INTERVIEW QUESTIONS AND INTERVIEW GUIDE

2M Careers are a Construction Recruitment Agency who specialise in technical recruitment. However the same principles when attending interviews apply to most employment sectors. Here is a guide on how to prepare for a job interview, which we hope you will find useful and informative.

Interviews are an essential part of the job process and can be very daunting for some people, but despite all the nerves and worry they can be fun! This is the time for you to show your skills, personality and presentation to potential employers. We have a few tips that should make the interview process easier and less stressful, so take a good read through them.

Firstly it is essential that you get yourself prepared. You need to:

• Find out who and where you are meeting
• How you are going to get there
• Arrive early
• Research the company and have prepared questions, look at their competitors too
• Read the job description, highlight any areas you need clarification on
• Practise what you are going to say about yourself and run through scenarios in your head
• Outline in your mind your achievements and successes from previous jobs
• Where possible link in your skills to this job
• Think about what you want to know and to get out of the interview
• Take your CV with you and a pen and paper
• Dress smartly

When you arrive this is when you need to start making an impression with everyone you encounter, you never know who they are or what they will say! Smile, be friendly and remember the names of who you are introduced to.

During the interview:

• Give a firm handshake
• Listen to all the questions and take your time to answer them
• Sit up straight and attentively
• Try to relax
• Give full helpful answers
• Make eye contact
• Smile and be positive
• Refer to your research
• Ask relevant questions e.g. what the department is like, everyone's roles, training etc
• Thank them for their time and ask when they hope to make a decision by

After the interview give us a call and let us know how you got on and how you feel about the job. Remember you can be very honest with us and ask us to find out any additional information that you may require. Find out what the timescale is and be proactive after a week if you have not heard. You may be advised that there will be a second interview so you can start preparing for that if required.

Often 2nd interviews can have a different format, you may be meeting people you would directly be working for or with. There is more pressure on you as you really want to make a good impact with these people, they will ultimately have a say in whether you get the job.

Build on the research that you did during the first interview, find out who you know in the same industry and where possible drop in their name. Ask questions again and bear in mind the same rules as above still apply. Ultimately try to enjoy yourself and smile! Second interviews are more appropriate to find out about pay and conditions so try to avoid discussion of these during the first interview.

Remember an interview is part of the learning process and even if you do not get the job it is excellent practice for the next one.

CAREERS ADVICE GUIDES

CREATING A CV

INTERVIEW GUIDES

HANDLING OFFERS

RESIGNING AND STARTING A NEW JOB

WORKING WITH YOUR RECRUITMENT CONSULTANT

NEGOTIATING A SALARY RISE

If you have any queries please contact us on 0131 555 4001 or on info@2mcareers.com