Interview Technique

As you pursue your job hunt, interviewing skills will prove to be very valuable. The interview is the most critical event in landing that perfect job so a little time brushing up on these skills could prove invaluable.

Morgan Spencer has listed below a few crucial points that if you follow will greatly improve your chances of landing that perfect job in a very competitive market.

Our fully trained consultants are here at hand should you have any worries, concerns or questions.

Be Punctual

There is no excuse for being late to an interview. Know where you are going, how long it will take to get there and add a reasonable amount of time to account for delays. Aim to be at least 10 minutes early and if you don't know where you are going, do a practice run beforehand. It is also handy to take an A-Z along with you. If you haven't got one look at www.streetmap.co.uk the day before your interview.

Preparation

Have you familiarised yourself with the job specification?
Have you researched the company, looked at their website and know what they specialise in?
Knowing a bit about the company, have you thought about how you can benefit the organisation?
Can you predict what sort of questions you will be asked?

First Impressions count

Always wear a suit to an interview unless told otherwise. (Preferably a dark one)
Look clean and fresh!
Jewellery and make up should be kept to a minimum.
No heavy perfume or cologne.
Remember, 'first impressions count'. Most interviewers will make up their minds about you in the first 10 minutes.

Selling yourself

Be confident and friendly.
Speak correctly avoiding slang and colloquialism.
When answering questions, look for opportunities to express your strengths.
Ask questions to gather more information about the company, making it easier to align your attributes to fit the role and company culture.
Always believe in yourself!

Dos and Don'ts

• Do not put your handbag, briefcase, or elbows on the interviewer's desk.
• Do not slouch, sit on the edge of your seat, shuffle your feet, or tap fingers.
• Do answer questions, concisely, honestly and avoid getting side tracked.
• Do not interrupt, but do not be afraid to ask them to repeat or clarify a question if you do not understand it.
• Do not smoke, even if you are offered a cigarette.
• Do not criticise former employers, employment agencies or anyone else.
• Do explain your reasons for changing jobs in a positive way.
• Do smile.
• Do look the interviewer in the eye.
• Do use the interviewers' name.
• Do ask questions (if in doubt ask why the last person left, how long has the company been established, how many offices do they have?). If your mind goes blank, say ‘You have covered everything, but if I think of anything afterwards, may I ask through the agency?". One area to avoid is that of promotion; most companies are interested in filling the vacancy in hand.

After

• As soon as the interview is over, contact your consultant with your feedback. This will help when we contact the interviewer.
• Any interview is a valuable experience. Use it to your advantage by going over the interview with your consultant to see if there was anything you would have liked to have handled better, or anything you forgot to say that you want conveyed to the interviewer.

Be Confident

Be confident in yourself. We are. At Morgan Spencer we have tested your skills, assessed your attributes and understood your requirements. We have also discussed with you, the job you are being interviewed for. If we did not think you were suitable for the position, we would not have wasted your time sending you for an interview.