The Process

Interviews are a part of the recruitment process.

The recruitment process for most organisations is:

• Applications are received, either via an application form or a CV.
• Candidates are shortlisted and invited for interview.

The number of interviews and their format can vary and can include assessment centres.  Some companies are satisfied after just one interview whereas others will want to bring back a further shortlist of candidates for one or more interviews and may ask you to take some literacy or numerical tests.

The purpose of an interview is to give the organisation a chance to assess you and for you to demonstrate your abilities and personality.  It is also an opportunity for you to assess them and to make sure their organisation and the position, are what you want.

To have reached the interview stage you have already impressed the recruiters and they believe you have the ability to do the job.  If you are successful at the interview stage you will receive an official letter offering you the job.

Questions

It's not just about them asking you questions - it also gives you the chance to find out if the jobs really what you want by asking them questions.

The Interviewer may ask you:

• What do you think that you can bring to the position?
• What made you apply to our company and what do you know about it?
• What are your strengths & weaknesses?
• Would you consider yourself a team player?

You could ask the Interviewer:

• When would you expect the successful applicant to start?
• Who would I be working with? With in which team would I be working?
• Do you have staff meetings to monitor successes or problems?
• How is training organised and what is offered?

These are a few examples of what may be asked in an interview situation but you never know, so the best thing to do is be prepared, be friendly and think about your answers, don't just blurt out the first thing that you think of.

Be yourself.

Remember - you are interviewing them as much as they are interviewing you!

Have a bit of a practice with an Interview Quiz.