Interview Preparation
Preparation is the key to succeeding in any interview situation. Interviews are difficult for even the most experienced candidates, but preparing well will keep any nerves at bay. Whilst the remainder of this document will go into a little more depth to assist your preparation, the following technique - if followed correctly - has been proven to lead to a 40% better chance of successfully receiving a job offer.
How to get to the Interview
Make sure that you have planned your route before you travel. Take into account congestion or road works based on prior knowledge or just build in "contingency time" just in case. Have handy the telephone numbers of your DKM Energy consultant and the switchboard of the company whose interview you are attending - unforeseen circumstances are usually forgiven, being late for no apparent reason, is not.
On Arrival - The "Magic Wand" technique
By memorising and applying the eight simple steps below, it has been proven that you will have - on average - a 40% better chance of making your interview a successful one.
1. First Impression
Handshake - This needs to be firm but not too firm and include eye contact. Eye contact should be broken with the handshake. The interviewer(s) should be greeted in the same way that they greet you - i.e. Mr/Mrs/Miss X or first name terms.
2. Conversation
When the interviewer comes to collect you to show you to the interview room, make sure that you avoid any uncomfortable silences on the journey. It is human nature to associate an uncomfortable silence with poor people skills so assure that this is not the case. Make conversation on the trip, e.g. weather related, how busy it was in reception, etc.
3. Drink
Feel free to take a drink if it is offered - water or something similar. When you are asked a difficult question that requires some thinking time - give yourself a little latitude by taking a sip of water whilst you consider your answer. This time could be the difference between a succinct or waffled answer. Make the drink last the entire interview.
4. Notepad
Take a notepad and pen with you. Write down at least two things during the interview ? as a minimum requirement. This will make you look more interested in the job and what the interviewers have to say. If asked about it, state that it is so you can go through the information in more detail at home or that you felt that it was an important point that you didn't want to forget.
5. Questions
At the end of the interview you will be asked if you have any questions. Make sure that you do. Prepare 5 or 6 quality questions before the interview in your notepad that you can ask when the opportunity arises. You can also top up these questions during the interview with anything that you wish to query that arises during the course of the meeting.
6. Interviewer
Ask about the interviewer themselves. E.g. how do you find it working here? There are two reasons for this; 1) People love to talk about themselves and this will momentarily take the focus away from you and; 2) It will present you as a ?person? rather than a ?candidate? whilst cementing your interest in the role.
7. Interest
On your departure, shake hands with the interviewer(s), say thank you and express your interest in the vacancy i.e. ?I am very enthusiastic about this opportunity or I am looking forward to seeing you again.? Clients like to know that candidates will accept job offers.
8. Feedback
Call your DKM Energy consultant immediately after your interview on 0115 961 0900. If we can inform the client that you called me immediately after leaving them to say how keen you were on the role, then this can only work in your favour. Furthermore, we can try and answer any questions that you have thought of post interview or forgot to ask.
This is an eight-step programme to an increased probability of a job offer.
Positivity
Set the right tone for the interview straight away by being positive and remaining this way.
Talk about your achievements in relation to the job descriptions key deliverables, but avoid being big headed, arrogant or boastful.
Under no circumstances be disrespectful about your current employer. This is not viewed in a positive light. In a few years time it could be the company that you are being interviewed by that could get the brunt of your criticism, so avoid this at all costs.
Do not wait until after the event to wish that you had tried harder to get the position. Give it your all - if nothing else, a positive outcome will give you the beauty of a choice.
Turn your weaknesses into strengths. If you pretend that you have no weaknesses it will not go down well because we all have them. Instead you try starting sentences with "I used to be weak at..." before telling the interviewers how you overcame a weakness. For example, ?I used to have a problem with time management but now I always prioritise my workload first thing in a morning.?
Pre-Interview Research
Your DKM Energy recruitment consultant will provide you with as much information as possible to help you to succeed, but you may feel that digging a little deeper yourself will boost your confidence and understanding. Do your homework before the interview in three key areas;
1. The Target Company
Find out as much as you can about the company that you are going to be interviewed by. This may include their current set-up, their history, their future, number of employees, business areas and locations. Sources may include your friendly neighbourhood recruitment consultant, the company website, the library, Financial Times, Companies House (www.companieshouse.gov.uk), trade journals or the local press. Don't be afraid to ask questions about the company and its direction.
2. The Vacancy
Have a thorough understanding of the position, duties, responsibilities and what is expected of you. Also have a good understanding of how you fit these criteria. Be prepared to ask good questions relating to how the company is progressing at the minute and the challenges it is facing and what needs to be done sooner rather than later.
3. Yourself
Know your strengths & weaknesses. Be prepared to cite specific relevant achievements and how you intend to transfer these to your prospective employer to solve some of their issues. Concentrate on your most recent accomplishments but don't neglect your earlier career.
Key Preparation Questions
Take the time to go through the following questions before the interview. It will help you to remember key facts and generate questions.
Your Major Accomplishments
The Value I Can Add to this Role
Your Preferred Management or Work Style
Things the Interviewer Needs to Know About Me
Reason I left last job & want to leave current job
Answers to Difficult Questions
My Strengths/Weaknesses
Questions to Ask the Interviewer
Do & Do Not's
The list of good and bad things to do in an interview situation may give some obvious points, but you would be surprised how many candidates are rejected for forgetting a "do" or performing a "don't."
DO
Arrive early for interview - this will either give you time to organise your thoughts before going in or give you latitude for bad traffic or a delayed train.
Be prepared and have done your homework.
Be a good listener and speak in turn.
Let the interviewer(s) structure the interview.
Try to ascertain the key requirement of the role quickly in order to stress your relevance, experience and achievements.
Convey your thoughts with clarity in a sincere and factual manner.
Be smart and professional - Wear a suit.
Not smoke, even if offered.
Appear determined to get the job. Even if the role seems less ideal than first thought - do not close the door. People have been known to go the interviews for one role and get another. The client may also recommend you to a colleague or friend for a more suitable role.
Enquire about the next stage of the interview process.
Ask for the position or state your interest at the end of the interview.
Do call your consultant immediately after the interview.
Reasons candidates 'strike out' at interview
Poor personal appearance - No suit, casual, not groomed.
Lack of Interest - Passive & Unenthusiastic people are never recommended.
Over emphasis on money - do not seem greedy and never mention money in a first interview unless asked.
Condemnation of past employers - new employers do not want be in this boat in the future.
Failure to maintain/make eye contact.
Limp & Clammy Handshake.
Unwillingness to relocate or travel.
Late arrival.
Failure to express appreciation of interviewer's time.
Indefinite and "waffled" response to questions.
Failure to ask relevant questions about the role/company.
Being overbearing, arrogant, conceited, superiority complex, etc.
Lack of career planning - no purpose or goals.
"Too ambitious" - a client feels that you are using them as a short term stepping stone.
Lack of confidence and poise.
Expectations too high.
Makes excuses or is evasive.
Lack of tact.
Lack of courtesy/"ill mannered".
Lack of maturity.
Lack of energy & vitality.
Merely "Shopping around."
Lazy or Cynical.
Intolerant or having strong prejudices.
Inability to take criticism.
Lack of preparation.
Be sober and avoid spicy foods the evening before!
Your Goal - The Offer
A prospective employer will make a decision on whom to employ on the following factors;
A. Experience and relevance to Job Specification
B. Attitude
C. Image and Communication Skills
D. Education
Tell the employer why you want this particular position
Tell the employer why you wish to work for their specific company
Tell the employer why you can do the job
Ask for the position!
Respond positively
Remain open regarding salary and benefits.
Sell your attitude in the interview
Call your consultant immediately after you finish
How to Handle the Money Situation
The question of compensation can be very sensitive and often requires extended negotiations to reach a figure that is fair and acceptable to both the company and the individual. Some points to remember:
Most companies want to make a fair offer. They want to bring new employees on board at a salary level that provides incentive to change jobs but is also consistent with the company's existing salary structure for that position.
The days of 20-25% increases in compensation are gone. Inflation rates are down; all corporations are conscious of maintaining consistency in existing salary structures, the economic growth in many industries has levelled off the competition for better positions has increased. So be realistic in your expectation.
The position and opportunity is the single most important element of your decision. No amount of money will make a bad job good. A quality position, working with quality people in a dynamic work environment offers rewards that money can't buy.
Be flexible. Compensation packages are a combination of salary, reviews, title and perks. These elements can be arranged and re-arranged - sometimes very creatively - to satisfy both the individual and the company.
Keep your recruiter involved. Part of our job is to handle sensitive negotiations and move both parties to a fair and acceptable compensation package. We do this for a living and can offer alternatives that will satisfy both parties. (We're also a good buffer and can keep sensitive negotiations on a cool, professional level)
If you are asked what salary you are looking for, try to avoid quoting a specific figure. Try something like this: "I'm very interested in working with you, and I feel that I can make a meaningful contribution. I'm currently earning £______ a year and would hope that you would make me your very best offer". It is best not to name a figure if at all possible.
If you are asked again later in the process, you want to restate what you are earning and ask what the position will pay.
The Counter Offer
When resigning from your current position, it can be emotional and sometimes stressful. However, there are several things that you can do to make the process go more smoothly;
Put it in writing. Handing your boss a resignation letter is the most effective way to handle an uncomfortable situation.
It's formal and will become part of your permanent record - protecting you.
It helps you keep the focus on the positive aspects of your career move rather than the negative aspects of your old situation.
It relieves the pressure of having to speak first
The sooner you can get out the better. Give fair notice but ask to be relieved as soon as possible. You're in a lame duck position - the company will get by without you and you owe your energies and loyalties to yourself and to your new company.
Don't even talk about counter offers - it is the single worst thing you can do during the resignation process. It can be proven that 80% of people that accept counter offers are not in the same job 6 months later.
Talk to your recruiter - keep us up to date. We can help keep this as smooth and painless as possible.
Appendix
Sample questions to ask in an interview
Where are the company's strengths and weaknesses (compared to its competition)?
Could you explain the organisational structure?
How will my responsibilities and performance be measured? By whom?
What are the day-to-day responsibilities of this job?
Could you describe your Trust/company's style and type of employee who fits well with it?
What are some of the skills necessary for someone to succeed in this job?
What is the Trusts/company's policy on training?
What particular computer systems and software do you use?
What percentage of routine, detailed work will I encounter?
How much opportunity is there to see the end result of my efforts?
How much opportunity will I have for decision-making?
Can you describe an ideal employee?
What is the policy on career advancement?
Sample questions you could face in an interview
Tell me about your qualifications for this job?
In what way do you think that you can contribute to our company/department?
What projects have you managed to this scale?
Tell me about a time when you tried and failed.
Tell me about yourself.
Tell us about your analytical skills.
What are your short & long term goals?
What can you add to what we have already discussed that would make us want to hire you?
What do you want from us?
What is your biggest weakness/strength?
What motivates you?
What things make a good team member?
Why do you want to change jobs?
Why do you want to leave your current position so soon?
How would you deal with an unhappy or frustrated employee?
What makes a good manager?
What do you do at weekends/Tell me about your interests?
Why did you choose this career?
What difficulties and challenges do you foresee in making this move?
How will you overcome these?
Would you relocate?