Interviews

Interviews Index

• Revisit Your CV Before Your Interview!
  
  

  • Read your CV to refresh your memory of relevant courses you have completed, the roles you have performed, and responsibilities/duties carried out in those roles
  • Re-familiarize yourself with any memorable projects/achievements in your past roles
  • Given the role you are applying for, think of examples of past work experience relevant to this position
  • What are your strengths/weaknesses in regard to the role applied for?

  
  
• What About Money?
  
  Generally we would recommend that you do not ask any questions pertaining to the salary or package at the first interview unless directly asked by the interviewer.
  
  If we have done our job properly, we will not be putting you forward to a role that does not meet with your salary/package expectations.
  
• What Should I Research Prior To My Interview?
  
  Good research is a powerful tool in your interview arsenal. Find out more about what to do and what to research prior to your interview:
  
  

  • Access the companies web site
  • Get a good feel for the range of products/services the company offers
  • Who are their competitors?
  • Where do you see yourself adding value to this client given your research?

  
  
• What Should I Take To My Interview?
  
  A basic checklist of things you may want to consider taking with you to the interview:
  
  

  • If you have recently arrived in New Zealand, you may want to take a copy of your work permit, any certificates or qualifications including documentation from the NZQA (New Zealand Qualifications Authority)
  • If relevant to the position you are being interviewed for, you may want to take some work samples with you (please ensure you take nothing that is of a commercially sensitive nature)
  • Ensure you write down and take with you the name of the person's interviewing you and their position within the company
  • You may want to jot down some questions on a note pad regarding the job and the company you would like to ask when given the opportunity at your interview

  
  
• Off To The Interview
  
  You've done your homework, now it's time to head off to the interview.
  
  

  • Smart business attire is recommended for any interview regardless of the company’s dress policies
  • If you are unsure of the interview location, either locate it a day or two in advance, or allow more time, especially if parking or using public transport is required
  • Try to arrive a few minutes early for your meeting, late arrival for an interview does not create a good first impression
  • Prior to entering the building in which you are to be interviewed ensure your cell phone is switched off
  • Do not smoke prior to your interview

  
  
• The Interview?
  
  Things you can expect at your next job interview:
  

  • Remember any job interview is a two way street, so do not feel threatened. The client is interviewing you because they have a vacancy they wish to fill
  • Interviews, depending on the client and the position may take the form of a one on one interview or a panel interview
  • Interview styles may vary from the casual conversation through to a more structured formal type (ask your recruitment consultant what to expect)
  • During the course of the interview the interviewer will ask you questions to assess your skills, experience and personal demeanor, remember this is also the opportunity for you to assess whether or not this company and it's culture meets with your expectations.
  • Greet the interviewer by their name and a firm handshake
  • If presented with an application form or security form, fill it in as this will be a standard company procedure
  • Follow the interviewer's lead as where to sit. When seated relax (don't slouch) and focus on the person talking to you
  • During the course of the interview ensure you maintain eye contact with the interviewer when engaged in conversation
  • Try to be yourself. Remain positive, calm and confident. Your personality is every bit as important as your skills and experience
  • Listen carefully to the questions being asked of you. Ensure you understand what the interviewer wishes to know then answer them in a factual, informative manner. Try not to ramble or go off on tangents

  
  
• What Sort of Questions Could I Be Asked at an Interview?
  
  To follow is a list of questions that may arise during the course of an interview.
  
  While reading through these questions, ask yourself how would I answer this question if it were asked of me?
  
  

  • What do you know about our company?
  • What would you see as your ideal role?
  • Why are you looking to move from your present employer?
  • What attracted you to apply for this position?
  • What management style gets the best results from you?
  • Do you see yourself as a team player or more of an individual?
  • What do you enjoy/dislike about your present role?
  • Are you able to work longer hours if required?
  • Describe your leadership/management style?
  • How would you rate your technical ability?
  • How would your peers describe you?
  • Tell me about a time you have had to solve a challenging problem?
  • What has been the most interesting project you have been involved in?
  • Take me through a normal working day for you?
  • How do you handle pressure?
  • Have you had responsibilities for budgets and time lines?
  • How do you handle criticism/set backs?
  • Do you think your present employer will be sorry to see you leave?
  • What do you rate as your key strengths?
  • What do your perceive as being your weaknesses?
  • What are your prime motivators?
  • Why do you believe you are a fit for this role?
  • Do you have any client interaction in your current role?
  • What are your short to medium term, career aspirations?

  
  
• What Could Let Me Down at My Interview?
  
  To follow is a lists of factors that could be perceived as being negative or off-putting to a perspective employer:
  
  

  • Turning up late
  • Limp handshake
  • Lack of preparation for the interview, e.g. no research on company or competitors
  • Poor personal appearance
  • Body odour or smelling heavily of smoke or alcohol
  • Aggressive, know it all attitude
  • Inability to detail work experience to date
  • Inability to look interviewer in the eye when talking with them
  • Lack of interest and enthusiasm for the position being offered
  • Lack of confidence/nervousness
  • Lack of direction, no thought into where you would like your career to head
  • Poor command of the English language
  • Money motivated, just looking a pay rise
  • Putting down past employers
  • Lack of maturity/manners
  • Swearing
  • One word answers to questions asked of you
  • Failure to ask questions of the interviewer when given the opportunity
  • No expression of interest in the position at the completion of the interview

  
  
• Some Questions You Might Like to Ask The Interviewer
  
  If you have prepared properly for your interview you will have with you a note pad with some questions to ask the interviewer.
  
  During the course of an interview an additional question might spring into your head to ask the interviewer when you get your opportunity, so at the beginning of the interview ask permission of the interviewer to make notes as you go.
  
  

  • Why is this position available?
  • Why did the last person leave?
  • What future career opportunities would you see for me with this company?
  • What are the company’s proposed growth strategies for the next five years?
  • Who do you see as your biggest threats?
  • Do you see the market growing for your product/service?