Similar to home, there are two types of interview that you will need to prepare for when you're coming over to the UK for a job. The recruitment agency interview and the actual job interview
The recruitment agency interview
Recruitment agencies are widely used by employers in the UK for the placement of temporary, contract and permanent positions. FastrackUK liaises with some of the UK’s leading recruitment companies, ensuring you get access to a wide range of positions. Agencies however will not usually put you forward for any role until they have met you themselves. This is a vitally important interview and should not be disregarded as an inconvenience. An agency’s reputation (and revenue) is based on their ability to source strong candidates. If you turn up late, untidy and unprepared you could damage your chances of being recommended for a great job.
The Job Interview
If you have been invited for a job interview with an employer you are well on your way to success. You will have been recommended by the recruitment consultant and the employer will already be familiar with your CV and background and think you are a suitable candidate. We have put together the following tips to help maximize your chances of securing the job. Take time to go through these key points and you will find you’ll be much more comfortable and confident when you attend your interview.
Research the company
Great sources of information are the internet, your consultant, relevant industry publications and the company’s own publicity material. Understand how many offices they have, are they domestic or international, what markets they work in, what size are they, what products and services do they offer and who are their competitors? Some useful sources are:
- FTSE listings
- Hemscott
- Companies House
Understand the job you are applying for
The agency will have a clear specification of the job you are applying for so make sure you read it. Know the department you will be working in and the responsibilities you will have.
Match yourself to the job
Assess your past experience and qualifications and see how they correspond to the job you are applying for either directly or indirectly. In this way, during the interview, you can explain why you are suitable for the advertised role and demonstrate this with past examples. Make sure that you can expand on your CV as the interviewer is highly likely to refer to it.
Prepare some answers
There are certain questions that you are probably going to to be asked so you can help yourself by preparing possible answers that reflect your skills, experience and technical knowledge. Don't panic if you aren't asked the specific question. There is a good chance you can use the information in answer to another similar question.
Typical questions you could be asked include:
- Why do you want to work for us?
- What are your qualifications?
- What salary are you looking for?
- How have you handled a problem at work?
- Do you have any weaknesses?
Present yourself well
Remember first impressions are everything. Your appearance should complement the industry that you want to work in, which will probably mean ‘corporate’ wear. A smart, dark suit, unobtrusive accessories and a general well groomed appearance will help your chances significantly. You should also think about your general demeanour. Employers want staff who are positive, pleasant and polite.
Day of the interview
Ensure you know where you are going, how you get there and who you are meeting. The agency should provide you with the address of the company and the best way to get there. Make sure you know how to pronounce correctly the name of your interviewer. Prepare your clothes the night before and leave yourself plenty of time for the journey so that you arrive early and have time to collect your thoughts before the interview starts. When you arrive, a smile and a positive handshake are great ice breakers.
During the Interview
Don’t worry if you are nervous, it’s natural and can often work in your favour because it keeps you alert and on your toes. Remember the interviewer has already decided you are likely to be a suitable candidate, now you have the opportunity to prove this! Try and manage the interview and remember the research you have done on how your past experience corresponds with the job description.
Interview Do’s
- Be conscious of your posture and look interested and attentive.
- Be concise with your answers, stick to the point and if you're not clear about what answer they are seeking, repeat the question back to make sure you have understood it correctly.
- Compose your answers, speaking clearly and at a moderate pace.
- Sell yourself. Relate your expertise to the role, defining what you will contribute to the company. Make sure you give real life examples.
- Be honest.
- Be positive, even if you’re not 100% positive about the role. Leave them with a good impression and then if a better job comes up in the future, they will think of you first.
Interview Don’ts
- Interrupt the interviewer.
- Enquire about salaries in the first interview.
- Be over confident and pushy.
- Show lack of enthusiasm or passion for the role.
End the interview positively, letting the interviewer know if you are interested in the role and asking what happens next. Telephone your recruitment consultant to discuss how the interview went and they will liaise with the employer to give you feedback and let you know how the employer wants to proceed.
Remember, FastrackUK are always around to help, even if you just need to talk to a friendly voice and let off steam because you weren't successful this time or scream with delight because you've just landed your dream UK job !