A primary consideration of the first interview is to secure the second interview. In order to facilitate the process, ask yourself three key questions immediately following the discussion with the prospective employer:
If, and only if, you answer yes to all three questions will we know that you would like to move the interview to the next phase.
Treat the interview as a fact-finding mission. Once you have gathered all of the essential data, you can make your own determination whether or not to proceed. We will be with you each step of the process to help you make the analysis. In order to answer those three key questions we mentioned earlier you are going to need to know a few pertinent items. Here are the questions you need to ask to get the information you need, try to add 3 or 4 more of your own into the mix.
These questions should be enough to put you well on your way of discovering whether or not this firm is right for you. Try to plan and memorise your questions.
A good interview is a dialogue not a monologue. So, you should expect questions from the interviewer. Answer all questions directly. Look the individual directly in the eye; avoid periods of ‘no’ eye contact. Be prepared to discuss your responsibilities to some extent, but focus on your accomplishments. You need to talk about the things you are most proud of in your current and/or previous roles. Be prepared to explain how, through your efforts, you helped your current employer do so. Be careful not to let your answers wander off into space. If you are unclear about a particular question, ask the interviewer to repeat it or amplify it so that you will understand it better. There is no such thing as a dumb question.
There is one particular area that needs some discussion, especially for first interviews: your reason for leaving your current position. Now, if there are legitimate reasons, which make it timely for you to leave your current firm, and you have discussed those at length with the account executive helping you, then by all means reveal to our client. Never talk negatively about your current firm or your colleagues. Be diplomatic, it goes a long, long way.
With regard to compensation, most of our clients leave the negotiating up to us. However, once in a while, somebody will test your resolve in this area. Money will be brought up in one of two questions, “What are you earning now?” or “What are you looking to earn in your next opportunity?” We have discovered the following phrase works well to establish your credibility with the employer and lets them know that your are not about to get yourself into a negotiating posture prematurely when you are all alone on their turf:
“I’m glad you brought his up. Money is important to me but it’s not the most important item on my agenda. I’m really here to evaluate this opportunity and if we decide to move forward, you should really talk to my recruiter.
DO NOT start discussing salaries, benefits, holiday allowances etc. IT Connections will get you the best possible deal.
Wear appropriate business attire
Be mindful not to wear too much jewellery (men & women)
Maintain good personal hygiene and be freshly groomed
If you have a unique hair colour (blue, yellow, purple) notify your recruiter in advance of the face-to-face interview
Preparation is vital, in order to present yourself as the best possible candidate to the company, you must do your homework. Learn as much as you can about the company: from colleagues, past and present employees, trade press, company literature, library etc. Also try and find out as much as you can about the position you are applying for, IT Connections will help you in both areas. In this way you can tailor your approach.
Preparing for the interview itself: be sure that you know the company’s precise location and that you can arrive at the interview in plenty of time. DO NOT ARRIVE LATE.
The old cliché that first impressions count is very true, to continue reinforcing a positive image (remember you have arrived early and done your homework on the company and the position) dress in a business like manner and pay extra care to personal grooming. (Have a good bath and wear plenty of deodorant and do not overdo the aftershave or perfume.) In the highly competitive market at the moment it is not only vital, but expected, that your personal appearance is as professional as you can make. A sober coloured business suit with a plain coloured shirt or blouse with freshly buffed shoes will do the trick.
Once you have arrived, announced yourself at reception and are waiting for your contact, you will be at the point where you are most nervous. This is perfectly natural and is your body’s way of preparing you for what is a very important meeting. However, do try and relax and take the time to get your thoughts in order.
Once the interview gets under way try to answer the questions as directly and concisely as you can. Resist the temptation to ramble or waffle and answer the question asked as best you can. Practise describing your career to date (in advance, not in the interview), hitting on just the key facts. It is something often asked to get the interview rolling. Some people take three quarters of an hour; an impressive candidate should take five to ten minutes.
With regard to technical questions, please bear in mind that you will not be able to answer all the questions asked. Don’t worry, not knowing the answer is not a minus point, trying to cover up lack of knowledge is. With a difficult question try to convey how you would approach the problem, in this way you can show your knowledge in other related areas and at the same time, show them that you are not afraid of a problem; but would rather tackle it in a positive way.
Throughout the interview be enthusiastic. Demonstrate your interest in the ideas being discussed and lean forward when you want to make a point. It is at this point that your research will come in handy. This will not only help you answer questions but impress the interviewer with your thoroughness.
Try to be relevant focus on the experience and abilities the interviewer is looking for. They have your CV but need more that the standard spiel. You will have convinced them that you can do the job, but what makes you special? You have unique qualities and abilities, let them know about these.
There will be a definite signal when the interview will be brought to a close. It will be important for you to identify the key point in the conversation and not accidentally drag out the interview any longer than necessary. You should ask a closing question “Base on our time together, what reservations do you have about moving forward with me?” Listen carefully to the response. Nobody conducts a perfect interview so it is natural that the employer might give you a couple of things to discuss. If you feel capable of answering their concerns on the spot do so, but be as direct and as brief as possible. If you are unable to think of a plausible explanation, ask them for time to reflect on their issue and state you would like to get back to them.
As the interview draws to a close and you feel you really want the job, SAY SO. He who asks usually gets. There is not better way to express your enthusiasm for the company and the position than the ask for the job. Don’t beg for the job but rather say you would very much like the opportunity to work for them. You may be surprised by the response.
After the interview, get back to IT Connections to discuss how the interview went. You may have some questions that we can get the answers for. At the same time if you want the job then tell us. We can get things moving very quickly on your behalf and beat the competition to the prize. We are here to help you.
Remember to call us immediately after the interview so we can conduct a thorough debrief while it is still fresh in your mind. The more time lapses, the harder it will be for total recall of the event.
One final thing, do not be disheartened if you wanted the job but felt that you do not do yourself justice. Invariably, the phrase “I really wanted the job but couldn’t answer a question” is followed by “Well, they still want to make you an offer”
Good Luck!