A Recruiter's guide to working smarter before that interview for your dream job.

1. Interview Preparation
101
A GUIDE TO FEELING COOL, CALM AND COLLECTED BEFORE THE MEETING
WITH YOUR DREAM EMPLOYER.

2. Date, time and place
 It sounds so obvious but knowing when and where you’re going before
the day of your interview will ensure you arrive feeling confident. Your
recruitment consultant should contact you the day before your meeting to
go over last minute details and will double check that the time and
location you have is correct.
 Ensure you know exactly where you are supposed to be and do a dry run
(ideally at the same time of day) prior to the occasion so you know how
long it takes to get there and if there is parking nearby. Aim to get to the
site around 10 minutes before the interview to allow time to compose
yourself. If you do think you’re going to be late contact your recruitment
consultant as soon as possible so they can inform the company.

3. Dress Code
Unless you’ve been strictly told otherwise
always wear a suit or formal business
attire, even if the company has a dress
down policy.
First impressions do count and an air of
professionalism isn’t going to harm your
chances.

4. Your Background
A common question interviewers ask is for candidates to “talk through their CV” so it is imperative
that you know yours inside out.
You’ll be expected to talk in detail about particular career choices, achievements and reasons for
leaving so you need to be confident in your knowledge in order to explain how you’ve gotten to the
point where you are today.

5. Company Information
Another traditional question is “what do you know about the company?” and so it is worth
taking the time to look at the organisation’s website. You’re looking to get an overall picture of
the company so information about their history, what they’re involved in now and any future
plans are going to be useful.
A quick internet search may reveal the names of competitors, official and any gossip
surrounding them within the industry.
Your consultant will provide you with the names of the people who are interviewing you so it
may be worth searching for them on the internet or LinkedIn to get an idea of their career path
and current level of responsibility.

6. Job Specification
It is very important to read this
thoroughly to ensure you have an
accurate knowledge of the
responsibilities of the role, who you’re
reporting to and what will be expected of
you.
If you have any concerns, make a note of
them. You should be given opportunity
to address these during the interview
when the interviewer asks if you have any
questions.

7. Questions
From your research into the company and the role you should have come up with around three or
four questions to ask the interviewer. These can be from the practical i.e. “how many days a week
am I expected to be in the office?” to the social “what is the demographic breakdown within my
team?” to the personal “what piece of advice would you give me if I was successful in getting the
role?” These questions should provide you with enough information for you to determine if this is
the right move for your career.
Write these questions down…
…and when the interviewer asks if you have any questions get the paper out.
This tactic works on multiple levels:
 It shows the interviewer you’ve done your research and are taking this opportunity seriously
 If all the questions you had have been answered during the interview you can explain this
without looking like you’re “winging it”
 During the interview it allows you to place your full attention on what you are being asked as
opposed to what you plan to ask them.

8. Phones
Prior to introducing yourself at reception turn
your phone off. Silent or vibration mode can
still prove an unwelcome distraction to both
you and the interviewer by lighting up or
vibrating so it’s just easier to avoid this.
As soon as you’re in a convenient place away
from the interview contact your recruitment
consultant you let them know how you thought
it went. This allows them to chase up feedback
from the client’s side quicker and if you did
have any concerns or questions you forgot to
ask during your meeting the consultant can
bring them up on your behalf sooner rather
than later.

9. Make Notes
Once you’re back home take 5 minutes to jot down everything you remember
about the interview from questions you thought you answered particularly
well to the ones you struggled with, the information the interviewer told you
about the company and how they answered your questions.
If you do get through to a second interview these notes will be handy to refer
back to.