Cwjobs.co.uk > Careers advice > Interviews

Preparing for your first interview

Tue, 27 Sep 2011 10:06:57 +0100

If you’re on your way to an interview, then your CV has already impressed your potential employer. The next step is to sell yourself in person. This will be a lot easier if you do some basic preparation before you step through the door.

The basics

If your invitation doesn’t include it, try to find out how long the interview will be, what format it will take (e.g. any ability tests or exercises) and whether you’re expected to bring or prepare anything. And make sure that you know where you’re going and who you will see. Refer to our interview checklist for more information.

Become an online detective

A little research will demonstrate your interest and enthusiasm, and help you find out a little about where you might be working. Good preparation will also help you to answer questions (like “why do you want to work for us?”), and will also help you devise your own questions for the interviewer. Don’t forget that an interview is also your opportunity to work out whether the job is right for you.

Your first stop is the company’s website. You need to understand what it does, its values, clients or audience and any technologies or platforms it uses. You'll be able to explain your competencies in their software or argue that they might consider switching later.

Many employer sites have archives of press articles about them or issued by them – and many also have their latest annual report: make sure you read these and can quote salient information from them.

You can also look at competitor sites to get a better idea of the market, and search online for what’s being said in the media, especially trade magazines and forums. Investor sites could also alert you to events affecting the company’s business.

To guide your research, ask yourself some questions as you go:

• What do I know about this organisation, and why would I want to work for them?
• Which of my past jobs are directly relevant to this role?
• What experience do I have of using the required functional or technical skills?
• Is there any training I would like or additional skills I’d like to gain?

Exploit your network

You might not think of yourself as a “networker”, but this just means using any contacts (friends, ex-colleagues, people you studied with) to your best advantage. Check if you know anyone who works at your target company...or if they know someone who does! Then you can ask what it’s like to work there and what types of skills are most valued. Social networking sites like Facebook or Linked In can help you exploit any connections you have.

Know your CV

Read over your CV or application, thinking specifically about the technical skills and qualities the employer is looking for. Find the best way to demonstrate these, including past roles. List the relevant skills you’ve developed in each job: this will help you prepare evidence and your answers to competency-based questions. You could also ask yourself questions like:

• What does the job involve and why do I want it?
• Am I am skilled with the software and/or hardware that the company uses?
• What qualities do I have that make me suitable?
• What are my key strengths and development needs?
• How would I like my career to develop?

Think about how you’d be convinced you’d found the right person for the job. Remember that your competitors may have very similar backgrounds to your own, so you need to make the most of your unique experiences and achievements. Whatever you do, though — don’t undersell yourself!

Get ready for questions

There are some questions that nearly always come up. Make sure you’re ready for the basics:

• Why are you interested in this field?
• Why are you interested in this company?
• Why are you interested in this position?

Apart from competency-based questions, you should also be prepared to discuss your CV, including any issues you might prefer to avoid, like:

• Your greatest weakness
• Any lack of related experienceor gaps in your CV
• A lack of leadership experience

If there’s something you’re not asked, and you feel it’s important to your ability to do the job, remember to ask at the end of the interview.

___________________________________________________

With over 9,000 vacancies from over 650 employers to browse, there’s a huge variety of IT jobs on offer with CWJobs. IT professionals and contractors can drill down into our jobs database and search by specific skill set, salary, employer and location before applying online today.

Upload your CV today to let employers contact you directly.

Further links:

- Everything you need to know about putting together your CV
- More information about interviews
- The latest IT recruitment news

Search IT jobs:

- Search for contract IT jobs
- Search for IT support jobs
- Search for graduate IT jobs
- Search for Online jobs

Search IT sectors:

- Search for banking and finance IT jobs
- Search for public sector IT jobs
- Search for telecoms jobs

Interview checklist

Tue, 31 May 2011 15:54:20 +0100

Before the interview:

Research the organisation: check the company website and find out anything else you can on the internet
If you're changing career or industry, research the new industry in as much depth as possible
Prepare answers to standard interview questions
Make sure you know the name of the person or people interviewing you
Check the format of the interview
Check the formality of the interview and prepare an interview outfit
Print out spare copies of your CV to take with you
Re-read your CV
Plan your journey to the interview
Check the news/traffic reports to make sure there are no potential delays
Take a contact number for the company with you in case there are any problems

At the interview:

Switch off your mobile
Ask when you can expect to hear back

After the interview:

If appropriate, email to thank the interviewer for the opportunity
If unsuccessful, contact the interviewer and ask for constructive criticism/feedback

Further links:

- Interview questions
- Top 5 interview tips
- Interview techniques
- How to dress

- Find an IT job

Top 5 interview tips

Tue, 31 May 2011 15:53:48 +0100

Your CV has got you through the door; now it's up to you to impress the recruiter and prove you really are the right person for the job. The following key points may seem straightforward but they're the most important steps you can take to ensure you make a good impression from the get-go.

Be prepared

Research the company thoroughly prior to the job interview. Hmm, we may have said this before. But we make no apologies because this is the single most important piece of advice we can give you.

Read through the company website to gain a thorough understanding of what it does, its values, clients or audience and any technologies it uses (or could be using).

You should also Google the company and read any press releases, forums or internet chatter. Note important issues or points you can discuss at the interview, and, where possible, suggest how your contribution could impact their business model; show them the money!

Take copies of your CV and the job description with you to the interview. It may also be worthwhile taking a digital copy with you on a USB stick, along with any other portfolio work that may interest them. Don't be afraid of showing off, you can bet the other candidates won’t be holding back!

Interview questions

All this prep work will go a long way to helping you prepare answers to questions you might be asked during the interview. As well as swotting up on the standard questions, if you applied through a recruitment consultant, make them earn their fee by briefing you on specific things the employer might ask. At the end of the day, they want you to get the job and get paid their placement fee – so use them.

You also need to come up with relevant questions to ask the interviewer about the company and your role. You may well be able to come up with questions based on the interview content itself, but it’s worthwhile having a few stock questions prepared just to ensure you're not floundering like a beached whale when the tables are turned.

You may want to ask something along the lines of "what's it like to work here?", "what are the career prospects like?", and "where does the company see itself within the marketplace within the next few years?".

Timekeeping

Do we really need to tell you this? Well, yes actually – make sure you're on time. Don't have an alarm clock? Get one.

Plan your route in advance and make a dry run to the interview location a few days beforehand to make sure you’re clear on where you’re going. Print out directions and maps from sites like Google Maps and make sure you have alternate routes available should there be any problems.

Make sure you have numbers for both the recruiter and the company you’re interviewing with so you can let them know if there are any major issues that will cause you to be late or need to rearrange the interview.

Always keep everyone informed if there are unavoidable problems. They will understand, honest.

Dress the part

While many companies will still expect you to turn up in a suit and tie, or formal office wear, this may not always be the case – particularly if you are interviewing for a website or new media company. And turning up overly smart for an interview at the latest dotcom could actually work against you.

Speak to your recruitment consultant or the HR department of the company that’s interviewing you about the appropriate attire. If in doubt, go with the smart option, but don’t overdo it. Don't use any heavy aftershave or perfume and be careful to consider the amount of make-up and/or jewellery you wear.

After the interview

If you're unsuccessful, use it as an opportunity to improve. Ask for feedback from the interviewer. You're entitled to it! If you were skills or competency tested, ask for the results. This shows initiative and keenness on your part, as well as boosting your future interview success chances; the interviewer might consider you for future vacancies at the company based on this action alone.

And remember what your nan taught you...politeness costs nothing. It's always worthwhile sending a note of thanks – via email or otherwise – for the interviewer’s time.

Further links:

- Interview questions
- Top 5 interview tips
- Interview checklist
- How to dress

- Find an IT job

Interview techniques

Tue, 31 May 2011 15:52:47 +0100

There are various techniques you can use when faced with a job interview. You’ll rarely be made aware of the exact format you're up against, but with a little preparation you can make the process much less painful.
Here are a few things you can do to perfect a technique that will hold solid for the majority of interview situations.

Interview preparation

You'll need to demonstrate a full understanding of the company, its products and s competitors. Log on to the company's website and have a look for relevant press releases and industry news to help you with this.

Check out its client and affiliate lists. They will give you a thorough understanding of the business and should help ease any nerves once the interview begins. If you know the name of the interviewer, have a quick look for them on LinkedIn or Google.

Role play

There are many standard interview questions you can prepare for. Rehearse the answers to these and if possible get friends or family involved to conduct role play situations. Check out our guide to interview questions and get revising.

Body language

Calm your nerves by breathing steadily. You won't be penalised for taking a few moments to consider your answer to a question – in fact, demonstrating you're the sort of person who thinks before they open their mouth is a positive thing!

Remember to look into the eyes of your interlocutor, not around their eyes. Don't fidget! If you're faced with a panel of interviewers, make sure you address your answers to the panel and not just to one person. Practice these situations until you're comfortable.

Answering interview questions

The key with all of this is to remain calm. You’re not always expected to give an immediate response. You’re expected to think about your answers and give a valid response backed up by an example or a reason.

What seems like a long pause to you is probably only a couple of seconds; remember that some interview questions are specifically designed to throw you and therefore test your ability to think on your feet. Make sure that for every answer you rehearse, you have an example to support it with. We know you've probably heard it before, but there are no right or wrong answers.

Psychometric and intelligence tests

You may be asked to complete a psychometric and/or an intelligence test upon arriving at interview. Don't panic! In the case of psychometric tests, they’re designed to establish more about your personality and how you deal with certain situations, i.e. how well you’d fit into a company. Again, there are no right or wrong answers here. Try your hand at one of the many free online psychometric tests.

Intelligence tests are usually employed to ensure you meet the basic criteria to handle the type of work involved in a job. There is no point getting a job that requires advanced algebra on a daily basis if you can't do it.

Don't freak out if you can't complete the test in full. You're usually just required to answer as many questions as possible within an allotted time period.

The type of questions asked will usually pertain to the role you've applied for, therefore if you're suitable for the role and capable of meeting the criteria, there should be nothing to worry about. Again, you can practice intelligence tests online prior to your interview.

Confidence

If you're not confident in yourself, you can't expect a prospective employer to be confident in your ability to do the job.

By practicing all of the above techniques, you should gain a measure of faith in your ability to handle anything they throw at you.

Further links:

- Interview questions
- Top 5 interview tips
- Interview checklist
- How to dress

- Find an IT job

10 questions to ask at the interview

Tue, 31 May 2011 11:34:56 +0100

Your interview went like a dream. You handled your interrogator’s questions with enthusiasm and skill. Now comes the final hurdle: your interviewer smiles, turns to you and says, "I’m sure you must have loads of questions".

At this point, if you're at all serious about working for the company, you should have a whole quiz show of questions ready to fire off and turn this potential pitfall to your advantage.

But, just in case your mind goes blank, here are ten enquiries that will simultaneously demonstrate your suitability and also give you valuable information about the company to help you make your choice should you be made an offer.

1. How would you describe the work culture here?

You need to get a feeling for the company's atmosphere: you don’t want to find yourself unwittingly pitched into a dysfunctional workplace. This question can also indicate that you’re an adroit self-manager capable of getting the best out of yourself and others.

2. What are the most and least enjoyable aspects of the role?

If you can get an straightforward answer to this question, you’ll not only get a sense of the day-to-day demands of the job, but also show that you’re thinking with a clear brain about all aspects of the role.

3. What types of training opportunities does the company provide?

Do you want to be stuck doing the same job for the next decade, or do you want to progress up the career ladder? This classic question will prove your ambition and reveal whether there’s a genuine career path for you to follow.

4. Is there a chance for promotion in the future?

A close relative of the previous question. You will gain a sense of the importance the company places on helping staff with their career progression and whether they recruit from within, and they will understand your determination to make long-term progress.

5. How is performance measured and reviewed?

If you join, you want to deliver real results and also ensure your commitment and reliability are recognised and rewarded. You want to know that your efforts will be fairly measured and appreciated. Now's the time to find out what systems the company has in place to track performance.

6. What are the most important challenges that your company is facing?

It’s not just the job you’re interested in, but the structural and business challenges that the company faces. You’ve done your research into the company; here's your chance to hear their side of the story.

7. Am I suited to this position?

This question takes nerve. You’re trying to suggest from the outset that you’re open to constructive criticism and willing to learn from experience and feedback. It also gives you a chance to defend yourself from any misconceptions your interviewers may have gained and restate why you think you’re the right person for the job.

8. Why did the last person leave this role?

Another good way of finding out a little bit more about the company and its culture. Has this role been specifically created? Or was it vacated by a previous employee? And if so, why did they leave?

9. What is your preferred management style?

By getting them talking to about themselves, this question is a good way of getting your potential future employers onside and to get a sense of their bona fides.

10. Where do you see the business in five years time?

This question not only shows that you’re taking a strategic view of the company and its prospects, but it also enables you to turn the tables and ask them the dreaded “where do you see yourself after five years” question.

Further links:

- Interview checklist
- Top 5 interview tips
- Interview techniques

Search IT jobs:

- Search for IT contract jobs
- Search for IT support jobs
- Search for graduate IT jobs

How to dress

Fri, 27 May 2011 15:34:58 +0100

How to dress

Wearing the right clothes won’t guarantee success. But if you get your interview outfit wrong, then your prospects will suffer as soon as you step through the door.

Go for the safe option

The golden rule when it comes to dressing for interviews is 'smart and conservative'. This generally means a suit, jacket and tie for men and a business suit or skirt and blouse combination for women. That means no scruffy trainers or t-shirts featuring your favourite band.

One recruitment specialist says, "Even if you’re going for an interview at a new media agency where the daily dress code is fairly casual, I would always recommend going to the interview wearing a suit and tie.

"You’ll never really look out of place with a tie on, but if you aren’t wearing one, and your interviewer is, then you’ll come across as scruffy."

Avoid overdressing

Excessively casual clothing for women is also a major mistake, with a number of obvious pitfalls you should avoid.

One HR director said: "The main problem we have is that some women often dress inappropriately for interviews.

"An interview is a formal occasion, so women shouldn’t dress in the same way as they would do for a Friday night on the town.

"Wearing short skirts, towering heels or strappy tops just doesn’t sit well in an interview situation. Wear a sober business suit and sensible heels, and you’ll never look out of place."

Keep it subtle

Colour combinations, accessories and personal grooming also have a vital role to play when it comes to your appearance.

Suits should be in classic dark colours like navy, grey or black while men should carefully co-ordinate tie colours and avoid anything too bright or gimmicky.

One recruitment director said: "A novelty tie is an absolute no-no when it comes to interviews. The secret is to play it safe again and go with a trusted colour combination.

"Stores like Marks and Spencer and TM Lewin advertise their shirt and ties in classic combinations. If you are in doubt have a look there and you won’t go far wrong with a white or light blue shirt matched with an appropriate tie.

"Most offices have someone who likes to dress a bit differently – but that’s after they got the job. You can bet your bottom dollar they turned up for the interview in a classic suit."

Men and women should not wear too much jewellery and should also pay particular attention to their shoes.

Classic black shoes for men are the safest bet, while women should choose dark shoes with an appropriate heel. Don’t forget to give them a good shine either! It takes a few minutes and makes a world of difference.

Polish your look

One HR professional said they always look for things like: "…dirty fingernails, greasy hair, poor grooming and stains on clothes. What that says to me is that this person doesn’t really care what they look like, which would raise serious questions about their suitability for my organisation."

Wearing too much makeup and perfume or aftershave is also a mistake.

Our recruitment consultant advisors say: “The trick again is to keep things subtle. Too much make-up and an overpowering perfume sends out the wrong message.

“Men often over do it on the aftershave – a few dabs behind the ear and on the wrist is all you need. Interviews are nerve-wracking, and people do sweat so make sure you have a good deodorant, and if you are likely to sweat I’d say keep your jacket on – obviously wet armpits aren't a good look so cover them up.”

Getting it right: the facts and figures

The importance of getting your outfit right was highlighted by a recent survey which found that 37% of senior executives had decided against hiring a candidate because of the way they were dressed.

The biggest turn-off was too-casual dress while 36% felt co-ordination of colours and styles was an important indicator of the candidate’s personality.75% wanted clothes appropriate for the circumstances And 33% considered whether the candidate’s style suited their organisation.

Orange was the worst colour to wear at interview, with 95% of executives deeming it unacceptable, with red (84%) and pink (83%) also thought inappropriate.

Our HR advisor said: “We’re looking for someone dressed smartly and conservatively —think more David Cameron than Boris Johnson when it comes to style, though. There’s plenty of time once you have the job to stamp your sartorial style on the office.

“In an interview it always pays to play it safe and go with a classic look.”

Men: what to wear

Dark business suit
Black shoes
White or light blue long sleeved shirt
Coordinating tie
Dark socks

…and what not to wear

Jeans or too casual clothing
Novelty ties or socks
Excessive jewellery
Heavy aftershave

Women: what to wear

Dark business suit or skirt and blouse with skirt sitting on or just above the knee
Tights
Dark shoes with appropriate heel

…and what not to wear

Low-cut tops
Excessively high heels
Bare legs
Strappy tops
Too much makeup and perfume

Further links:

- Interview questions
- Top 5 interview tips
- Interview checklist

- Find an IT job

Interview questions

Fri, 27 May 2011 15:26:46 +0100

Interviewers aren't always the most original bunch and often fall back on the same sorts of questions. Which is handy, because it means you can prepare answers to the type of generic interview questions we’ve listed below (along with some suggested answers).

Question: "Why do you want this job?"

Suggested answers:

You believe you've taken your current role as far as you can and you’re looking for a fresh challenge.
You believe this is an organisation in which you can make your mark and take your career to the next level.

Show off your knowledge about the business – make all that research count (you know, the stuff we told you about in our interview prep guide? What do you mean you haven't read it yet?

Question: "Where does this job fit in with your career plans?"

This role offers you a new challenge where you can not only put your existing skills to good use, but expand upon them as well. Show ambition – you think this is a great opportunity for you to progress your career. Might be a bit cheesy, but it works wonders.

Question: "What are your strengths?"

Your answer should be directly related to the key skills in the job description. Back up your answer with examples of how you have demonstrated these skills in your current role.

Question: "What are your weaknesses?"

Your answer should be a positive one – perhaps you work too hard or you have a maddening attention to detail. Don't blurt out the fact that you might be a bit slow or you're often hungover on a Wednesday because the pub quiz is on a Tuesday night.

Question: "What's been your most significant success at work?"

This question relates to you personally – not how you worked as part of a team. Use examples where you've been the project lead or manager, for example, and state how much your current organisation benefited from this success, with figures if possible. Ensure your answer is related to the job you're applying for.
Question: "What’s the biggest mistake you ever made?"

The answer the interviewer is looking for is more about how you dealt with the mistake, rather than the mistake itself. Demonstrate how you snatched victory from the jaws of defeat.

Question: "What’s the greatest challenge you have ever faced?"

Again, this needs to be relevant to the job you are applying for. Give a specific example detailing the challenge, how you handled it and what action you took. Highlight whether you would handle things differently and why, should you encounter a similar challenge.

Question: "How do you cope with difficult colleagues?"

Emphasise your ability to view things from your colleagues' perspective and your flexible communication skills – establish what you can do to help them or adapt yourself to rectify the situation. NB. this does not include politely offering to go deodorant shopping with them.

Question: "You've changed jobs three times in the past five years, why should I think you are more serious about this one?"

If you have a valid personal reason for moving around, explain. Alternatively, you made offers you just couldn't refuse. Or you achieved the goal you aimed for when taking on a new position and it was therefore time to take on a new challenge.

Question: "What do you do outside of work?"

This is about personality as well as commitment. You should have active interests outside of work, but nothing that would interfere with your work, e.g. hobbies that might land you in hospital every now and then.

Question: "What's your current salary?"

Include all your bonuses and any perks. Don't fib - this information will be checked with your current employer and lying just makes you look greedy.

Question: "Do you have any questions?"

At the end of an interview, that most dreaded question of all is likely to rear its ugly head. Do you have any questions for the interviewer? Of course you do! At least, you will after reading this. We've provided some suggestions below, but you should also try to pick up on points made during the interview to prove you've been listening and ask relevant questions:

What's it like to work here?
Why has the position become available?
What are the career and training prospects?
If I was offered the job, how would my success be measured?
What behaviour is desired and rewarded (not financially) in this position?
What's the turnover of staff like throughout the company?
What elements of the job offer flexibility and variety?
I do like a challenge; does this role involve me being able to use my initiative?
If I'm successful, where would you like to see me within the company in five years?
What's the structure of the team this position sits within?
What do you like most about working here?
What is your management style?
What is the working atmosphere like? Is it relaxed, silent, work hard/play hard?
Do colleagues socialise together outside of work?

Keep in mind, you are interviewing them as well. They need to entice you to join their company as much as you need to impress them. You've been invited to sit in that room because they are as interested in you as you are in them so feel confident. Use the opportunity to find out as much as you can because you have a decision to make as well, i.e. is this the role for me?

Further links:

- Interview techniques
- Top 5 interview tips
- Interview checklist
- How to dress

- Find an IT job

Why should we hire you?

Fri, 27 May 2011 15:12:18 +0100

You know it’s coming: whatever the role, whatever the company, all interviews boil down to one key question. Why should we hire you?

You’re trying to convince your interviewers to invest in your best asset: you. So just how should you go about selling yourself?

Get your story straight

Make sure you know exactly why you think you should get the job. Prepare a short story that feels natural and unforced i.e. not a flat recitation from memory. Tailor it to the specific role and company in question. It goes without saying you’ll need to know the role and the organisation inside and out.

Preparing for your first interview

Stay on target

Leave out any irrelevant details, no matter how impressive they might appear at first sight. Stick to highlighting those skills and experiences that fit the company. Throughout the interview, keep a close ear out for the details that describe their ideal candidate. Then you can show just how perfectly you fit that description.

Interview techniques

Vive la différence

Can you explain what makes you stand out from the crowd? Of course, a good answer will demonstrate the ways your particular experience and skill-set meets their needs better than anyone else. But do you have a personal take on what they want?

Try to create a narrative line that runs through your past experiences all the way up to this interview. Spin your life story to show how everything you've done so far has been leading you to this job.

Top 5 interview techniques

Ask good questions

Good questions will show that you’re a smart, thoughtful and curious person who listens to what people have told you. The questions you choose will indicate your knowledge in your field, as well as your general level of intelligence. It's your best chance to drive the conversation and get the perspective of people currently working at the company. Some examples might be:

• What do you value most as a company?
• What are the different skills and experience within the team?
• What kinds of processes do you have to encourage collaborative working?
• Do you have any concerns I should address before I become your top candidate?

10 questions to ask at the interview

Have your answers ready

It never hurts to be prepared for some of the most common tricky questions. These are just a few examples of how to approach them.

"Why did you leave your last job?"

Stay positive, regardless of the circumstances. Never refer to a major problem with management and never speak ill of supervisors, co-workers or the organisation – you could look negative or argumentative. Keep smiling and talk about positive reasons for leaving, including new opportunities, a chance to do something different, or another forward-looking option.

"Do you consider yourself successful?"

Of course you do! But briefly explain why. A good explanation might explain how you've set goals for yourself (don’t forget to name them), some of which you’ve met already, others which you’re still on track to achieve.

"Are you a team player?"

Again, the only sensible answer is yes! Be sure to have specific examples ready, which show you often perform for the good of the team rather than for yourself.

If your examples of being a team player are strong, you don’t need to sell them, just describe them in a matter-of-fact tone.

With thousands of vacancies to browse from hundreds of employers, CWJobs has a huge database of permanent and contract IT jobs on offer. IT professionals and contractors can search our jobs database by specific skill set, salary and location before applying online.

Or you can upload your CV today and let employers contact you directly.

Search for jobs:

- Search for contract IT jobs
- Search for IT support jobs
- Search for graduate IT jobs

Search IT sectors:

- Search for banking and finance IT jobs
- Search for public sector IT jobs
- Search for telecoms jobs