Most people appreciate how important it is to prepare for important client meetings or presentations, yet so many people fail to give the same attention to interviews.

Interviews are not something that we do every day (well hopefully not!) but are meetings that need to be planned for. Even the best presenter or sales person could improve their meeting with a little additional thought and planning.  Apart from ensuring that you have a smart dark suit, crisp shirt/blouse and polished shoes, some prior preparation at what ever level you are never goes amiss.

We are often asked for ideas on how to prepare which is sometimes difficult to answer as each individual has his or her own way of preparing, but here are a few tips that candidates have found useful:~

Take 4 sheets of paper or card and on each write the following:-

Background and Experience:

Bullet point your career history:

• Why did you move to each company?
• What did you learn?
• Any major highlights or promotions?
• List your key achievements

Key Strengths and Skills:

List these, at least 7 or 8 that relate to many areas including:

• Market knowledge
• Sales & presentation skills
• Relationship building skills
• How well you work in a team
• Personality
• Product/technical knowledge
• Why are you successful

What can you bring to the company?

Bullet point the key points:

• Why should they take you on?
• What added value do you bring?
• What difference will you make?

What can the company give you?

Bullet point the key points:

• Do they offer you a career path?
• Is the culture right?
• Is the overall package and remuneration in line with what you require?

Last but not least, arrive in plenty of time, and ensure you have worked out the best route to the company’s offices.

We wish you luck with your interview, and would ask you to ring your consultant following the interview, while it is fresh in your mind.  We will always do our best to get you feedback as soon as possible following the interview.