Job interviews – step by step guide

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• What's in an interview?
• Types of interviews
• Preparing for your interview
• The big day has arrived!
• What happens next?
  
• Getting feedback
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What’s in an interview?

The interview is the final part of the selection process (well, almost – an offer of appointment will be subject to references and checks). It aims to assess the extent to which you meet the selection criteria set out by the recruiter.

Interviews come in many different formats, yet their purpose is always the same: getting the best person for the job. How the organisation approaches the selection process and how it applies its own employment policies will determine the ‘character’ of your interview.

Before you attend your interview do ask yourself, ‘do you really want the job?’ It sounds obvious but be sure that your motivations for wanting the job are sound. Is the cause of the organisation important to you? Taking the wrong job in the wrong organisation can have a huge impact both on you and the organisation. It is alright to change your mind. Better you do it now than after you have been offered the job or once you have taken up post.

Types of interviews

The traditional interview involves a series of questions being asked by an interview panel. However, part of the interview may also involve a presentation or discussion on a topic that will have been requested in advance. Some organisations will supply details of when and where the different criteria will be tested at which point in the interviewing process.

More and more organisations are applying ability tests during the selection process. Their purpose is to test ability in a way that yields objective evidence and to give an indication of likely performance in the role. You can’t really prepare for the tests but rest assured that they’re not designed to ‘catch you out’. They are objective measures of your abilities and your attributes.

Preparing for your interview

Regardless of its shape or form, you will get the best out of your interview and give yourself the best possible chance if you prepare thoroughly.

The information you’ve been given before your interview should help you to prepare. Apart from date, time and venue, you can expect to receive details about the people on the interview panel, presentation or discussion topics and other background information (mission and vision of the organisation, main aims, etc).

• Make sure that you do your research:
• Have you visited the organisation’s website?
• Do you know what its mission and vision are?
• Have you read its latest annual report?
• Have you searched for the latest news about the organisation?

Some organisations will be happy for you to informally visit their offices or a location where their service is delivered.

The big day has arrived!

First impressions

Initial and lasting judgements are made on first impressions and within a very short period of time. Research indicates that around 92% of a judgment about a person is made within the first minute and a half of meeting them for the first time. It has also been estimated that it takes on average 21 subsequent meetings to overcome a poor first impression! So you need to get it right the firt time.

There are a few simple steps you can take to create a good first impression:

• Arrive in plenty of time and allow for contingencies. Have a ‘Plan B’ for how you will get to the venue. If you are delayed, make sure you notify both the organisation and the recruitment agency acting on your behalf as soon as possible.

• Wear what you are comfortable in. Avoid under or over-dressing. In either case you will feel ill-at-ease and the panel will be likely to pick this up. It might be useful to check the dress code of the organisation by looking at pictures of staff on the organisation’s website or asking around.

• If you do smoke, try not to have one just before you walk in. A mint doesn't cover it up.

• Avoid having coffee just before your interview, even if you are offered one when you arrive. Caffeine can increase feelings of nervousness and can make your breath smell.

• Leave your chewing gum outside – preferably in a bin so you do not step on it in your haste to leave after the interview!
  

During the interview

Let’s assume you’ve got that first impression nailed. Here’s a few things you can do to continue to build on your good start.

• Have eye contact with each member of the interview panel. Do not just focus on the panel member who has asked the question you are answering. Engage all members of the panel.
  

• Smile! It suggests confidence. Remember, it is possible that the interview panel will also be nervous. As much as they will want to put you at your ease, you can also help them relax. Interviews are not meant to be either punitive or confrontational.

• Don’t assume that the panel know the detail of what is on your application form or CV. Do not assume that they know what your previous experience has entailed. (For example, if you have had line management experience, how many staff did you manage? How did you appraise them? How did you set performance targets? How did you promote their professional development? Etc.)

• Where possible, give real examples of ‘how’ you have achieved a positive outcome, specify what these were and the benefits. Be clear about what your personal contribution was. Use ‘I’ rather than ‘we’.

• Make sure you understand the organisation’s mission and can talk about why it is important to you.

• Be aware of your body language. You want to convey that you're enthusiastic, positive and energetic. So don't slouch in the chair looking demoralised even if you think the interview isn't going according to plan.

At the end of the interview

The panel should let you know when a decision will be made and how you will be notified. If they do not, you should ask.

The panel will often ask if you have any questions for them. This is your opportunity to show that you have thought about the job and the organisation and to get clarity about anything you are unclear about. If time is tight, pick a few questions, a long list of questions can tire out an interviewer who is seeing six people in one day. Don't just ask about holidays and perks, this doesn't leave a good impression.

Don’t introduce the issue of salary unless the panel bring it up. If you do, it could create the impression that salary is your prime consideration. This can always be discussed in more detail when an offer of appointment is made.

At the close of the interview, be positive. Thank the panel for the opportunity to meet with them and for their time and consideration. Convey the impression that you really want the job and that you look forward to hearing from them.

What happens next?

If you are offered the job – congratulations! Respond positively to the news. It may be that the role is daunting and that it will stretch you professionally. It may mean a big life change (eg relocation). Try not to let these other factors influence your initial response.

Make sure that you fully understand what happens next. Normally, references will be taken up. You may need to notify your referees. Ensure that you understand what you are required to do in order that other checks can be carried out (eg health).

Confirm when the letter of appointment will be sent to you. Do not hand your notice in to your current employer until you have the offer of appointment confirmed in writing.

Getting feedback 

If you are not appointed, firstly, do not forget to congratulate yourself for getting the interview. Secondly, find out why you were not appointed in order to make sure that you get as much as you can from the experience. The organisation should be able to tell you which selection criteria you did not fully meet. You need this information in order to prepare for next time.

Unfortunately, it may be the case that you met all the selection criteria, but another candidate had slightly more experience or could offer other skills. If this is the case, congratulate yourself. You did well. Don’t be downhearted. There will be other opportunities, perhaps even better ones. Reflect upon and evaluate your own performance. What could you have done differently?

Interview and presentation skills - tips for impact

Simon Bucknall, The Art of Connection

Find out:

•   how to achieve greater impact at interviews
•   how to stand out in the current market.

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Other sources of help

• Preparing for an interview (Direct.Gov)