INTERVIEW ADVICE FOR CANDIDATES

GLOBAL SPECIALISTS ACROSS THE PLASTICS, PACKAGING, PETROCHEMICALS, CHEMICALS, ENERGY AND ENVIRONMENTAL SECTORS SINCE 1975

Office Locations: Stratford-upon-Avon, Amsterdam, Barcelona, Cape Town, Dubai, Düsseldorf, Istanbul, Lyon, Malmö, Milan, Mumbai, Shanghai, Singapore, Sydney and Washington.

Head Office: 16 The Courtyard, Timothy’s Bridge Road, Stratford-upon-Avon, Warwickshire, CV37 9NP
T: +44(0)1789207070 E: contact@listgrove.co.uk W: www.listgrove.com | www.listgroveexecutive.com
Listgrove Limited in England No: 1197713
Introduction:

The interview process allows you to

demonstrate that you are the right candidate for
the job. It also provides information about your
background, personality and skills. The better
prepared you are, the more relaxed and
comfortable you will be.
Before the interview

• Do your research!
• Prepare to demonstrate your knowledge of the profession and the company.
• Research the company thoroughly. Check their website, their products, profits,
history, competitors and latest news.
• Use LinkedIn to research the people (who work there / who are going to
interview you…) to understand the company´s corporate culture and to look
for commonalities.
• Review the job description and be able to match your experience and
education with the key responsibilities of the position.
• Prepare a brief employment history - 5/10/15 minutes so that, when asked in
an interview, you are prepared.
• Prepare to give motivation for your interest in working in that profession /
company / position.
• Prepare questions in advance to ask about the job / organization.
Before the interview (continued)

• Re-read your CV. It is important to know your CV - the story of your professional life - very well. You should know every detail (dates, functions, skills,
hobbies, references, etc.).
• Take an updated version of your CV, and any notes you might need, so you can refer to them during the interview. Also, take a note pad with you.
• Try to find letters of references from your previous employers. It will be useful to differentiate yourself from others candidates.
• Practice the interview (IMPORTANT).
• Find examples for each experience or duty that you carry out in your current job. Consider instances of key successes. The best way to describe an
example is to use the SAR technique, known as STAR.
• Situation – Firstly, describe the situation you came across or were in.
• Action – Then, describe what you actually did. Which action did you take in order to solve the problem?
• Result – Lastly, what was the outcome of your action? For example, sales improved by 35%.

Remember always to speak in the first person, i.e. “I did this…” or “I used to do that…”
During the interview
Type of questions to expect during the interview:
• Tell me about yourself.
• What do you know about the company?
• What makes you the best candidate?
• Why do you think you are qualified for this position?
• Why are you seeking a position with this company?
• Why do you want to be a [position]?
• Where do you see yourself in 3-5 years’ time?
Note:
Be prepared to do a brief summary of 5/10/15 minutes and
establish what the client is looking for.
Type of questions to ask during interview:
At some point in the interview, you will usually be asked if you have
any questions. Here are several examples:
• Why is the position available – leaver, new role, re-structure?
• What training and induction will be given?
• What do you like best about working at the company?
• If appropriate, what are the interview phases going forward?
• Are there any areas in my experience that you think might need
further clarification?
Final Tips

• Think like an employer.

• NEVER criticise your current or past employers / co-workers.
• Keep it professional, even if the employer does not.
• Be prepared for the unexpected.
• Avoid asking questions regarding salary and benefits at your first interview. It is best to ask your
consultant at Listgrove.
• Look in the mirror – How do I look? Dress for success! At an interview, it is extremely important
to look, act and dress professionally, as you won’t have a second chance at making a good first
impression.
• If you have any other questions, contact your consultant.

Good luck!