Top Tips for Face-To-Face and Telephone Interviews
Please find below tips for interviews and beneath those, specific tips for telephone interviews.
Top 10…..+ 1 Tips for Interviews
Interviews can be a daunting prospect for anyone, but one thing to remember is that the company inviting you along already believes that you have the skills and abilities to do the job. You are over the first hurdle. Preparation is key to clear the next one!
Top tips for interview preparation
1) Every company will have its own ideas on interviewing and assessment so try and establish from your Parity Consultant what format your interview is likely to take.
2) Ensure you look over your CV thoroughly and can talk confidently about dates of education and employment, your reasons for joining and leaving organisations and your social interests. Brainstorm your strengths and weaknesses. Identify what to emphasise during the interview process and ensure you achieve this.
3) Read through the job description/content and jot down examples of skills that demonstrate your familiarity and experience with the role.
4) Research the company prior to interview and take an opportunity to show the interviewer that you have done your homework. Useful information sources include: The Annual Report of Accounts, the company website and news and media centre and company literature.
5) Prepare questions to ask at the interview. Questioning the interviewer will demonstrate that you have an active and enquiring mind which is a pre-requisite for most IT jobs. You may wish to enquire about the reason for the vacancy, the short, medium and longer-term challenges of the role, organisational/departmental structure and the company’s strategy.
6) Make a good first impression - dress appropriately, arrive on-time, remember to smile, make eye contact and extend your hand for a firm yet friendly handshake.
7) Don’t dominate the conversation. Remember, this is the interviewer’s chance to get to know you and a two way learning process.
8) Be specific with your answers and back up your achievements with facts. Elaborate where possible, without being too verbose!
9) Sit back, take a deep breath, compose yourself and then proceed to answer if you become flustered.
10) No matter what, remain positive throughout and don’t forget to ask your questions at the end if you haven’t already. Armed with these tips, you are sure to make a positive impression!
And.....Finally
+ 1) If you are interested in the opportunity don’t sit back and wait to hear; go after the job! A polite ‘thank you’ e-mail emphasising your interest is always well received.
Top Tips for Telephone Interviews
It is common for companies to use telephone interviews to screen candidates in the early stages of the recruitment process. This allows organisations to sift through unsuitable applicants before inviting the most appropriate applicants to a face-to-face interview. Candidates should prepare for a telephone conversation like any other interview; listen carefully to the questions asked and act in a professional manner at all times.
Know your CV
As candidates, you need to be familiar with your CV i.e. education and experience. The interviewer will be looking to match candidates against the job content. Also be familiar with the job description and what is involved and required from the post. Have good examples ready to impress!
Research the company
Research the company and its culture prior to the interview. Make notes. The interviewer cannot see what you have written down. Use this to your advantage!
Prepare a handful of good questions to ask the interviewer at the end of the session, such as, questions about the challenges of the role, interview steps and company objectives.
Create the right environment
Make sure that your surroundings are quiet and that you will not be disturbed. Ideally sit in a comfortable chair with your CV and a pen and paper to hand to jot down notes.
Be confident
Listen carefully to what is being asked and answer questions with confidence. Don’t be afraid to pause. Interviewers will expect silences whilst you consider your response but avoid unnecessary thinking noises down the phone i.e. pen tapping. Be positive and project your confidence down the phone by smiling. This will also help you to relax.
End positively
Always thank the caller for their time and express your interest in the role. Reiterate specifically the elements of the role which interested you most and don’t be afraid to ask what happens next.
