Interview Advice

Be prepared
Be as prepared as you possibly can be for the interview. Look at the

employer’s website and find out as much as you can about the company

before you go. In particular, ensure you know:

•The names of your interviewers and their roles within the business.
• The organisation's products and services.
• The structure of the organisation. For example, is it part of a

larger group or does it have
• subsidiary companies?
• Staff numbers

If the interview has been arranged through Sewell Moorhouse, ask your

consultant if they have any additional information. Write down any

queries or questions. It is vital to have a good selection of

questions in advance of the interview.

Make an impression
Don’t forget the first impression is the lasting impression. Make sure

you are well groomed and clean cut. Make-up, aftershave and perfume

should be minimal. Invest in professionally dry cleaning your

interview clothes. Try to avoid the latest trends and instead go for a

professional, business like approach.

Be on time
Employers will disapprove of lateness. There may be sound reasons for

being late, such as an obscure office location or traffic, but none of

these will help your cause. One suggestion is to arrive 15 minutes

prior to the interview and wait out the time near, but not at, the

interview location. If you anticipate being late, call us so we can

keep your interviewers informed.

Maintain your self-confidence
When you introduce yourself, offer a firm handshake. Call the

interviewer by name, smile and maintain eye contact without glaring.

Those who do not are often regarded as deceptive, evasive or lacking

in self-confidence. Avoid any nervous mannerisms such as tapping your

feet or twirling your hair. Don't smoke even if the interviewer does.

Show politeness to the interviewer and do not ramble in your

conversation. Be pleasant with everyone you meet. Often, receptionists

may be asked for their opinion of you.

Practise your answers
What you say and how you say it is important. Try to convey

self-confidence and maturity. A self-confident individual will impress

the interviewer as someone who will be a good company spokesperson. A

clear and concise expression will sell better than a rambling

explanation. Try to prepare responses for some of the most common

interview questions:

• “Why are you seeking new employment?"
• “What are your strengths and weaknesses?"
• “What sort of salary are you looking for?"
• “What attracted you to this organisation?"
• “What has been your greatest achievement?"
• “What do you enjoy most about your current job?"
• "What skills can you bring into the company?"
• "What do you want to achieve in your career?"

Focus on the opportunities
In marketing yourself, think from the employer’s perspective. Rather

than talking about salary and benefits during your first interview,

impress the interviewer with what you can do for the organisation.

Salary discussions are best left for discussion in subsequent

interviews. Try to talk about potential opportunities within the

company.

Be enthusiastic
A portion of your interview is likely to focus on your work

experience. Your experience will give you something to talk about; it

should help you package yourself more attractively. Sell your

experience with enthusiasm. Be yourself and be your most charming. As

the interview closes, thank the interviewers for their time and be

positive about the position and the company, even if you are not

entirely sure this is the right move for you. You should never close

off an opportunity at this early stage.

Stay positive
Accept the fact that regardless of your interviewing skills, you may

still not get some job offers for a number of reasons. These may have

little to do with your qualifications or interview skills. Sewell

Moorhouse will try and get feedback on such occasions wherever

possible, as this will be valuable in the future.