prepare in advance, and you must make the most of it. From writing notes and learning as much as you can by heart, to practising the tone of your voice, there’s plenty to think about.

Worried you might lose your words once you’re in front of the interviewer(s)? Bribe a friend with a cup of tea and get them round to help you practise your presentation until you’re completely confident.

Appearance is everything

Get your appearance right and the job could be yours. Get it wrong, and you’re sitting on the rejection pile.

So find your smartest outfit, give your hair a brush and look your best. After all, you don’t want a scruffy appearance or poor hygiene to leave more of an impact than your presentation.

Guide to getting the right image

How to structure a presentation

Structure is the most important thing to get right if you want to keep the interviewer’s attention. But the good news is, it can be fairly simple to do. The key thing is not to waffle on. Write the presentation out, learn it and time it. Unless they tell you otherwise, a job interview presentation shouldn't last more than 10 minutes.

Start with a basic opening : Give a brief overview of what the presentation is about.

Elaborate : Follow it up with the main points of the topic you’re talking about. Divide this into numbered points to give the presentation structure.

End : Finish off with a short summary and conclude concisely.

Pronounce. Your. Words. Properly

We know you’re nervous and probably want to get the presentation over with as fast as possible, but resist the temptation to talk too fast. Take a deep breath and speak clearly. You don’t want to be constantly interrupted by the panel asking what on earth you’re saying.

Be visual

If someone did nothing but talk at you for an hour, chances are you’d soon start daydreaming out of sheer boredom, so keep the interviewer’s attention by being as visual as possible.

Why not try the following?

Give out hand-outs of your presentation for them to read
Have open body language
Don’t be afraid to gesture
Use a nifty PowerPoint presentation

Just make sure you don’t dictate the same lines from your hand outs; remember, you aren’t reading a script.

More PowerPoint tips

Keeping eye contact

Nobody likes being ignored and if this was a face-to-face interview you’d make sure your body language was perfect and that you maintained eye contact throughout to keep the interviewer’s attention.

This doesn’t change just because you’re doing a presentation; in fact, it’s more important in this scenario to keep shifting eye contact to make sure you keep everyone engaged with what you're saying…

Prepare for questions

Just because you’re doing a presentation, don’t think that you’ve cleverly avoided the interviewer’s questions. Chances are they’ll ask about you AND your presentation so be prepared and make sure you know your presentation inside out and back to front.

Guide to answering difficult questions

Assessment centre advice

Thu, 14 Feb 2013 09:53:58 Z

We all get stressed when faced with an assessment centre as they are a lot more involved than your standard job interview.

Assessment centres are selection events where candidates are brought together to do different job-related activities as a group. As long as you prepare well in advance then there's really nothing to be scared of...

What does an assessment centre usually include?

Intelligence and personality tests.
Group exercises including discussions and team activities.
In-tray exercises where you read, interpret and act on documents.
Skills tests like using word processing software.
A presentation.
A detailed interview, possibly looking at your competencies.

1. Be clear

Remember when you passed your driving test? You didn’t just need to look in your mirror before you manoeuvred, you had to move your head to make sure the examiner SAW you check. It’s the same in an assessment centre. You need to show that you’re actively listening with positive body language and asking your own questions.

2. Chill!

Being observed can be stressful and you won’t want to put a foot wrong; however, if you are too guarded then your personality may not come across and that could count against you. Don’t be too uptight, relax as much as possible and just be yourself… a more professional version of yourself, of course!

3. Practise makes perfect

Practise always helps with any kind of job interview and assessment centres are no different. Try to run through competency questions before you attend and if you have a friend who has attended an assessment centre then run through some example activities with them. Ask around, chances are you’ll know people who have been there and done that, although remember that all assessment centres are different.

4. Knowledge is power

Most companies that hold assessment centres will list what they’re looking for in candidates on their website. Make sure you do your company research and prepare to show ways that you fit each competency. If you applied through a recruitment consultancy they should be able to help.

5. Manage your time

As with exams, running out of time is an awful way to lose out on 'points' and can show the assessors that you can’t properly manage your own time and workload. Make sure that you plan your time out for each task and stick to it.

Many assessment centres involve a panel interview, and you should prepare for each part of the process to be in with the best chance of success.

Panel interview guide

Second interviews

Thu, 14 Feb 2013 09:53:58 Z

Congratulations! You rocked the first interview and have been offered a second. But hang on a minute, why do you have to have TWO job interviews?

Second interviews are becoming increasingly popular as lots of good applicants apply for fewer jobs. This is your chance to really shine as you know they like you AND you clearly have all the right experience needed…

Presentations

This is the most common request for second interviews: prepare a presentation. Now, unless you are in sales or you have an extrovert personality, presentations are enough to strike fear into the hearts of pretty-much anyone – especially when there’s a job at stake.

You will usually be given a topic in advance and you’ll need to prepare a professional presentation. Not sure how?

How to: job interview presentations

Tips for success

Whether you need to do another presentation or are facing a different type of interview then these tips will help you to make the right impression…

1. Be prepared!

This is a must for any part of the interview process, but is even more important in a second interview. Follow the same steps as in your first interview (see interview preparation) and go over our common interview questions again, refreshing your answers.

This time around, you’re more likely to be asked difficult interview questions so get ready!

2. Research the interviewers

You will now have a better idea of the company from your first interview and should have been told who your second interview is with. Now get ready to do some Googling! Have a look on Linked In and learn what you can about your interviewer – it will really help you to know what to expect.

3. Be consistent

They have invited you back – this means they must like you, so don’t go trying to be someone you’re not. You can afford to be friendlier and a bit less formal the second time around; after all, building a rapport with your interviewer is a great way of ensuring you’re remembered.

Remember, the interviewers already know that you are able to do the job. The second interview is all about ensuring you are the best choice and that you will work well with the team. Be professional, market yourself and answer questions fully while allowing your unique personality to shine through.

Asking for feedback

Thu, 14 Feb 2013 09:53:57 Z

You didn’t get the job. Probably the last thing you want to do now is relive the horror of the failed interview and find out why they rejected you.

Unfortunately this is the best way to make progress in your job hunt and it’s an opportunity you won’t want to lose in the long term. So don’t be afraid to ask, what did I do wrong?

Interviewers know best

Recruitment experts are increasingly encouraging unsuccessful candidates to seek feedback from their interviewers, to find out where they went wrong, and how they could do better next time.

If this seems rather odd, it’s important to remember your interviewers have a great deal of experience in a sector you’re interested in, and they’ve just spent half an hour or so looking very closely at you.

By asking them for feedback you’re tapping into their perceptions of you, so you might be able to see for the first time what needs to be tweaked ,changed and improved in your interview performance.

How do you get feedback?

Although getting interview feedback is the way ahead, it’s not always easy. First you have to decide how you are going to broach the question. Who do you ask, and how?

The answer to this will depend largely on how the interview was set up in the first place. For example, you might already have struck up a micro-relationship with a member of their HR team through email exchanges or phone calls. Then again, if you appeared to get on well with one of the interview panel, approach them directly with a polite and carefully-worded request.

So once you know who you want to talk to, how do you contact them? Use whichever medium seems most natural. But if in doubt, opt for email as this is the least pushy way of approaching someone for this admittedly quite delicate request.

However you contact them, the important thing is never to seem aggrieved. If they interpret your request for feedback as a thinly-disguised complaint, (“why couldn’t you see how brilliant I am?”) - then you can forget not only the feedback, but also any hope of being considered by that organisation for another job in the future.

Will they reply?

What are you chances of getting feedback? Pretty good, if you go about it the right way. Although everyone these days can be very busy, it would be unwise of a true professional not to respond positively to a genuine and intelligently composed request for feedback.

Any company will know your paths might well cross again, so it’s in their to nurture talent – as well as to give a good impression to a potential future employee or even competitor. Some HR professionals are even being trained in how to provide useful (but also safe) feedback.

Don’t worry if your request is ignored though, one of the main reasons why you might not get feedback is because some employers are well aware of the legal pitfalls. They don’t give feedback simple because they don’t want to end up in a tribunal defending claims of discriminatory recruitment techniques.

Preparing for the answer

Once you’ve asked the question, you must brace yourself for the response. Remember to put on your thickest professional skin, as some of the feedback might be hurtful.

The feedback is likely to focus on your skills, but also on some of your failures to explain why you weren’t the best person for the job.

They might have detected slight gaps between your CV claims and the reality of your experience; they might even suggest your body language was awkward and made them doubt your confidence. Or they might have considered you over-confident.

Any one of these criticisms is not intended as a personal slight. They don’t want to insult you. Think of it is helpful advice, freely given, on which you can act , so the next time you face an interview panel, your performance will be better.

It’s important not to lose confidence when you get a job rejection, remember, just to get an interview is a big achievement these days.

Oh, and one last thing. When you get that helpful feedback, make sure you say thank you to whoever sent it, manners cost nothing.

Why you've been rejected

Thu, 14 Feb 2013 09:53:57 Z

Still reeling from the latest job rejection letter? A bruised ego and a battered self-confidence can take time to heal, but it’s important to discover what went wrong, and how to avoid it next time.

Here are 10 of the most common reasons why people get job rejections.

Rubbish CV

If you think you’re just too talented to bother with a CV and there’s no need to spend time updating it, then think again.

Sending a potential employer a messy, lazy or just plain illiterate CV is the perfect way to get rejected, even before the interview stage. Writing a decent CV and personal statement can seem a terrible chore, but not getting another rejection will make it all worthwhile, and every hour you spend on it will be repaid in future.

Bad hair day

It’s the typical scenario, on the day of your most eagerly awaited interview your cold sore starts up again, your nose is running, and on your way to the venue, a lorry splatters your newly dry-cleaned suit with mud. Your confidence is shattered even before you reach the interview, and because you’re hot and bothered, you fluff all the questions. No wonder you didn’t get the job!

It may seem hard to do, but the best thing to do is simply shrug it off - the panel will be impressed by how even physical hardship doesn’t faze you. And however grim things seemed, others have had worse experiences.

Rotten first impression

You arrive two minutes late and you don’t bother to switch off your phone. By doing this, you’ve already convinced the panel not to hire you within a few minutes of entering the interview room.

However hard and well you work at it now, full recovery would be miraculous. If this sounds like your typical interview experience, you could do with checking out some of our tips.

Too cool for school (or work)

Just because you’ve seen some of the senior creatives on tv without ties, this doesn’t mean the company advocates casual dress, or expects you to turn up to the interview in tatty jeans and a T-shirt.

It’s true many jobs don’t have a particular dress code, but when it comes to the interview, don’t take any chances. Do your research, watch, ask people. And if you don’t have the right gear, borrow it.

They found me out

Not reading the candidate requirements before applying for the job might seem like an obvious mistake, and yet, so many people fall at this point because they’ve not understood that “essential attributes” means just that.

If speaking Spanish is an essential skill and you apply despite only having a few touristical phrases, then don’t be surprised if you get turned away. So read that job description thoroughly!

My last job

When you say in your CV that you’ve had this or that experience, be prepared for detailed questioning. Are you really a good team player? Have some examples to show that you are, ready and rehearsed.

Too often inexperienced candidates are tempted to exaggerate, and turn that half-day in a TV studio to “work experience in media production”.

Oh, I always wanted to work for….whoever you are…

As well as making sure you have a thorough grasp of what the company does and what the job entails, you must also demonstrate you have some knowledge of the profession or industry you’re hoping to work in.

And if they do ask you something you have no idea about, it’s better to be honest than to try to blag your way out.

Did we wake you up?

The stress of preparing for an interview can sometimes throw you into an almost trancelike state once you are there. It’s all too easy to lose focus and drift away, especially if the interview panel are a little boring.

Seeming tired, bored and forever stifling yawns does not give a good impression, so make sure you get a good night’s sleep before the big day and work on your body language.

Over confident

If the interview starts well and you’re getting exactly the questions you expected, avoid any temptation to become cocky or too familiar. Don’t ask questions until you are invited to ask them (but when they do ask, make sure you have some!) Remember, they are running this interview, not you.

There were better candidates

Sometimes you do nothing wrong, and the sad truth is there's always going to be someone better qualified for the job, or better at giving a first impression.

After the interview

Thu, 14 Feb 2013 09:53:56 Z

We know waiting by the phone to hear the result of your interview can be painful, but you can usually expect to hear back from an interviewer within a week or so of an interview taking place... but that doesn’t mean you should just sit back and wait!

If you follow up on your interview then you'll put yourself ahead of the 90% of people who just sit back and wait for an answer. We show you how to do it.

How do I follow up after the interview?

The first thing you should do after an interview – well, after you’ve had a nice cup of tea and relaxed a bit – is to write a quick letter or email to thank the interviewer for their time.

This may seem rather old fashioned but the vast majority of people DON’T do this, so you’ll instantly be setting yourself apart from the competition. Of course, it won’t guarantee that the job will be yours, but at least you’ll be remembered for all the right reasons.

Should I bother?

Yes! Think about it... you can compete with hundreds of other candidates when you send in your CV and cover letter. After that, no more than 10-20 people will be invited in for an interview and less than half of those will be asked to attend a second interview (if there is a second).

Every chance you have to give yourself a step up over the other applicants is worth taking! And, at the end of the day, when you’ve spent so many hours writing a CV and preparing for a job interview, what are a few more minutes writing a quick thank you?

To make things easier, we’ve written the email or letter for you below!

Sometimes you just need to pick up the phone

So, you’ve sent your email or letter and you’ve waited… and waited, and waited. If you’ve been patiently waiting for a week or more then it is time to pick up the phone and politely asked whether a decision has been made.

They should understand that you need an answer and won’t mind, as long as you keep it friendly and don’t hound them for a reply. If they haven’t decided yet then say that’s fine and just ask if they have a deadline in mind. That way you won’t be kept hanging again.

Body language interview tips

Thu, 14 Feb 2013 09:53:56 Z

Less than 10% of communication comes from the words we actually say. Really. The rest is all down to how we move, how we sit and how we hold our bodies. Slouch and keep your arms crossed and you look defensive and uninterested. Sit up straight and lean slightly forward and you look like you’re listening. Get it?

Follow our simple tips to positive body language and you are sure to give a good impression.

Of course, we don't mean that so long as your smile is wide and your posture upright you can recite a nursery rhyme instead of answering difficult job interview questions, but if you can master positive body language, it’ll help distract your interviewer from the odd fudged answer.

Body language to avoid

Don’t wait in reception with your legs stretched out, feet crossed and hands clasped behind your head… this can signal a casual, ‘am I bothered?’ attitude!
Are you sitting comfortably? Lounging with arms and legs dangling will suggest you’re a little TOO relaxed about an interview you should be taking seriously.
Try not to show how tense you are. Tightly clutching a handbag or briefcase suggests a nervous candidate, not a confident, cool-headed character.
You’ve heard this one before but it’s worth repeating: crossing your arms can be interpreted as defensive.
An iron grip can imply arrogance but a limp handshake might suggest weak character.
Beware of moving your feet up and down repeatedly in a nervous manner - it’s a sign of boredom, even if you don’t mean it to be.
Resist the urge to touch your face or play with your hair when you speak, this suggests you’re lying.

Body language to try

Show them you know what you’re talking about – touch your fingertips together to convey authority.
Your physical gestures should be open and expressive. You want to try to involve the interviewer in what you are saying. Keep palms up and open to suggest honesty, and avoid pointing or banging fists on the table to emphasise a point.
Demonstrate curiosity and enthusiasm while your interviewer is speaking. Making direct eye contact and leaning slightly forward are two of the best cues.
Imitate your interviewer’s positive body language to quickly build a rapport. Make sure you’re subtle though, or you’re more likely to cause alarm!

Competency interviews: the lowdown

Thu, 14 Feb 2013 09:53:56 Z

Congratulations, you’ve been invited to an interview! Problem is, you’ve been told it’s a competency-based one, and you’re not sure what to expect.

Don’t be nervous though, the good thing about competency based interviews is they offer a wonderful opportunity to describe some of your finer moments to a captive audience.

What is a competency interview?

So what’s the difference between a competency interview and the more traditional methods?

Normal interviews, (sometimes called unstructured interviews) are free-flowing and more like a conversation. An interviewer won’t have a particular script but will ask questions relevant to the job and will be trying to get an overall impression of what you are like as a person, including what your strengths and weaknesses are.

By contrast, competency questions are very much scripted and often written by psychologists who know how to frame questions that will provide revealing answers and insights into your capabilities.

What competencies are sought after?

The list of skills and competencies that will be tested will change depending on the post you’re applying for.

A senior manager will be sussed their ability to influence and negotiate, while a personal assistant may be assessed for communication and organisational competency instead. Recruitment company Michael Page names these other competencies:

Analytical competencies

These assess your decision-making abilities and try to unearth innovation, analytical skills, problem solving, practical learning and attention to detail. A typical question would be:

“Tell me about a time when you identified a new approach to a problem”

Interpersonal competencies

These assess social competence. Many workplaces function on project teams, so the more collaborative a candidate is, the more likely they will thrive in the company. A typical question would be:

"Describe a situation where you got people to work together”

Motivational competencies

These assess the level of drive and examine your energy, motivation, result orientation, initiative and quality focus. A typical question might be:

“When did you work the hardest and feel the greatest sense of achievement?”

How do I prepare?

Now you know the format and know what sort of questions you’ll be asked, the preparation is straightforward.

Competency interviews require you to put in the effort up front. First, you need to research all the likely questions around the competencies related to the job you are applying for.

Second you’ll need to sift through your employment and personal history to find examples that show you’ve got the relevant skills and abilities.

And third, you need to practise the STAR technique for answering the questions, using your personal material. For those of you that don’t know about it, STAR (situation, time, action and result) is the technique recommended by recruiters. Use a sentence to describe each of those components and remember the result or outcome is the most important part.

Why is this method useful?

An answer structured in these four components shows how you demonstrated a skill in a particular context, so the potential employer can imagine how you might operate in their workplace.

How are they marked?

Before the interview, the employer will have determined which type of answers would score positive points and which types of answers would count against the candidates. Interview Skills Consulting, ISC provides the following examples for the question, "Describe a time when you had to deal with pressure":

Positive
Demonstrates a positive approach towards the problem
Considers the wider need of the situation
Negative
Perceives challenges as problems
Attempts unsuccessfully to deal with the situation alone

Example questions and responses

Q: “Describe a situation in which you led a team.”

Outline the situation, your role and the task of the group overall. Describe any problems which arose and how they were tackled. Say what the result was and what you learned from it.

Examples could include putting on a drama or music production; a group project at university, being a team leader in some form, or taking part in a Young Enterprise scheme.

While your example should indicate the nature of the team and the task, you need to focus on your own role as leader and on the personal qualities that led you to take on/be nominated for this role and which helped you to succeed in it.

University of Kent

Q: “What has been your greatest achievement?”

Reciting academic or obvious work achievements are not the best answers – they won’t distinguish you from the crowd. Instead, say something that will set you apart, that speaks about your aspirations and values.

Organising a sport or fund-raising event, taking part in a race, or learning and using a new language or musical instrument are good examples.

Claire Croft, HR, ASOS, University of Kent

Q: “How do you cope in adversity?”

The wording of this question cunningly opens up a whole raft of conversations. Whether you choose to talk about a disappointment, a disagreement, or a decision that didn’t go your way, employers will be looking at your coping mechanisms and at how robust you are. Did you learn from it, dust yourself down and go on to build on the experience?

Kathleen Saxton, founder, The Lighthouse Company

Even if you haven’t been told you’ve got a competency interview, make sure you clarify what kind of interview you’re being invited to. There’s a world of difference between competency and other kinds of interviews and you need to know what you’ve got to prepare for.

Video interview

Thu, 14 Feb 2013 09:53:55 Z

Video interviews are becoming more popular, especially with the growth of Skype. However, like telephone interviews you need to be very well prepared and confident in communicating when there isn’t another person in the room with you.

Easier said than done!

What happens during a video interview?

You may be invited to an office or asked to connect using your home computer. Sometimes video interviews are recorded by external selectors, using questions set by the company (this way, managers can then see each candidate answering the same questions and can compare their answers).

What do I need to think about?

It is very important that you keep still while talking during an interview and you follow our body language tips.

Unlike telephone interviews, you also need to dress as you would for any other type of interview, following our job interview dress code.

Before the interview, practise, practise, practise. Record yourself using the webcam on your computer and get used slowing your voice down so you can be heard clearly. Look at the camera rather than your screen while talking – the same eye-contact rules apply!

Video interview tips

Find a quiet room to take the call without any interruptions or background noise (NEVER try to do an interview from a train or in a public place).
Be careful with Skype – make sure the camera on your computer is switched off unless you deliberately choose to let the interviewer see you on screen.
Accept any invitation for small talk at the beginning and the end of the interview as this is your only chance to build a relationship.
Have the same information in front of you that you would take into an interview (CV, job ad, cover letter).
When you answer the call, announce your name with enthusiasm and don’t sound as if you’ve been interrupted doing something more important.
Make notes as you talk to keep you focused.
Be aware that your computer microphone usually picks up all the noise in the room, so don’t shuffle papers.
Be sure you know the name of the person interviewing you and use that name from time to time.

Other unusual interviews

Video interviews aren't the only kind of unusual interview format that's been growing in popularity in recent years...

Telephone interview - can be tricky, even if it means you can wear your PJs to the interview if you want!

Panel interview - you vs a big group of people firing over interview questions. Eek!

Competency interview - situation based interview... You know the drill 'tell us about a time when...'

Our guide to different types of interview

Interview questions to ask

Thu, 14 Feb 2013 09:53:54 Z

The end of the interview… You have answered all of the difficult interview questions, chatted happily to the interviewer and you’re feeling on top of the world. Then they ask 'do you have any questions for me?'

Saying no to this could be a sour note at the end of a great interview and make you look uninterested… Prepare a few questions in advance and avoid this awkward moment!

Don’t ask what you REALLY want to know

That’s salary, holidays and perks. These are all things you can talk about after a job offer has been made and you’re able to negotiate. Instead, the best candidates pull out a pad with a few questions listed and then ask three or four…

I’m very interested in this job and think I’d be successful here. Do you think I’m a good fit for the role?

Good question! This shows you’re confident enough to ask because you believe you ARE good enough for the job. It also makes the interviewer consider it straight away and if they say yes, that's an impression that will stick in their mind!

If I was offered the job, what preparation could I do?

You’re motivated and if you got the job you’d be happy to spend time making sure you’re good at it. Eagerness is great and the interviewer should be impressed by your willingness to prepare before you even start.

What do you particularly enjoy about working for this company?

This puts you in control and gives the interviewer the chance to sell the company to you. This shows you’re a good candidate and that YOU need to choose THEM as much as they need to choose you!

If I’m successful, can you tell me what is likely to happen in my first week?

Although you shouldn’t ask questions about things like salary or perks, you can ask about the job itself as it shows an interest. If they mention things that you have experience of then reaffirm that when they have finished, saying ‘Excellent, I have experience of XXXXX and XXXXX so that sounds ideal’.

Is support available for people who want to gain extra skills?

Lots of companies offer training if you want it and this question shows you’re a go-getter who wants to do well in role – not just sit back and clock in and out every day.

I’m really impressed with your company and I’m confident I could do a great job. When can I expect to hear back from you?

This shows off that you're confident you’d be good for the job and is a MUST ASK question if you want to follow up on the interview afterwards. Otherwise, you'll be left wondering when you should contact them.

Difficult interview questions

Thu, 14 Feb 2013 09:53:54 Z

Lots of people go into interviews thinking that they can just ‘wing it’; after all, there are so many potential questions that an interviewer can ask it’s almost impossible to predict, right? Wrong! .

Sure, some questions are always going to be a surprise but most questions, including difficult questions, can be prepared for. We tackle some toughies for you, here…

So, tell us about yourself

Often an interview opener – this is a question and trips most people up. It’s mainly used as an ice breaker to get the conversation flowing but don’t make the mistake of rambling. Instead, take your CV with you and pick out some career highlights. If this is your first job then explain how life experiences have made you suitable for the position. Do NOT spend more than 5 minutes talking!

Why do you want THIS job?

Hmm, a tricky one. You need to be honest but not TOO honest if the reason is your boss is a nightmare and you hate your colleagues. Instead, talk about the positives of the job ad – what made it jump out at you and think ‘yeah, I’d be good at that!’ This is your chance to explain!

What did you dislike about your last job?

Again, avoid negativity. Moan about past employers and you’ll quickly be shown the door. Instead, talk about the frustrations of your last role that THIS job could fix and always ALWAYS start with a positive. E.g. ‘I have really enjoyed my current job and I’ve learnt a lot and grown as a person. However, I disliked that there was no opportunity for promotion and I know that I’m ready to take the next step with my career.’

How do you respond to criticism?

Don’t say: ‘I do NOT like people criticising me!’
DO say: ‘I welcome constructive criticism as it helps me to learn and get better at my job. Nobody is perfect but I always make sure that if I make a mistake, it’s the first and last time’.

What are you most proud of in your working life?

This can be a puzzler! Go to the interview prepared with a few examples of your successes and, if possible, use examples to back it up. E.g. ‘I worked really hard to set up a new filing system and won a prize for innovation at our Employee Awards. The new system had saved the admin team 10 hours a week in wasted resource.’

What are your weaknesses?

Yup, this one almost ALWAYS comes up! Don’t ever give a negative – stroppy, always late, violent are all no-nos! Also try to avoid the obvious ‘I’m a perfectionist’ as it’s a common answer. Stand out from the crowd and expand on your answer, turning a negative into a positive e.g. ‘I sometimes take mistakes too much to heart. However, I make sure I learn from them and never make the mistake again’.

See our weaknesses to say at job interview template!

How do you respond to stress and pressure?

An employer wants to know what you will actually be like in a busy place and how reliable and calm you will be when things go wrong. Give examples of times when you have met difficult deadlines or handled tricky people.

Why you?

This is often a closing question and gives you the chance to stand out… Talk about your experience and skills but also about YOU as a person – your attitude and interests and why you’re uniquely suited to the job. Sell, sell, sell! If you’re not confident in doing this then check out our guide to how to market yourself

Common interview questions

Thu, 14 Feb 2013 09:53:54 Z

Job interviews can be a daunting, scary experience but you can ditch the nerves by preparing answers to popular interview questions before you head out the door.

We take a look at the different types of interview question you can expect to get and offer you advice on how to go about giving answers that will get you the job.

So, it’s interview preparation time. Feeling a bit overwhelmed by everything you have to do? Don’t panic! Take a breath and relax! We've broken it all down for you so it's easier to digest...

Interview questions fall into four main categories:

Questions about you
Questions about your work experience and knowledge
Questions about why you want THIS job
Competency-based questions

As long as you prepare for each TYPE of question, you should be fine if they throw in any surprise difficult interview questions! (And that DOES happen!).

Interview questions about you

What? These are usually the opening questions – but you can expect ‘you based’ questions to crop up throughout your interview, especially if it’s a first interview.

Why? These questions are designed just to find out a bit more about you: your personality, your experience, your knowledge and, of course, your personality. After all, nobody wants to work with someone who they won’t get on with. It’s as important as your experience. You must market yourself!

See how to market yourself for more details

Example interview questions about you

Interview questions about your work experience and knowledge

What? This is where it gets a bit more involved as the interviewer tries to find out more about you. These usually form the bulk of any first job interview. Second job interviews are slightly different…

Why? These are designed to dig a little deeper and find out if you have the skills needed to actually DO the job. Is your work experience a good fit? Do you have the right knowledge to fit right in or will they need to train you?

Example interview questions about your work experience and knowledge

Interview questions about why you want THIS job

What? Great, so they must like you to be asking you these questions. They want to know if YOU like THEM. A good sign!

Why? These questions are designed to see if you’re serious about this job; after all, there’s nothing worse to an employer than having to re-advertise a job because the person they offered it to has got cold feet!

Example interview questions about why you want THIS job

Competency-based interview questions

What? Uh-oh! Here come the tricky questions. These are the ones that will get you really thinking.

Why? These questions are designed to see if you can back up what you’ve been saying. Often used in second interviews, they want you to explain how you’d handle different work situations, using examples from your past experience.

Example interview questions about you

Interviews gone wrong

Thu, 14 Feb 2013 09:53:53 Z

Everyone loves an amusing anecdote about someone else’s faux pas, and the more excruciatingly embarrassing the better. We take a look at some real-life interview indiscretions. Just make sure you don’t fall into the same traps…

…and yes, names have been changed to protect the (not-so) innocent

Toilet training

Oversleeping for an early morning interview can result in the rather unfortunate situation one interviewee landed herself in. Desperate to make it there on time, Diane Saddler dressed quickly and fled her house, arriving just in time to be ushered in. On sitting down in front of the interviewers, she realised she was desperate for the toilet, but was too embarrassed to excuse herself. “After all,” she says, “they would wonder why I hadn’t gone beforehand.”

“It was about 15 minutes in when I felt something warm in my underwear and realised I was wetting myself,” she recalls. “I couldn’t stop and when I looked down at the floor there was a massive puddle.” Needless to say Saddler didn’t get asked back for a second interview. Remembering to set her alarm clock would have saved her one of the most embarrassing days of her life.

No flies on me

Of course, arriving with plenty of time for an interview is no guarantee that disaster won’t strike either. When Peter Williams went to meet an interviewer in a hotel lobby bar, he was immaculately dressed and got there early.

However, his fatal mistake was going to the bathroom to freshen up, with pre-interview nerves meaning he also needed to relieve himself. “I had the interview,” says Williams, “and everything went well. So I left the hotel and was getting into my car when I looked down. To my horror I noticed my fly had been right down for the entire time.” So freshen up and use the toilet yes, but triple check you’ve zipped up.

The write stuff

One thing to avoid in an interview is getting at cross purposes with the interviewer. Switch off for a few seconds, and you can totally miss the point of a question. That happened to Maddy Rogers and everything unravelled.

“The interviewer asked me how my writing was,” she remembers. “It could have been the way he phrased it, or I might have lost my focus, because I answered: ‘I think it's pretty good, but my husband always complains he can't read it even though I print everything.’

The interviewer looked at Maddy as if she was crazy. And then clarified he was asking her about her command of English and her ability to write reports. “I got the chance to answer again, but it was too late,” she says. “Didn't get the job.”

The moral here is keep concentrating and think carefully about the question before answering. Would an interviewer really ask how your handwriting is?

Golden handshake

Knowing it was rude to chew gum during a job interview, Jonathan Walters looked round for a bin, but couldn’t find one. “I was too nervous to ask any of the employees for one, so I spit it into my hand just before the interview started.”

During the interview, Walters completely forgot about the chewing gum and gave his interviewer a rather unpleasant surprise when saying goodbye and shaking hands.

Chewing gum should be avoided at interviews, but if it needs be disposed of beforehand and you can’t find a bin, the left hand is the one to use.

Accidents will happen

Bob Chapman was on his way to be interviewed for his dream job when disaster struck. He crashed his bike into a car, flew through the air and landed heavily on the road. He picked himself up and dashed off to the interview, arriving a little late, explaining what had happened.

His interviewers were really concerned, but Chapman assured them he was fine to do the interview. It was only afterwards when he visited the company’s toilet that he realised he looked like he’d been beaten up, had a rip up the back of his suit and glass in his hair.

“I felt really embarrassed, but they actually saw it as commitment and I got the job!” he recalls. Even so, a quick phone call to rearrange the interview and a trip to casualty would probably have been more appropriate.

Sexy slip-up

Nervousness can make a person stumble over their words, which never looks good in an interview. Sometimes it’s also possible to say the wrong word, which can be extremely embarrassing if it’s inappropriate.

Tina Woodford was asked why Hawaii was one of her favourite places. "I don’t know what I was thinking,” she says, “but I was really nervous and said it was because it’s so erotic. Of course I meant exotic. I was mortified, and got even more nervous, so when the rather surprised interviewer asked what I’d said, I blurted out erotic again! At that point I knew it was all over.”

This is a tough one, but the answer is to give an embarrassed laugh, apologise and correct the error – not repeat it like Woodford did!

Setting alarm bells ringing

You can also get clumsy when you’re nervous, so it pays to be extra careful on a company’s premises. Gemma Stevens certainly wished she’d paid more attention at one of her interviews.

“I tripped up coming out of the lift where I was having the interview and hit the fire alarm, which set it off,” she recalls. “The problem was there was no one around, so everyone thought there was a real fire. I was far too embarrassed to tell anyone it was my fault, thinking it would certainly jeopardise my chances of getting the job.”

Stevens was ushered off the premises, returning later with her interviewers once it had been established it was a false alarm. She got the job and never revealed the truth to her employer.

A major headache

Megan Drury was getting ready for an interview, when she cracked her head after bending down to pick up some hairspray. “I knew something was wrong,” she says, “as I felt quite dazed, but didn’t think it was serious enough to cancel the interview."

Drury got through the interview, but started to feel worse once she had left, so took a taxi to the hospital and found out she was suffering from mild concussion. “Unfortunately, I didn’t realise that the injury can lower your inhibitions. The next day I received a phone call from the HR director saying I’d blown the interview, because I apparently swore throughout the entire interview."

Doing an interview when you’re feeling ill is never a good idea, no matter how good the job is.

Interviewer down

Of course, it’s not just the interviewee who can embarrass themselves. "During one interview, the interviewer was leaning back on his chair, when it tipped over," recalls Diane Duthweiler. “I was mortified. What’s more, it was clear he was stuck,” she continued. “So I got up and put out my hand to pull him up, but couldn’t budge him."

Duthweiler stepped outside to get help, where all the employees were laughing and asking what happened. Eventually her interviewer freed himself and continued the interview. "I was in a complete daze, figuring my chances of getting this internship were zero,” she says. “But we finished the interview, and to his credit, a few days later he called and gave me the job."

Very early bird

Thinking he was 20 minutes late for an interview, Dave Bradshaw who had been delayed in traffic on the way, rushed up to the receptionist, apologised profusely and asked if she could tell her boss he was there.

“I’d gone there very well prepared and was desperate to show them what I could do, but the receptionist just stared back at me blankly, seemingly very confused, and told me he wasn’t available,” he recalls.

That was because Bradshaw had arrived a day early for his interview – and sadly he didn’t get the job. Being too early is just as bad as being very late, so make sure you check your dates.

Two’s not company

Taking a break for lunch during a day-long session of interviews, Karen Seeley ran into a former female work colleague she hadn't seen in two years in the company canteen.

“We both exclaimed what a coincidence it was, and I said I didn’t know she worked there,” says Seeley. “She said that she didn’t, and was there for an interview. It soon became apparent we were going for the same role. Talk about awkward!”

So there are some embarrassing moments you simply can’t guard against no matter how hard you try…

Panel interview

Mon, 12 Nov 2012 14:22:38 Z

The panel interview is similar to a typical one-on-one interview but there are two or more interviewers in the room.

They can feel very intimidating as it can be more difficult to build up a rapport with a group of people and they can be more formal in style. However, it's important that you relax and don't stress out at the situation. We show you how...

Preparation is key

Job interview preparation is always incredibly important... but for a panel interview it is absolutely essential. Take some time to find about the background of the people interviewing you - many companies will tell you the names of the interviewers beforehand. This will help you to think of them as just people like you.

Whether you can do background research or not, when the interviewers introduce themselves try to remember their individual names and respond to some of the questions by saying their name - this will help to create a bond. It's best to focus on the person actually making the decision (usually the boss), but make sure you communicate with everyone, making eye contact with each person during your answers.

The questions

The group is likely to be limited to a fixed set of questions in a panel interview with fewer informal questions so it's important that you give detailed, well-structured answers. Make sure that you have brushed up on the following:

Common interview questions

Difficult interview questions

Competency interview questions

Presentation time

It's likely that you will have been asked to give a presentation during a panel interview. This may sound intimidating, but as long as you prepare carefully and don't go over your time limit, you will be fine!

Our guide to job interview presentations

Assessment centres

People often feel really stressed out when faced with an assessment centre, which often has a panel interview as a part of the process. These are selection events where candidates are brought together to do different job-related activities. They may include:

Intelligence, personality and other tests.
Group exercises including discussions and team activities.
In-tray exercises where you read, interpret and act on documents.
Skills tests like using word processing software.
A presentation (see above).
A detailed interview, possibly looking at your competencies.

If you are facing an assessment centre as part of your interview then check out our guide to assesment centres

Finally, beware of informal interviews. It is always an interview, whether it’s in the board room, Starbucks or on the golf course. Even if you’re assured that it is ‘just a conversation’, prepare thoroughly!