At CREGG Recruitment, we work with candidates from a wide suite of industries including Engineering, Medical Devices, HR & IT- and one common trend we have noted is the anxiety and fear brought on by job interviews. Whilst a job interview can be a daunting task, it is important to remember that it is your 1st chance to land that dream job and impress your future colleagues with your knowledge, charisma and personality.
Like with everything, “practice makes perfect” and here, we have taken some time to speak to our highly qualified team of Recruitment Consultants throughout Ireland to get their top tips for preparing for an interview, and how to land that dream job!
1. Research the Company
Doing thorough research on the company you are applying to will put you head and shoulders above your competition. When you go into your interview with a firm knowledge of the company and the potential role you will be filling, you’ll be able to answer questions in a much more tailored and targeted way.
2. Know Your Values and Ask Questions
Self-awareness is one of the most important and most sought-after competencies to have in the workplace. Spending some time in reflective introspection about the career choices you have made will give you a good idea of the things you value in your working life.
Make note of the questions you would like to ask about the company and workplace culture that are important to you. These questions can range in topic from the software and tools used by the company, to the policy on taking time off. Remember, the interview is as much about you finding a good fit for your career goals as it is for the company to find a good fit for the job role. Knowing that your values align with your potential employer is essential to having a smooth and happy working life.
3. Prepare Answers to Common Question
Though many interviews contain notoriously dreaded questions like, “What is your greatest weakness?” with a little preparation, these questions are nothing to fear. It’s important to be succinct, specific, and honest in your replies, but don’t overthink it.
Jot down some bullet-point responses to the most commonly asked interview questions and rehearse them so they are fresh in your mind when the day of the big interview comes.
Expect to encounter some variation of the following during your interview:
- Tell me about yourself
- What are your greatest strengths?
- Greatest weaknesses?
- Describe your work history
- Why are you interested in this position/working for this company?
4. Know the Location of the Interview
As if job interviews aren’t nerve-wracking enough, often interviews happen in places we have never been before. This can cause a great deal of anxiety, especially if you live in a big city or are easily made nervous by driving in unfamiliar places. To avoid becoming harried and anxious due to commuting before your interview, take some of these steps during your preparation to help put your mind at ease:
- Leave in Plenty of Time
- Save Your Interview’s Contact Information
- Look Up the Location Beforehand
5. Prepare with Mock Interviews
Our consultants have seen it all when it comes to Job Interviewing and Coaching. We strongly believe that completing a mock interview is one of the best ways to secure your dream job. It gives you the opportunity to pre-empt questions, prepare solid answers using qualified techniques and reduce nerves.
We have seen clients go from nervous, fidgeting ramblers to irresistible charmers. Practice may be a bit tedious, but it’s well worth it.
At CREGG Recruitment, we pride ourselves on our ability to prepare candidates for interviews, using our experience and knowledge of the sector. If this is something you believe you would benefit from, please ask your Recruitment Consultant and they will be happy to oblige.
6. Print Hard Copies of Your CV
Though most employers ask for digital copies of your CV during the application process, they may not have one on hand when it comes time to interview you. Having a copy readily available shows that you are organized and prepared.
It is advisable to have at least 3 hard copies with you. Two in case there is more than one interviewer, and one for yourself to use to follow along as the interviewer is discussing your work history.
7. Have Concluding Questions Prepared
At the end of your interview, it is commonplace to be asked if you have any questions. You may have questions come to you in the moment, but it’s a good idea to have several prepared beforehand. Here are some examples:
- What is your favorite part of working for Company X?
- In your opinion, what is the most essential quality or skill needed to be a good fit for this role?
- What is your ultimate vision for this position/department?
- What is something you would add/change about this department/company if you could?
Preparing well is the cornerstone of knocking your interview out of the park. Give yourself the best possible chance of success by doing your research, preparing your responses, practicing aloud, and thinking thoughtfully about your values, goals, and skill set.
If you are interested in securing a free Interview Technique consult, contact your Recruitment Consultant at CREGG Recruitment across multiple locations in Ireland (Galway, Shannon, Athlone and Cork) and we would be delighted to assist.
