Once you’ve been recommended for a role by your Agenda consultant, it’s more than likely you’ll be asked to attend an interview with one of our clients. Here are a few interview tips to help you present yourself in the best possible way.

Before the Interview

1. Do your research
   This is an absolute must. Make sure you learn everything you can about the business, the industry it operates in and the job itself before you walk into an interview. Check out the businesses website, search google for news about them and if you can get your hands on one, read its annual report. Knowing what makes a company tick, it’s strengths, past successes and goals for the future can make all the difference.

2. Plan ahead

   It might seem like a no-brainer, but make sure you know the exact location and time of the interview! It’s best to try and arrive 5 to 10 minutes before your interview. You don’t want to arrive too early and put pressure on the interviewer to meet with you right away. You also don’t want to arrive late. Sometimes that’s unavoidable, but if you are running late for any reason, make sure call the company and let them know. And whatever you do, make sure you know the interviewers name and pronounce it correctly!

3. Be prepared

   If you spend a little time practising for the interview you’ll be amazed how easily your responses to questions flow. Try coming up with some practice answers to questions that the interviewer might ask you. It always helps to be prepared when the interviewer asks you to “tell me about yourself” or “what makes you the right person for this role.” You’ll also get the opportunity to ask the interviewer about the role, so don’t blow your chance. Make sure you know exactly what you want to ask them before you go into the room.

4. Dress the part

   As the old cliché goes, you’ll never have another chance to make a first impression. So you’d better use it wisely! Always dress the part - that means wearing clean, pressed and well presented business clothes regardless of what the role entails. It’s always good to have a backup in case you spill your morning coffee on the shirt you were planning to wear. And once you’re in there, whatever you do, make sure your phone’s switched off.

During the interview

1. The greeting

   When you arrive at the interview chances are your first point of contact will be the front desk. From the moment you walk into the building make sure you treat everyone with respect, after all, these could be your new workmates. Always greet the interviewer and refer to them using their title (Mr, Mrs, Dr) and last name and wait until you’re offered a chair before sitting.

2. Body language matters

   In fact it matters more than you might think. Poor posture and restlessness aren’t a good look. Instead show the interviewer you’re confident and attentive by sitting upright, making eye contact and listening to what they have to say - you’ll get your turn to speak, just wait until the interviewer stops speaking first.

3. Sell yourself

   Here’s your chance to impress. Your resume and cover letter got you through the door, now it’s time to back that piece of paper up in person. Show the interviewer what you can do for the company and why you’re the right person for the job. Be confident, after all no one knows the product you’re selling (that’s you!) better than you do. Be honest, most interviewers will see right through any lies, and elaborate on your answers to prove that you know what you’re talking about, it’s no good relying on yes and no answers... a job interview’s not multi-choice.

4. Close the interview

   If you’re genuinely interested in the role, say so. Ask the interviewer what the next step is but don’t assume you’ve already got the job. It’s funny in movies when a character asks the interviewer “when do I start?”, but try that in the real world and it’s more than likely you’ll find out the hard way the answer is never.

   You should also avoid asking any questions about salary, holidays and benefits. You’ll have your chance to ask these after the second interview or when you’ve been shortlisted for a role.

After the interview

Once you leave the company’s offices it’s a good idea to pick up the phone and call Agenda as soon as you can. Tell your consultant how the interview went, be honest, we’re here to help you. The more you tell us, the better we can use that information in any negotiations we conduct on your behalf with your potential new employer.

Practice interview questions

These are the sort of questions you can expect to come up in an interview. If you can master your answers to these, you’re on the right track.

1. What type of job appeals to you most?
2. What is it about this job that appeals to you?
3. What interests you about our services?
4. What is it about this company that appeals to you?
5. What are your qualifications and how would they help you in this role?
6. What style of management gets the best out of you?
7. What are some of the important things you’ve learnt from jobs you’ve had in your past?
8. Which of your past jobs did you enjoy most and why?
9. What’s a good example of a time in your career where you’ve shown initiative?
10. What are your major strengths and weaknesses?
11. Where do you see yourself in five years time?
12. What are your hobbies outside work?

If you’re not sure what sort of questions to ask the interviewer about the role, these are a good starting point.

1. How many people are on the team that I’ll be working in?
2. What are the main differences between your company and other companies operating in this market?
3. What skills are most important to succeed in this job?
4. Can you tell me more about the structure of the organisation and the company culture?
5. Will there be opportunities for career advancement in this role?
6. What are the goals of the organisation in the next three years?
7. What are the key performance indicators in this role?
8. Is there any training provided in this role?

What do you think the biggest challenges of this role might be?