This document provides information and guidance for job interviews at Matchtech Group plc, a UK-based recruitment company. It discusses the company's areas of specialization, common types of assessments like phone screens and in-person interviews, how to prepare for an interview, what to expect during an interview, how to answer different types of questions, and best practices for following up after an interview. The goal is to help candidates understand Matchtech Group's interview process and perform at their best.

2. • Matchtech Group plc – A Group of Technical and
Professional Recruitment Companies.
• Established in 1984.
• Head Office on the South Coast and further office in London, Specialist
areas include Engineering, Science, IS & T, the Built Environment and
Utilities, Business and Education.
• We recruit for hundreds of client companies
across the UK.

3. Presentation Contents…
• Matchtech Group Plc
• Areas we deal with
• Interviews
• Types of assessment
• Preparation
• Greeting the Interviewer
• Competency Based Questions
• Answering questions
• Post Interview
• Social Networking
• Questions

4. Types of Assessment…
• Telephone Interview
• 10-15 minutes checking interest and basic suitability
• Face to Face
• range from 30 minutes to 3 hours
• Assessment Centre
• Selection of role play exercises and interviews
• Psychometric tests

5. Telephone Interviews…
• Always be prepared
• Remember, it may sound like a harmless chat but
you are actually being screened to see if you are
suitable for meeting face to face!
• Keep your answers short and to the point!

6. Face to Face Interviews…
Key Points:
• First interview will usually be someone from HR
• The interviewer will be judging character, intelligence and
suitability for company culture.
• Potential managers may conduct further interviews.
• Formal.

7. Preparation…
• Prepare your route and method of travel, how long will it take?
• Make sure you know the name and title of the person you’re seeing.
• Prepare your clothes in advance, what is the company's dress code?
• Research the company - get their info and brochures.
• Prepare answers to tricky questions beforehand.
• Prepare some questions to ask the interviewer.
• Preparation is the key to performing well!

8. Before going to the interview…
• Don’t stay out late the night before - get a good nights sleep.
• Don’t have a hangover.
• Take a folder with you containing info for the interview - copies of your
CV, application letter, company brochure, notebook, pen.
• Don’t be late!
• If you are unavoidably going to be late, find a way to let the interviewer
know.
• Don’t be too early - 10-15 minutes early is ideal.

9. Waiting in Reception…
• It is usually wise to decline Tea or Coffee, accept water.
• Don’t eat.
• Don’t just sit there, read your notes or company information.
• Make a good impression on the receptionist and other staff
with whom you come into contact.

10. Greeting the Interviewer…
•Take a few slow deep breaths to relax yourself - smile!!
•You will be expected to shake hands - if your hands are sweaty
wipe them on a handkerchief beforehand.
•Shake hands in a firm and business like manner, smiling and
looking the interview directly in the eye.
•Greet the interview by saying “good morning” rather than
something over familiar like “hiya”.
•If unsure of pronunciation of the interviewers name, find this
out beforehand

11. Some Important Points…
• Try to adopt a relaxed pose
• Don’t play with your hands, or twiddle your thumbs
• Don’t lean back too much
• Above all BE ENTHUSIASTIC about the job on offer and
the company
Interviewers usually seek information in 3 main area’s:
1. Your ability to do the job on offer
2. Do you want the job?
3. Your suitability and how you “fit in” with the company

12. www.interview-skills.co.uk
Competency Based
Interviews…

13. Competency Based Interviews
• Competency-based interviews are more systematic, with each
question targeting a specific skill or competency.
• Candidates are asked questions relating to their behaviour in
specific circumstances, which they then need to back up with
concrete examples.
• For example, the interviewers may want to test the
candidate's ability to deal with stress by asking first how the
candidate generally handles stress and then asking the
candidate to provide an example of a situation where he
worked under pressure.

14. Core Competencies…
• Self-management
• Flexibility
• Communication
• Teamwork
• Problem Solving
• Planning and organising
• Leadership
• Personal effectiveness
• Commercial and Customer Focus
• Quality
• Strategic Thinking
• Financial Acumen

15. Core Competencies…
• Think about STAR!!!
• SITUATION
• TASK
• ACTION
• RESULT

16. Examples of Interview Questions…
• What would you say your strengths are?
• What do you know about your chosen industry at the moment?
• Tell me about a time you have worked in a team. How did you personally contribute to the
team’s success?
• What particular skills do you feel you can bring to the company?
• Tell me about your final year project and the biggest challenges you faced?
• What did you find interesting about your course?
• Where do you see yourself in five years time?
• Can you give me an example of a time where you have had to analyse and solve a problem?
• What is the most important factor for you in a job?

17. Answering Questions…
• Be positive
• Show commitment and enthusiasm for the job
• Don’t criticise former employers
• Don’t give one word answers
• Don’t introduce negatives like “personality clashes”
• Don’t talk about salary unless invited to
• Ask open questions that will get the interviewer talking

18. Post Interview…
• Thank the interview for his/her time.
• Re-iterate your keenness on the role.
• Contact agency/company via phone/email.
• Handle any rejection positively.
• Chase up feedback.
• Reflect and Review.

19. Questions?

20. Facebook - Matchtech Group Careers
Twitter - @MatchtechCareer
Work For Us – www.iwanttoworkinrecruitment.com
Email your CV to careers@matchtechgroupplc.com
01489 898938