Interview Tips for Jobseekers

A tough interview

Attending an interview can be daunting, but we aim to make it as easy as possible for you by providing you with the following information and advice.

Remember: you have been selected for interview on the basis of your CV. You do not need to 'tick all the boxes' on a company's job specification - now is the time to show them what you can offer, your personality and how you could fit into the team and company.

Remember: the more prepared you are the more confident you will feel. Someone who has prepared will always stand out against someone who has not!

Interview Check

Make sure you know the time, date, venue, name and title of your interviewer(s) and directions.
You could go there before to check travel times. Use www.theaa.com or www.multimap.com for detailed maps and directions.
Dress appropriately
If in doubt, a suit and tie. Remember that first impressions count. If you need to attend in your normal 'work' clothing and that's not your ideal, let us know and we can make the interviewer aware - it's usually no problem at all.
Look at the company website and try to find out as much other company / industry information as you can.
 
Arrive 10 minutes early
It may take time to sign in. Look for information available in reception. E.g. Mission Statement, Quality Awards Won, Investors in People Award, Company brochure / newsletter.
If you think you are running late
Inform your recruitment consultant at AES, or someone else in the AES office, as soon as possible. It is usually not a problem if, between us, we let the company know.
Create a good first impression
When you meet your interviewer a firm handshake creates a good impression. Maintain some eye contact throughout the interview and if interviewed by more than one person don't forget to look at the one who's question you are answering. Give them equal attention. Be honest and be yourself.

The following questions may come up in an interview. Develop some ideas on how you are going to answer them. Try not to rush answers or talk too much. Think, then answer as fully but succinctly as possible.

What do you know about the Company?
What research have you done - opportunity to make a good first impression!
Why do you want to work here / why are you interested in this position?
What experience do you have for this job?
Interviewer is giving you an opportunity to sell yourself but keep it relevant. Match your skills and experience to the position. Don't just repeat the job spec back to them.
What did you like / dislike about your current position / employer?
Don't criticise your last company. Don't give sob stories about how badly treated you are. Be factual and concise. Point out the things you've learnt.
What would you like to be doing in 3-5 years?
Interviewer looking for career planning / motivation. Don't say 'In your job' or 'Working for myself'.
What are your greatest achievements?
What successful projects have you personally been involved with - keep it relevant and work related.
What are your strengths?
State a quality and illustrate with a job-related example.
What are your weaknesses?
Be careful what you say here. Think of something that can be turned into a positive. Don't say: "I haven't got any" - everyone has. They are areas for development.
What salary are you looking for?
  • Don't bring this up yourself at first interview.
  • Don't think that companies will think you are so fantastic that they will suddenly increase their salary bracket for the job by £5k - it doesn't happen.
  • Your AES consultant will have advised you on the package, and your interviewer will have been informed of your salary expectations. If you discuss package and how you would like to improve on it, be realistic.
  • Don't contradict what you have discussed with your AES consultant - you'll make us both look foolish.

As the 1st interview is drawing to a close it may be appropriate to ask these questions and thank them for seeing you.

  • Is there anything else they need to know?
  • Is there anything you can clarify?
  • What's the next stage?

After the interview contact your AES consultant to discuss whilst the meeting is fresh in your mind.

The Next Interview

This is likely to be with another senior manager or decision-maker in the company. You may find yourself answering some of the same questions again - do so as well as possible, learning from the first time round.

Remember; AES is here to help you. Keep us informed and together we will work to get the best result.

If you have any questions you want answered before the interview, please don't hesitate to call AES on 01905 23 444.

AES want to understand the nitty gritty of the job … very interested in long term commitment