INTERVIEW HINTS

THE FIRST INTERVIEW

This is the most crucial step in the process - make a good impression here and you are on your way, but make a negative impression and you may not get another chance. First impressions are what count - so do everything in your control to make the best first impression:

Be on time - arrive with plenty of time to find parking or to allow for any delays with traffic/public transport.

Dress appropriately – as smart as you can and err on the conservative side. Better to wear a mens/ladies suit to interview than an open neck shirt – you can always find out about the dress code once you have the job (JPS strongly recommend if you are a man to wear a man`s suit).

Prepare – know the name of the client contact you are meeting with, know what the job involves and what style of individual the company are looking for.

Research the company – look at their website, get to know a bit about their business and know who their competitors are. Let the contact know you have gone to this basic effort: ask questions such as “I saw on your website you also have an office in Melbourne – do you have any further expansion plans?” or “I know you compete with X and Y, how do you think your product offering is superior?”

Know about yourself! - this may sound obvious but make sure you have checked over your resume and you know what information is in there. Also be prepared to answer questions such as “What was your annual sales budget at X?” or “How many people were you managing at Y?”.

Be confident but not over confident - this extends from you initial firm handshake to the way you answer questions.

Eye contact – maintain good eye contact with your interviewer, don`t hold a conversation with your feet or the ceiling.

Be a good listener – and you`ll pick up information you can use later in the interview and you`ll answer the question you have been asked.

Give clear, concise and relevant answers to questions - No point reciting all the clients you have managed if the question put to you was what was your single greatest sales achievement.

Have some questions of your own to ask. This can show you`ve done your preparation and that you have a strong interest in the company and opportunity. These questions should include why the role is available, what is the expectation, what is the company’s goals for the next year etc.

Ask for the order – it may be a little early in the process to ask for the job (but many people get jobs at first interview), but certainly ask for the outcome required of that meeting: “I have really enjoyed meeting with you today and feel very excited about this opportunity, when can we get together again?”

Even in interviews that don`t start well give your best – the opportunity maybe more interesting that it seems at first and you can always decline an offer, you can`t accept a rejection.

Finally relax and enjoy it! This is an exciting time full of possibility – remember an interview is a two way process and it is important for both the candidate and company to sell themselves to each other.

THE SECOND INTERVIEW

So you made a good first impression and you`ve been invited back. You may be the only candidate they are seeing at this stage or one of several. Go over the actions that got you this far and do them as well if not better – dress, punctuality, eye contact, listening and responding etc.

The second interview may be with a new/second person whose opinion of you and your skills will then be compared with the first contact. Treat the situation as is you are starting from scratch, like a batsman who has scored a hundred and re-takes guard and mentally looks towards 200! 
You have the qualities and/or skills that they are interested in - now is the time to seal the deal!

Re-prepare for the interview – reflect on what was discussed at first interview and have some thoughts on actions you might take in the role.
If you are offered a company tour, take it.

Remuneration and other benefits should probably be discussed at this meeting and it would be appropriate to ask for the offer and close the deal!

A THIRD INTERVIEW

Quite frankly this is unusual, but some companies have a three interview process although in many instances this is really a forum for a verbal offer/acceptance. But be on your guard – they may have one or two questions for you to handle before they get there and you don`t want to let it slip now.