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Preparing for interviews Going for that first interview? One personnel director walks potential recruits through the prep work for interviews. As a professional recruiter who spends a considerable amount of time running selection days and interview sessions, I am acutely aware that the majority of candidates do not prepare themselves. These are inevitably very important occasions, which could, if handled right, secure valuable training contracts. There are four key steps you need to consider: - Research yourself as a 'product'.
You will have to sell yourself at interview, so it is vital that you have noted all your strengths and weaknesses. You must be prepared to play to your strengths, while avoiding or at least compensating for the weaknesses. As an example you could emphasise that you are a team player, while having sensible reasons to hand for poor A-level results. - See yourself from their point of view.
Selectors are looking for evidence of:- a professional, enthusiastic and grown-up image
- commitment to the profession and the particular firm
- knowledge of the organisation, their key markets and activities
- Research the firm as a potential employer.
The selectors will want to hear evidence confirming your genuine reasons for wanting to join their organisation. Obvious questions are: "Why do you want to join us?" or "What sets our firm apart from our competitors?" Failure to have a good basic grasp of the relevant facts about a firm will leave you in a very vulnerable position. In answering this type of questions you should not only display a mature understanding of the organisation and where it sits in the marketplace, but use the opportunity to tie in your relevant strengths to demonstrate what you would 'bring to the party'. - Ascertain all you can about the selection procedure.
You must find out, in outline terms at least, what you are likely to face in terms of the selection procedure. Only then can you prepare yourself thoroughly for the event. Try the following for tips:- the firm's brochure and website
- your university careers advisors
- the local law society
those who have been to selection days or interviews - but beware: those who have failed a selection day or interview may paint a 'horror story' picture to compensate for their failure; don't let this put you off, as any selection procedure worth having will be testing
And finally... Be yourself, but be the best for yourself
All candidates are nervous at interview, but it is possible to be nervous yet confident at the same time. Successful candidates will often realise that a lot depends on their performance, and prepare thoroughly. Once in the interview, set your worries to one side, concentrate on being the best for yourself, and enjoy it. | Article first published at workthing.com -
the employment network with jobs, skills info and advice. |
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