The UK’s job market is more competitive than ever before. So, when it comes to preparing for any job interview, it certainly pays to ensure that you do your research and preparation.
If you’ve recently been invited to attend an interview for a new job role, you’ve certainly landed in the right place.
We’ve created a helpful guide outlining everything that you need to know to ensure that you are the perfect candidate. After all, first impressions count and this is your opportunity to stand out from the crowd, sell yourself and of course, secure your dream job.
Do your homework
First and foremost, before any job interview you should always research the company you’re hoping to work for. One of the questions that consistently crops up in an interviews is: ‘what do you know about our company?’
If you’re unable to answer this question, your potential employer is going to be less than impressed. So, before you attend your interview, make sure you browse their website or check out any recent news articles about them and what they’ve been up to.
Attitude is everything
The first 5 seconds of an interview can be the most important, first impressions are everything. If you arrive to an interview tired, looking uninterested, or on your mobile phone, it’s not going to bode well with your future employer and will say a lot about your attitude towards work. Instead, you should focus on portraying your passion, adaptability, a positive disposition, self-efficiency and your achievements.
Work Experience
Work experience looks great on any CV as it not only demonstrates that you are committed to developing your knowledge, skills and expertise in your chosen career, but it also demonstrates that you’re a focused and driven individual.
Of course, work experience also gives you a lot to talk about in an interview situation, especially if it’s in the same sector as the job you’re applying for.
Give positive reasons for leaving your previous job
Even if you left your last job because it was the worst job in the world, you should always focus on the positive reasons for leaving your job in an interview, such as wanting to progress further in your career or explore new industries.
Always be polite
Regardless of how well you think your interview has went, you should always thank your interviewer for their time! This will say a lot about your personality and the type of person you are.
Teamwork
Teamwork is a quality that is required in a majority of different job roles and if you are invited to an assessment day where other candidates will be there, you should focus on displaying good teamwork skills. The other candidates should not be seen as competition
Oh, and always arrive with a smile on your face and remember, enthusiasm is everything!
Potential questions
If you really want to stand out from the crowd, make sure you consider the questions you might get asked, and think about how you will answer them.
Common interview questions include:
What are your long term career objectives?
What are your key strengths and weaknesses?
What is your greatest motivation?
Why should we hire you?
How do you work under pressure?
What do you know about the company?
Describe a major problem you’ve encountered and how you dealt with it.
For further advice Contact Barber McLelland and let us share our superior knowledge of the accountancy profession with you and help you ignite your career platform. Simply give Justin Barber a call on 0114 279 2843, or email justin@bmrecruitment.co.uk