How we help candidates interview successfully

When you are selected to attend an interview, it is important to prepare thoroughly and make sure you are ready for every step of the process. At People First Personnel, we want interviews between our clients and candidates to go as smoothly as possible, and so we make sure each candidate is informed and as prepared as possible.

Here’s how we help candidates interview successfully.

Information About the Interview and Selection Process

A lot of interviews these days consist of two or three interviews in which the candidates will meet a variety of managers and team members. It is important that every candidate understands exactly what kind of interview they are attending and how the selection process will play out, so we make sure all of our candidates are fully informed as to what the interview process for each of our clients involves.

We are also available to answer any additional questions you have about the process.

Understanding the Dress Code

The vast majority of the time, a candidate should wear formal business wear to an interview. There may be rare occasions where this is not the case and we will let the candidate know, plus you can always clarify the dress code with whoever is setting up your interview.

Getting to the Interview

Scouting the route to the interview location is a crucial part of the preparation process so you know exactly how long it will take you to get there. To help, we provide you with all of the interview location’s details, including the address and what kind of premises it is (usually an office).

Candidates can then check the possible travel routes online and scout their route and the time it should take. It is always a good idea to arrive early, but we can also provide you with a contact name and number should you encounter any travel problems on the day of the interview. This is especially important should you have an evening appointment.

Preparing Your Responses

Once you have arrived at the interview, you will need to represent yourself as professionally as possible. This means being prepared for the likely questions you will be asked, with clear and concise answers that provide the interviewer with all the information they need to assess your suitability for the role.

We like to remind candidates that the interview is an opportunity to show the interviewer that you are reliable and enthusiastic by being prepared. Think about the type of role you are interviewing for, and the usual tasks and responsibilities involved, as there will be important questions about how you will cope and manage them in the new role.

Also make sure you have memorised any relevant information such as current or recent sales figures and achievements, or the KPI targets of your current or former company and how your commission structures work.

Modern interviews are not always straightforward and can include some unexpected questions designed to gauge how a candidate thinks on their feet. You can research such interviewing techniques online to get an idea, but it is enough to simply expect the unexpected and be ready to answer practically any question they might throw at you.

Some more good advice for candidates is to brush up on the details of your relevant experience, and be ready to explain any technical knowledge you have. You will also want to succinctly describe your career aspirations both in the short-term and long-term and demonstrate your understanding of the company and knowledge of the role.

Prepare Your Own Questions

It is quite uninspiring for an interviewer when they are wrapping up an interview only for the promising candidate to decline when asked if they have any questions. Failing to ask questions when offered the chance will often be interpreted as either a lack of preparation or a lack of genuine interest in the role and the company, so we strongly advise candidates to get some questions ready.

There are generic questions which interviewers will likely expect, such as the potential for professional development in the role and the working culture of the company. It is also likely the interviewer will have mentioned something about these topics during the interview, so here would be an opportunity to pick up on something they said and seek further information. This shows your interest in the role, and also that you have been paying close attention to everything the interviewer has said. You can also ask about KPIs, business achievements and strategic plans, as well as ask for more insight into the interview timeline.

Whatever role you are interviewing for with one of our clients, we make sure that you are fully prepared to give it the best shot possible and demonstrate your potential value to the company.