CGC Ebook 5.0

Interview Success For some people just the mention of an interview fills them with dread, while others relish the prospect of presenting themselves to a potential employer. However you are feeling, our guide can give you reassurance and confidence as you approach that significant event. We have some great tips on preparing for interviews, how to handle different formats and how to deal with those tricky questions.

How do I know if a company is the right fit for me? Once you have done your research on the company structure, vision, products and values, you should have a good idea about them. How the company communicates with you during the application and interview is worth making a note of. Some questions to consider are: “Am I being treated with respect?” “Has the company responded to me in a timely fashion?” “Do the staff seem happy at work?” “How was the organisation of the interview?” “Is the job being presented at the interview the same one listed on paper?” “Were any tests in line with the job expectations?” If you have significant doubts about any of these questions then the role may not be for you. A quick look on staff review sites such as www.glassdoor.co.uk may highlight some issues. Depending on your circumstances you might desire flexible working, particular benefits or a decent renumeration package. Be ready to discuss your requirements at interview and consider what you might compromise and what is a non negotiable.

What is the purpose of an interview?

An interview is best described as a conversation between an employer and candidate about whether the candidate is suitable for the post. From an employer’s perspective, it is part of the application process to determine if they have found the best candidate for the role. For the candidate, it provides the first chance – and sometimes the only opportunity – to find out if the company is right for them.