THE INTERVIEW - A CHECK LIST

Before any interview is arranged, Reflex Computer Recruitment would have identified that you are a suitable candidate, and therefore it is important that the relevant features of your experience are correctly projected. Interviews vary enormously, from an informal chat through to a formal panel interview. As a result, you should expect the unexpected. You cannot prepare for every eventuality, but have faith in your skills and experience in order for the interviewer to see you at your best. If you are going to impress at interview you will need to arrive well prepared and confident. We have set out below a list of general guidelines in order to help you achieve this. Naturally these are designed to be entirely flexible and need to be adapted to each interview situation as it arises.

PREPARE:

1. Find out in advance as much as possible about the company, including viewing their web site and searching the internet for any information. This includes reading any job description thoroughly. Should you have any queries regarding the role you are being interviewed for please do call us. Have questions prepared about the company and the job ready to ask in the interview.

2. You only get one chance to make a first impression, so dress smartly - suit, collar and tie for men, skirt or smart trouser suit for ladies. If needing a brief case, have a small one. Also, try and get a good night's sleep before: you will look better and your mind will be sharper. Do not come in smelling of strong food or alcohol. You are on parade as soon as you step through the door.

3. Refresh your memory on the information in your CV and take with you any testimonials, certificates of courses attended and examples of your work which are not confidential and may be appropriate. It is also strongly advisable to take a notebook and pen.

4. Plan your journey to the interview, allowing for hold ups and getting lost, and arrive between 5 and 10 minutes in advance of the interview (not earlier). If you are going to the interview by rail you can check out the times of trains and to see if there are any hold ups by telephoning National Rail Enquiries on 08457 484950 or by visiting the web site at http://www.nationalrail.co.uk/planmyjourney. If you are going by road you can check out the best route by visiting the RAC web site on www.rac.co.uk and viewing their route planner. You can also, use the site to avoid traffic jams and road works.

5. If you have a mobile phone or pager, ensure that it is switched off prior to entering the company's premises.

INTERVIEW:

1. Once you have arrived make sure you know who to ask for and do not get upset if you are kept waiting. Working in computing means that unforeseen problems can happen at the drop of a hat, as you will know.

2. First impressions are important. Always give a firm handshake and always be positive. Good eye contact also conveys a feeling of confidence. However try not to stare into the eyes of the person interviewing you for too long, as it can be intimidating. You should also strike the right balance so as not to be or appear too eager to impress at every turn. However Interviewers will be seeking candidates who have a positive attitude to life and to computing.

3. It is best to sit up straight, well back, with your back supported by the back of the chair. Clasp hands lightly. Be neither rigid nor sprawled. Do not follow the body language of the interviewer & moderate your hand gestures.

4. Each question you are asked should be regarded as an opportunity to explain what you know about the skills involved in the job. Interviewers, generally, are not seeking to be dazzled either by technical brilliance or by an effervescent personality. They are seeking confidence that you have the knowledge and skills needed to do the job.

5. LISTEN intently to questions. Pause if need be before replying. Answer the question clearly and precisely, and then stop. Do not ramble on. If you are unsure in retrospect of your reply, ask, "Have I satisfactorily answered the question?" Where appropriate use your notebook to take down notes.

6. If you get stuck answering technical questions because you are rusty, explain this and give an estimate of how long it would take to brush up. If asked a subject you have not covered, again explain, but offer other experience, which is closely related.

7. Interviewers ask open questions. These are intended to draw you out of yourself - your opinions, and so on. They are questions to which you cannot answer "YES" or "NO". Make your answers clear & avoid broad statements. If the interview has not started well do not panic, it can be remedied if you provide structures answers. You should also prepare and rehearse answers to the more usual questions but never respond in parrot-fashion. Some possible questions to prepare:

- Tell me why you are looking for a new position?
- Tell me about yourself ? (NB. Talk about your profile/skills/achievements - not full life history).
- Tell me about your strengths? - have 2/3 ready and give examples of achievements (technical and personal).
- What are your weaknesses? - always admit to 1/2. But always turn them into a possible benefit.
- What If I called your last boss, what would he say about you?
- What did you like doing best in your last job?
- What frustrated you in your last or current job?
- Where do you see yourself in 3-5 years time?
- Do you need to relocate for this position and how does your family feel about this?
- What do you think of your last company?
- Why should we offer you this position or why do you want to work for us?
- Why did you choose this career path?
- How do you react to criticism?

8. Make sure you ask questions of the interviewer, i.e. regarding the company and the position on offer. Lack of questions from you can be misinterpreted as lack of interest. Some possible questions to prepare:

- How do you see IT providing more value to your Company in the future?
- How would you describe the culture of your Company?
- What changes do you foresee in your Company over the next 2 years?
- What challenges are your Company looking to solve with use of new technology?
- Where do you see my role in 2 years time?
- What are my future long-term prospects?
- What new IT projects or systems are envisaged for the future?

9. Always use the final question from the interviewer (i.e. is there anything else you wish to mention?) to show your experience will be useful to them. Show your interest in the job, but avoid asking questions about Salary & benefits on your 1st interview. Instead ask about the next stage and timescales to which the interviewer is working.

AFTERWARDS:

Thank the interviewer's secretary for the coffee (if appropriate). Say goodbye to the receptionist with a smile. Remain "on parade" until out of sight. Later, off site when convenient, call your consultant at Reflex as soon as possible and let us know how you got on.

WHY INTERVIEWS GO WRONG

Reflex have over the past 18 years analysed the results of interviews. We have listed the most common reasons as to why interviews go wrong. They are listed in no particular order: -

Reflex Computer Recruitment Ltd
Abbey House, 25 Clarendon Road, Redhill, Surrey, RH1 1QZ
Telephone: +44 (0)1737 852220 Fax: +44 (0) 845 2808950

email: progress@reflexgroup.co.uk

"The Power to Recruit"