Top interviewingtips from Lisa Jobson (pictured),
director of talent atHarvey
Nash:
First interviews tend to be biographically focused; a walk
through of your CV to gain a better understanding of your
experience to date and career progression. They can take a number
of formats, so being prepared for each potential scenario will
eliminate any stumbling blocks on the day.
Phone interview
This is generally used as a pre-interview screening exercise, so
always take it seriously, as this is when the interviewer makes an
initial selection.
- Give yourself time to prepare for it as you would a traditional
interview.
- Try not to phone from outdoors or in a busy place. Find a quiet
room and make sure that you have all the time you need to conduct
the interview properly.
- Use a fixed phone if possible to avoid network problems or
running out of battery power.
- Find out more about the person you are talking to if they do
not introduce themselves spontaneously.
- Be direct and succinct, use action verbs and short
sentences.
- Don't speak too quickly or for too long, and listen
carefully.
- Never rush things, and smile while you're speaking.
The interview panel
This usually includes an HR manager and the hiring manager plus
a team member.
- Identify exactly who is who and their position in the
company.
- Do not be thrown if someone interrupts you and answer all the
questions in turn without losing your concentration.
- Address and make eye contact with everyone, even if one person
seems to be leading the panel.
The group interview
This is where several applicants are interviewed at the same
time so the client can assess their teamwork skills and how well
they interact. Your behaviour during the different exercises is
considered predictive of your behaviour once working for the
company. Exercises vary from talking about yourself, your skills
and your reasons for applying, to more complex role-play type
situations.
- Try not to come across as aggressive or intimidated by the
other candidates.
- Listen carefully to the others to develop a good argument.
- Be natural and attentive to how you express yourself, taking
care not to get carried away.
- Stay within the frame of the exercise and remain coherent.
- It is better to speak when you have a valid point to make
rather than to speak just for the sake of speaking.
The multiple interview
You may be asked to attend several interviews over the course of
the day, so remain focused, even if you have the impression that
you are repeating yourself. The aim is to test your resistance and
your ability to adapt, and to get different points of view. Later
on, they will check to see if everyone has the same opinion about
you.
Informal interview
Every meeting in a recruitment process provides an opportunity
to find out more about you.
- Don't lose sight of this, even during informal discussions over
a drink or during a meal which may pre-empt the formal
process.
- Stay alert and perform to the best of your ability at each
meeting.
More top interview tips from Lisa Jobson