Any job interview you have, from an entry level position to the Chairman of the Board can be nervous, anxious affairs and one of the key factors in determining if your interview will ultimately be successful is how prepared you are.

Asset Resourcing prides itself on being able to provide a full service to our candidates and amongst many other aspects of our commitment to you that we take pride in, making sure that you are fully prepared for your interviews is one of the most important.

If you need any additional information or clarification, please make sure you contact us and remember, regardless of how insignificant you might think the question is, it could mean the difference between success and failure.

Pre-interview Preparation

If there’s one word that encapsulates what you should be doing in the run-up to your interview, it’s ‘research’. Find out as much as you can about the company you’re seeing and if possible, the department or role you’re being interviewed for. The internet is a valuable source of information of course, but have a macro-look at the industry and read articles, blogs and trade press to immerse yourself in what they do. This will help you a) prepare questions you may want to ask the interviewer and b) demonstrate an industry and company knowledge that interviewers look favourably upon.

Also, ask us! The company you’re going to see are our clients so we know who they are and how they operate and we’ll be happy to pass on any nuggets of information that may help you during the interview process.

From a housekeeping standpoint, make sure you have the full job description and review and perfect your CV accordingly. Double-check the date, time and location of the interview (and the name of the interviewer) and make sure you know exactly how to get there.

Interview Formalities

Depending on which studies you’ve read (and we’ve read them all), research suggests that your interviewer will have formulated their first impression of you anywhere between five seconds and one minute after meeting you. How you look and act on greeting your potential boss is, we think you’ll agree, of paramount importance.

It may sound obvious, but pay close attention to your grooming. ‘Tidy hair, shiny shoes and clean nails’ is a cliché, but the reason it’s a cliché is because it’s true. In most cases, a business suit is expected. It exudes professionalism and your interviewer will tell a lot about you before you’ve uttered one word.

Try to suppress any nerves. You want to be seen at your best. Plus, the interviewer has no vested interest in seeing you squirm. You were chosen on the strength of your CV and he or she wants the best person for the job.

Make sure your handshake is firm but not bone-shattering, maintain eye contact, relax and smile.

The Interview

Your interview is a two-way street. The interviewer wants to find out about you but it is also your chance to find out about the company ethos and any specifics about the role you’re not 100% sure about. Be interested and enthusiastic but not pushy or rude. Stay relaxed and listen carefully – DO NOT interrupt the interviewer when they’re talking and consider your responses to questions carefully.

Be prepared to qualify any answers or personal statements you give with examples and above all, keep polite and professional at all times and it goes without saying that you should never criticise former employers, chew gum or get caught staring out the window!

Post-interview Formalities

As the interview draws to a close (and it will be obvious when this is happening), make sure that all of your personal questions about the role and the company have been answered and get clarification if you feel there are any gaps.

Check the interviewer has everything they need from you and ask if they have any outstanding queries or concerns. This is your opportunity to resolve them now, you may not be invited back.

Restate your interest in the role and make sure you know what the timescales are for feedback and next steps.

Close as you came in – with a firm handshake and a smile.