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The Complete Interview Guide: Helping You Land The Perfect Role
The Complete Interview Guide: Helping You Land The Perfect Role
CONTENTS
02 Welcome
03 Prepare to be the best you
How to prepare
The day of the interview
09 Make a strong start
How to maximise the first five
minutes of an interview
15 Know your interview questions
Common interview questions
Tell a powerful story
23 Avoid common interview
mistakes
Top six mistakes to avoid
29 Thrive in all conditions
Making that Skype interview count
Understand your interviewer
Overcoming unconscious bias
35 Contact Us
Welcome
The Complete Interview Guide | 2
Helping professionals find focus on advising, consulting In addition, unlike the majority
fulfilling careers and helping you to succeed of our competition, we will put
through the job screening you forward for all suitable roles,
Our story begins in 1985 when process. regardless of which consultant
the Group opened its first you speak to. We also promise
office in central London. Since It’s one of the reasons we’ve to never send your CV out
then we have developed into produced this comprehensive without your permission.
a global specialist professional interview guide. We are
recruitment group, operating committed to helping our We hope you find this guide
in a diverse range of markets candidates conduct successful useful and invite you to get
worldwide. interviews and therefore in touch if you would like to
outshine the competition. discuss your next career move.
ROBERT WALTERS For over 32 years, we’ve been Regardless of your level, this Our contact details are at the
CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER helping talented professionals guide will help you to perfect back of the guide.
develop their careers, job move your interview skills.
after job move. It’s a success Robert Walters
story we’re proud of and one Our consultants often come CEO
that’s built on the strength and from industry backgrounds and Robert Walters Plc
passion of our people. know what hiring managers
want, so they’re also well
As the business continues to placed to help you prepare for
expand, we operate with the an interview. They take the time
same commitment to service to listen to your career goals
and quality. Every candidate is and match you with the right
treated as an individual with a role.
Prepare to be the best you
3 | The Complete Interview Guide
“
We see it all the time – great candidates
being passed over because they didn’t
prepare for an interview properly. Even if
you don’t have the full skill set you can
still land the job by being well prepared
and enthusiastic.
“
Prepare to be the best you
5 | The Complete Interview Guide
“
Use your questions to Likewise, read the annual report
demonstrate your preparation and latest press releases.
and insight. For example, if Look for things where you can I always start by asking people to explain
you’ve looked at some of their make a link to the role and
employees’ LinkedIn profiles department you are hoping to what our business does. This deceptively
and seen that people tend to join. For example, “I read that simple question floors lots of people – it’s
get promoted every two to three you’ve just launched x. What
years, then ask about that. will that mean for the growth of amazing how many interviewees struggle
this role?” with it, perhaps because they’re attending
While it’s a good idea to look at
the interviewer’s LinkedIn profile, Be creative and imaginative, and
several interviews in a row and haven’t
it’s important to ensure you remember to avoid questions made the time to do much research.
don’t come across as ‘creepy’ about pay and benefits in the
by commenting on personal first interview. These topics can
information you’ve gleaned – it’s be discussed once you’ve been But if you don’t come across as having
best to keep it professional. offered the job. a firm grasp of the company and why it’s
hiring, the interviewer can only conclude
FAST FACTS
that you’re not really that bothered about
the job.
“
• Go the extra mile with your research
• Map out how your skills and experience match the job
description
• Do a mock interview with a friend or your recruiter
• Prepare interesting questions to make yourself stand out
Prepare to be the best you
7 | The Complete Interview Guide
THE DAY OF THE INTERVIEW WHAT TO WEAR Your recruitment consultant will
With six in 10 managers saying advise you on the dress code,
how an interviewee dresses but if you’re dealing directly
While preparing for the interview is important, it’s also has a big impact on their with the hiring manager, then
vital to prepare for the day itself by planning your outfit, employability, first impressions it’s perfectly acceptable to ask
transport route and what to take. really do count. However, them outright. For example,
nowadays there is a lot of “I hope you don’t mind me
flexibility and variety in what asking but can you please tell
people wear to work, so it’s me what the dress code is
important to do your research for the interview?” Dressing
by looking at social channels professionally will help your
such as Glassdoor and Youtube skills, achievements and
to see what the dress code is. personality to shine through.
You don’t want to show up at Remember to subtly change
a tech start-up in a three-piece your outfit for the second
suit! interview.
Prepare to be the best you
The Complete Interview Guide | 8
“
plenty of time in case of delays. CV in case the interviewer
You may like to arrive in the area unexpectedly brings a colleague
early so you can go over your to the meeting. You will come
notes at a café. Regardless across as calm and organised
of what time you arrive, don’t if you can hand out additional While it’s important to dress professionally
report to reception until 10 copies without becoming you don’t want to appear a clone – it’s ok
minutes before your interview flustered. Writing down the
time. company address, interview
to express your personality through your
time, and name and title of your dress, just don’t overdo it. You want the
interviewer is also advisable, in
case your mobile phone fails on
interviewer to recognise your skills and
the day. experience, not to be distracted by what
you’re wearing.
“
FAST FACTS
“
One candidate I interviewed recently
asked me a non-stop string of questions
about my family, the job, the company,
things in the news – all sorts of things.
But he didn’t really have much to say
himself and he didn’t really wait to hear my
answer before asking the next question,
so he just came across as rather anxious
and scattered.
“
Make a strong start
11 | The Complete Interview Guide
HOW TO MAXIMISE THE FIRST FIVE 1. REMEMBER THE INTERVIEW organised, not flustered and
STARTS AS SOON AS YOU under-prepared.
MINUTES OF AN INTERVIEW LEAVE THE HOUSE
The interview starts long before 2. TREAT EVERYONE YOU
We’ve all heard it said that first impressions count and you shake hands and sit down MEET AS YOUR INTERVIEWER
it’s especially true of job interviews. One third of bosses around the table. You never Make sure that you’re polite and
say they know within 90 seconds whether they will hire know who you might bump friendly to everyone you come
someone, so starting strong is a must. into as you get off your bus or across in the interview process.
train, or enter the company’s From greeting the receptionist,
From the all important hand shake to making small talk and building – for all you know, your to the people you share a lift
maintaining eye contact, there are so many things to be aware interviewer could be in the same with, to walking through an
of in the first five minutes of an interview. Given these first few coffee bar queue as you. So open-plan office to reach your
moments can have such a decisive impact on how well the rest make sure you project a friendly, meeting room – these are all
of the interview goes, here’s how to start strong – together with confident, professional air from touchpoints with your potential
some cautionary tales of what not to do from real interviewers. the moment you set off. future employer. Co-workers will
often share their impressions
Doubtless you’ll have made of visitors afterwards, so you
sure you arrive early. Give want everyone who comes into
yourself time to have a comfort contact with you to see you in
break and make sure you’re as positive a light as possible.
hydrated. Make conversation
with the receptionist, switch
off your phone and take in
your surroundings – you might
notice something that will
make a useful small-talk topic
later. Don’t try to cram in any
last-minute facts – you want
to come across as calm and
Make a strong start
The Complete Interview Guide | 12
“
non-verbal cues matter even
more than verbal ones. So in You want to project some
those first few minutes, it’s personality and charisma, but
all about smiling confidently, you also want to come across
shaking hands firmly, making as a good fit, so if in doubt It’s important that you stand to greet your
eye contact and generally always err on the formal side. interviewer with a firm handshake, eye
looking as if you’re glad to be
there and you want the job. contact and a smile. Remember not to
Lean in slightly, look alert and sit until you’re offered a seat. They may
interested, and wait to be
invited to sit down. In everything initiate some small talk to put you at ease,
you do, project an attitude of
energy, enthusiasm and interest.
so use this opportunity to demonstrate
your interpersonal skills.
“
FAST FACTS
“
TALK a suitable question that you’ve
Getting the small talk right also got an interesting answer
(or wrong) can have big to (‘Do you ever get to the
consequences. It’s a way for matches?’ ‘So who’s going to
I like to make a point of coming down people to build rapport and win the Cup this year?’ etc).
to greet candidates in person. On one affinity, and start to generate
occasion, a candidate assumed I was an that elusive, intangible quality of Think, too, about topical
‘chemistry’ that characterises all themes. For example, has your
assistant, treated me in a very offhand way effective business relationships. potential employer been in the
and rather rudely asked me to get them a news recently? Or could you
So as part of your interview ask about the potential impact
drink. They got quite a shock when they preparation, it’s a good idea on the company of a recent
saw I was heading up the interview panel! to think ahead to some likely development, such as Brexit
topics that might come up, to or falling share prices or a
But what most disappointed me was the help keep the conversation serious malware attack? In each
“
Politicians coached in handling skill set’.
the media are always advised
to have a maximum of three key These are the three key points
messages to get across, which that you want your interviewer
they should stick to and repeat to remember about you. So I once heard someone standing outside
throughout any interview. try to work them in naturally
Similarly, it’s a good idea to whenever you can, even in
our building, smoking furiously and
have two or three key points the first few minutes. It’s also complaining loudly on their phone about
that you want to make about important to have a ready the early start time of their meeting and
what you have to offer and what answer for some of the most
you’re looking for. For example, common questions that come wondering aloud why they were even
‘I’m ready for the challenge of up early on, such as ‘Tell me there. When I got to my next interview, I
managing a team’, ‘I combine
compliance experience with
technical expertise’, ‘In my
why you want this job’ and
‘What’s your understanding of
what this job involves?’
realised to my dismay the noisy moaner
was my next candidate. Not a great start!
“
Know your interview questions
15 | The Complete Interview Guide
“
Make sure you’re listening to the questions
and tailoring your answers – you can
prepare, but you need to understand the
nuances of the person interviewing you.
You may have great intentions about what
you plan to say in the interview, but don’t
force it if it’s not natural.
“
Know your interview questions
17 | The Complete Interview Guide
COMMON INTERVIEW QUESTIONS ‘SO HOW WAS YOUR for. Keep your summary to
JOURNEY?’ five minutes. Think about your
The interviewer may initiate personal brand and the story
There are some interview questions that you can almost some small talk with a question you want to tell, and ensure
guarantee will come up in one form or another, so make like this to help put you at you display enthusiasm and
sure you’ve got some good answers at the ready. ease. They’re looking to test flexibility.
your interpersonal skills too, so
just relax and answer naturally. ‘WHY DO YOU WANT TO
Avoid one-word answers, and WORK FOR US?’
don’t be afraid to ask a relevant Look beyond the obvious
question or two back. points such as the size of the
company or its current bottom
‘TELL ME ABOUT YOURSELF’ line. Say something different
Most interviewers start by that shows you have really done
asking you to talk about yourself your research. For example, you
and your career history. What could point to a new product or
they’re really asking is ‘What CSR initiative, or a staff project
would you be like to work with presented on the company’s
and what difference could you social media pages. Show how
make to the organisation?’ the things you mention about
This is your opportunity to talk the company align with your
about your strengths, skills own personal values too.
and experience. Don’t give
a detailed account of every ‘TELL US ABOUT YOUR
single job you’ve ever had. STRENGTHS’
Instead summarise your career Answering this question well
history by highlighting the most is all about showing your
important points that relate ability to do the job, your
to the job you’re interviewing commitment to work, and your
Know your interview questions
The Complete Interview Guide | 18
“
a combination of hard and soft This is a good chance to
skills. show another side of yourself
and to hopefully build rapport
‘WHERE DO YOU SEE with the interviewer. Look to
YOURSELF IN FIVE YEARS’ surface something surprising Don’t exaggerate when answering
TIME?’ or unexpected that will provoke common or competency questions. It’s
Think realistically about where
this job can take you and how
that fits with your career plans.
You want to come across as
curiosity and help you to stand
out in the interviewer’s mind. important to tell the truth and discuss
what you learned through the experience.
“
ambitious, but not impatient or
ruthless. Ideally you’ll find a way
to show how your goals and
FAST FACTS
“
time when you had to make If, for example, you are
a difficult strategic decision interviewing for a role where
and win over others in the you’ll be managing people for
process?’ the first time, you can expect
a question like: ‘Tell me about
Stories are a powerful communication
You can often infer the sort of a time when you had to step tool because they appeal to both the
questions that you might be in and show leadership in your emotional and rational sides of the brain.
asked at a specific interview team’. This gives you a chance
from what you know of the to show that, even if you haven’t Use competency questions to tell your “
role, the job description, and of formally had to demonstrate a unique story.
course your own CV. If you’re particular competency before,
working with a recruitment you already have the potential
consultant, make sure you to do so.
FAST FACTS
If you are moving into a role and usually gain a valuable life
where the ability to cope with lesson in the process. For your
significant time pressure is big finish, focus on the positive
critical, you might be asked, outcome that you helped to
‘Tell us about a time where you achieve, and briefly say what
“
had to juggle lots of conflicting you learned in the process.
deadlines’. If close team-
working or client-facing skills To make your story more
are essential, you might be credible and relatable, add
If you’re working with a recruitment asked, ‘Tell us about a situation in a few specific details and
consultant make sure you ask for their where you had to find a way to anecdotal touches (but stay on
“
advice too – as experts, they’ll know which
competencies the employer is looking for.
work with a colleague who you
didn’t always get on with’, or
‘Tell me about a time when you
went the extra mile to delight a
point – don’t waffle). And don’t
be afraid to show yourself in a
less than perfect light at some
points too: as in any good
customer’. Hollywood film, things tend to
go worse for our hero before
HOW TO ANSWER A they get better, and seeing how
COMPETENCY QUESTION you overcome these challenges
Think of your answer to a – whether internal or external –
competency question as a adds to the power of the story.
very focused kind of story. Any
good story has a character we
care about – that’s you. The
character is set a challenge
or finds themselves in a tricky
situation. Then they have to go
on a journey and take some
actions to find the answer,
Know your interview questions
The Complete Interview Guide | 22
“
There are great candidates out there who
make common interview mistakes such
as interrupting the interviewer or speaking
negatively about their former employer,
and sadly it ends up costing them the job.
“
Avoid common interview mistakes
25 | The Complete Interview Guide
TOP SIX INTERVIEW MISTAKES TO AVOID DON’T BE APATHETIC have an ego too, they want to
We’ve all been there, agreeing feel that the candidate sees the
to an interview even when role as a good opportunity and
While it’s important to know the right thing to do and you’re not overly excited by will value it.
say at an interview, it’s also essential to understand the the job description. However,
common interview pitfalls that many unwittingly fall into. it’s important that you are AVOID NEGATIVE TALK
Here we share the top six interview mistakes to avoid. enthusiastic from the get-go Speaking negatively about your
because it will be too late if you current or previous employer is
decide halfway through the a major pitfall you will do well to
interview that you do want the avoid. You may feel negatively
job after all. about your current workplace,
but don’t be too honest if that’s
The interviewer will have your reason for leaving.
already picked up on your
lack of enthusiasm and it will Sometimes people nail an
be extremely difficult to turn interview but then end it by
the interview around. Put your saying something negative
doubts aside, go in wanting the about their employer. It comes
job and approach the interview across as unprofessional and
in that frame of mind. we all know there are two sides
to every story.
It’s also important to note that
no matter how qualified you It’s also important to avoid
are, you still need to display flimsy answers to the question
energy and enthusiasm. If you ‘why are you looking to change
sit there with all the experience jobs?’. For example, ‘I got
in the world but don’t convey bored’ or ‘I wasn’t progressing’
enthusiasm, then the interviewer when you’ve only been in the
won’t be interested. Clients role for 12 months will set off
Avoid common interview mistakes
The Complete Interview Guide | 26
“
example, ‘I’m looking for a more you have a mint to freshen up.
challenging, varied role as my It’s also a good idea to avoid
current role isn’t stretching me’ smoking prior to the interview.
or ‘I really enjoy being part of
a dynamic team and my job On the flip side, the Overfamiliarity is something that really
doesn’t offer that currently’. overpowering smell of
aftershave or perfume can
puts me off a candidate. You should
PERSONAL HYGIENE be equally off-putting for always let the interviewer lead the tone
We talked earlier in the guide
about your physical appearance
and finding out the dress code
before the interview so you
interviewers. Sometimes in
our eagerness to smell good
we may get carried away
which can be distracting for
of the interview and not behave or speak
informally unless the interviewer does so.
“
don’t look out of step with the the person we’re meeting. To
company culture when you be sure, ask a friend to check
arrive. But it’s equally important that you haven’t overdone the
FAST FACTS
“
to get the answers you’ve out.
prepared across. However,
don’t fall into the common trap Overfamiliarity is also very
You want to prioritise listening and achieve of not listening to the question off-putting for interviewers. “I
carefully. Sometimes people don’t like it when a candidate
the right balance of confidence and are so desperate to share what acts like they’re my best friend
humility. These are the candidates who
stand out.
“ they’ve prepared that they give
an irrelevant answer to the
question. You may have great
intentions about what you plan
before they’ve even built rapport
with me. If I start to relax and
laugh towards the end of the
interview then I’m happy for
to say in the interview, but don’t the candidate to do so too. For
force it if it’s not natural. example, I had one candidate
who made a funny joke about
It’s also important to let the selling gravy in a previous role,
interviewer lead the interview but it was at the end of the
and set the tone. Interviewers interview so it worked.”
find it very off-putting when a
candidate jumps the gun and
asks questions before they’ve
been invited to. It comes across
as over-confident. Another big
mistake is to interrupt or talk
over the top of the
Avoid common interview mistakes
The Complete Interview Guide | 28
“
schedule to prepare properly. descriptions, so make sure
Interviewers find it inexcusable you’ve mapped out how your
when candidates don’t know skills and experience match the
about the company and role and know your strengths
the role. When asked about and development areas. There’s nothing worse than getting to
the company, just reciting the end of an interview and finding the
information from the website ALWAYS ASK QUESTIONS
isn’t going to cut it. Interviewers If there’s one way to leave a
candidate has no questions. Be different
want candidates who will look lasting negative impression and ask imaginative questions, make
beyond the surface level facts
and delve deeper into current
trends and what’s happening in
the market.
it’s to say you don’t have any
questions at the end of the
interview. Interviewers believe
it shows a lack of interest and
someone want to hire you over the
competition.
“
initiative. Be different and ask
The best candidates will be able imaginative questions, it will
to link market trends back to the help you to stand out from the
business and talk about what competition.
they think makes the company
interesting and unique. But you
can only do this effectively if
you’re well prepared.
“
Whether it’s a Skype interview with the line
manager or an in-person interview with the
HR manager, every situation is different. It’s
important to be well prepared so you can
thrive in all conditions.
“
Thrive in all conditions
31 | The Complete Interview Guide
MAKING THAT SKYPE INTERVIEW COUNT PREPARE YOUR SPACE beside your laptop and adjust it
You wouldn’t expect to attend until your face is illuminated on
an interview in a badly lit, noisy the screen.
Most of us use Skype as a way to stay in touch with room filled with distractions,
family and friends, so we think of it as a relaxed, social so why do it for a Skype Shut it up – Turn off your
form of communication. However this is not the case interview? It’s much easier for mobile phone and shut doors
when it comes to Skype interviews – you need to treat an interviewer to concentrate and windows to block out
them with the same professionalism as an in-person on you if they can see and hear background noise. It’s also
interview. you clearly, without distractions worth telling people in your
or interruptions. vicinity that you’re being
For example, make sure you dress professionally (and fully), interviewed and you don’t want
as you never know when you may need to get up during the Here are top tips from our to be interrupted. Try to avoid
interview and you don’t want to have your pyjama bottoms on experts on preparing your having people walking behind
display. interview space: you during the interview, as this
is an unnecessary distraction
Tidy up – Make sure your that takes the attention away
background is clean, tidy and from you.
uncluttered, as interviewers will
look at your environment to get TECHNICAL CHECKS
clues about who you are. The Skype interviews require extra
interviewer doesn’t want to see preparation as you need to
your laundry in the background. ensure all the technology is
working. Knowing that you’ve
Light it up – You won’t come tested everything in advance will
across as your best self if reduce your stress on the day
your face is in the shadows. and ensure you don’t become
Ideally choose a room with a easily flustered.
lot of natural light, but if that’s
not possible, then put a lamp
Thrive in all conditions
The Complete Interview Guide | 32
“
beforehand to ensure the enough to support a Skype
visuals and sound are working. video call. Call a friend to test
the connection once you have
Share your Skype address – the interview date. Don’t assume a Skype interview will be
Many people forget to send
their Skype address which Speak slowly – Interviewers more casual. You’ll need to work even
means the interview starts late
and gets off on the wrong foot.
FAST FACTS
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Contact us
The complete interview guide | 36
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