Research and Preparation

• Online research is the fastest and most convenient way to begin your research.
• Areas to conduct this research include Universities, Internet cafes, libraries, family and friends and your local Adecco office.
• Familiarise yourself with the company’s values and its core products and services. Seek out information regarding the industry that the company is involved in, their current status in the market place and any competitor information that may be relevant.  
• Plan on arriving 10 minutes before your scheduled interview time.
• Bring an original copy of your resume plus extra copies to the interview, and be familiar with your CV and be prepared to answer questions from it.
• Prepare yourself in advance with some common interview questions. Use the interview questions guide for some practical examples.
• Make sure you are aware where the interview is located, any specific directions and obtain clear clarification on the interview time.
• Ensure that you are presented well and that you make the effort to dress appropriately for the interview. A good first impression is always important.
• Try to relax and enjoy the experience.

The Interview

• Make sure that your mobile telephone is switched off.
• Try to be relaxed and be reassured from the research and preparation that you have undertaken.
• Ensure that you use positive and friendly body language when meeting your interviewer
• Follow the interviewers lead, wait to sit until the interviewer does so or offers a seat to you,
• Practice good poise. Do not slump or lean on the interviewers table or desk.
• Try to maintain a level of eye contact throughout the interview.
• When you are asked a question, respond by being brief and positive. Speak clearly at all times and try to project your voice.
• Think before you speak, don’t be afraid of a silent pause.
• Avoid one word answers
• Be positive about your reason/s for leaving your current position.
• Never speak badly of past supervisors or employers under any circumstances
• When asked about your strengths, make sure they are relevant to the position you are interviewing for
• Ensure that the position you are interviewing for is your chief objective, do not mention any other roles that you have applied for.
• When it comes to talking salary or hourly rates, talk openly with the interviewer. Share your concerns or expectations and ask any questions necessary at this time

Handling Obstacles

Throughout the interview there may be instances or certain moments of your career that could present obstacles to your employment if you do not handle them correctly.

 Examples of these obstacles may include;

You were dismissed from your last job

• Be sure that when you discuss this question, that you can provide balanced and neutral answers. When you respond to questions about the dismissal, always include some lessons that you have learned that will benefit future employers.

 You were made redundant

• The majority of interviewers have had some experience of redundancy situations so there is no need to hide this experience. Simply stress that the redundancy was unrelated to you as a person and as an employee. Employers are always interested to see how candidates will react when confronted with a challenging situation, so this is a great opportunity to show that are able to make the best out of a difficult situation.

 You don’t have enough experience

• When employers raise objections around this area, you will need to be able to relate any related experience or transferable skills that will convince the interviewer of your ability to do the job.
• Highlight the fact that may be willing to undertake any further training necessary to bridge any skills gaps that may be present.

 You are over qualified

• If you are deemed to be over qualified for the role, then your best stance is to reinforce your best qualifications for the actual position you are interviewing for. Your primary goal is to challenge the interviewer into rethinking their position and keeping an open mind towards your application.

 Closing the Interview

• If you are interested in the position, then let the interviewer know. If you want the position, say something like “I’m very impressed with what I have seen here today; your company; your products and the people I have met. I am confident that I could do an excellent job in this position”
• If you get the impression that the interview has not gone well, then don’t let your disappointment or frustrations show through. A positive response may act as a strong message to your interviewer regarding your abilities to navigate through a less than ideal scenario
• Be prepared to provide a list of referees who can vouch for your abilities
• Thank the interviewer for his/her time and consideration
• Seek confirmation as to what the next process is from here.