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Interviews

The most important, yet also the most daunting step in the recruitment process is the interview. Everyone has to do them and everyone has experiences of good and bad interviews, however there are some simple hints and tips that everyone should bear in mind when attending an interview. 

Firstly, it is important to note that it is almost impossible to receive a job offer without first having an interview and meeting your future employer – so even if you feel daunted by the prospect, just accept that everyone has to go through this step and everyone is in the same boat!

The fundamental secret of a successful interview lies in preparation, so we recommend strongly that you do your homework before attending!
If you stick to our simple guidelines below, you will feel prepared and relaxed and we are confident you will breeze through your next job interview!

Before the interview

Prepare. Prepare Prepare! It sounds like common sense, but so many candidates turn up to interviews without having done just the basic preparation required. If you don’t do you homework, you cant expect your interviewer to have a high opinion of yourself and you are unlikely to be offered a job.

• Research the company you are applying to – look at its website and read its latest annual report – this is quick and easy to do and will provide sufficient overview information of the company you are applying to.
• Research the industry – make the most of Google. It’s free! The web provides a vast amount of information at your fingertips. So make the most of it. If you are applying for a job in retail banking in Dubai, then google that very search term and read up on the latest information regarding that job sector. Take a look also at industry association websites and magazines or web-portals such as AME Info to get a feel for the latest developments in the marketplace.
• Be prepared to answer the basic questions that form the basis of almost all interviews:- 

o Why would you like to work for company X?
o Why do you want to leave your current job?
o Why do you think you are suitable for this position?
o What are your strengths?
o What are your weaknesses?
o Where does this job fit in with your career plans?
o What is the greatest challenge you’ve ever faced?
o How do you cope with difficult situations?

• It is also a good idea to be prepared with a few questions for the interviewer. This shows you’re keen and are interested in the job. Questions such as the following:
  "What is the possibility of promotion within the company?"
  "What type of prospects does this role offer?"
  "If I was offered the job, what are the main monitors for success?"
  
• Make sure you check the format of the interview before you arrive to find out who will be interviewing you – it could turn out to be a bit of a surprise if you can face-to-face with panel of six senior managers when you were expecting to meet an HR representative.
• Ensure you turn up to the interview dressed appropriately. For most office jobs, smart attire is recommended (suits). For more laid back office environments it may be acceptable to wear smart casual.
• Re-read your CV and application letter and take additional copies with you to the interview.
• Plan your journey to the interview location and check for any potential delays. Turning up late to an interview is a big no-no. There is no worse way to make a bad impression than to turn up late and to keep a busy interviewer waiting.

At the interview

Make sure to make a good impression at all times. in the crucial first few moments, so be sure not to damage your chances before you begin:

• Get to your interview at least five minutes early. If you are going to be unavoidably delayed, make sure you let your interviewer know.
• Always switch off your mobile phone before you enter the recruiter’s building.
• Some interviewers try to provoke a reaction, often drawing candidates into an argument, or simply turning them into the proverbial rabbit in the headlights. Expect interviewers to throw a few trick questions your way. Some common ones include:
  
• What are your weaknesses?
  
• What would your colleagues say are your weaknesses? 
• Describe a situation when your work was criticised.
  

Remember, success here depends more on not getting flustered and thinking on your feet than having the right answer. Above all, be honest – and give reasons for your past behaviour or responses. Companies want to hire humans, not robots.
The style of interviews varies dramatically, but here are a few key points to remember:

• Be friendly and courteous to everyone you meet from the receptionist onwards – you never know who might have a say in your appointment.
• Use positive body language.
  
• When answering questions, relate parts of the job description to relevant experience on your CV. 
  
• Make the most of your research and quote it where appropriate. 
  
• If you face a panel interview, make sure you talk to everyone rather than directing your answers at one person.
  
• Find out as much as you can about the job. For example, who would the employee report to; why is the situation vacant; and what are the promotion prospects?
  
• Never mention salary unless prompted to do so – and even then try not to agree to specific numbers without being given time to think.
  
• Always let the interviewer finish speaking before giving your response.
  
• When the interview is over, remember to ask when you can expect to hear back and what the next stage will entail.