The Interview Process

For most people, the job interview is the single most intimidating part of the job search. However, at The Alliance Group, we believe that, with the right preparation, every candidate can perform well at interview.

The key word is "preparation" and this is where we, as recruitment professionals, can assist you. Our consultants are in the midst of the interview process on a daily basis and, put simply, we know what to do and we know what to avoid.

We hope this guide will assist you in your preparation but, remember that there is no substitute for speaking with your recruiter and receiving advice specifically tailored to your particular interview and circumstances.

General Preparation

		Presentation - Look professional and do not fidget. Look into your interviewer's eyes. Greet your interviewer with a firm handshake.
		Preparation - Research the employer and interviewer. Be ready to talk confidently about anything referred to in your CV. Know why this employer would be a good fit for you. Have quality questions ready to ask at the end of the interview.
		Punctuality - Never, under any circumstances, be late. Give yourself more than enough time for the journey, assuming delays.
		Be Positive - Do not criticize your current employer or colleagues. Your reason for looking to move jobs should reflect a positive drive for career progression. It is important that one's positivity extends to every aspect of work.
		Be Precise - Never ramble. Answers should be short and to the point. If you don't understand a question seek clarification before attempting to answer.
		Avoid Discussing Salary - If the question is asked, the correct answer is to say you are looking for a market salary.
		Be Confident - But avoid arrogance. Smile and display enthusiasm.
		Use Examples - To illustrate a point, but be careful that it does so and avoid long tales that lead nowhere. Gauge the interviewer's interest by watching their eyes.
		Referees - Ask their permission before naming them. Your interviewer may know them personally.
		Debriefing - Speak to your recruitment consultant after the interview, so he or she can in turn speak to the interviewer. This can be a very important part of the interview process.
		In addition, bear in mind the following points which, while they may be raised in any setting, relate more specifically to telephone and video conference interviews respectively.

Telephone Interviews

		Take the call in a quiet area, minimize distractions and, where possible, use a landline.
		If you receive a call unexpectedly at a time which is inconvenient it is acceptable to explain and ask to reschedule.
		In any interview, but, more particularly in a telephone interview, you are being evaluated on not only what you say but also on how you say it. In the absence of body language and eye contact, you must sharpen your verbal skills and use professional and polished speech.

Video Conference

		When you commit to attend a VC interview, avoid cancellation or postponement because rescheduling often incurs significant fees which are paid by the very company which you hope will offer you a job. However, if you find you have absolutely no option but to cancel or postpone, ensure that you apologise for it and briefly explain what caused you to cancel or postpone at the first available opportunity.
		Be clear of where you are going and have a number that you can call if you encounter any difficulties. This is particularly relevant for VC as they often take place out of office hours and you may find it difficult to confirm details at the last moment.
		Be a little early so you can settle down before the VC begins.
		Be as aware of your presentation as you would be if interviewing in person.
		Technical difficulties are often experienced in VC's. Do not let this unsettle you but do let your interviewers know if you are having problems.

Common Areas Of Questioning

		The reasons for your interest in this employer.
		The reason for looking to leave your current job.
		Your career to date.
		Recent developments in area of specialisation.
		Whether you are considering other options.
		Your strengths and weaknesses.
		Your ambitions.
		Your knowledge of this employer.
		Particular work related achievements worthy of note.
		Examples of your teamwork.
		Development initiatives with which you have been involved.
		Work related challenges you have faced and how you overcame them.
		Examples of how you adopt a commercial approach to your position.
		Examples of your ability to delegate.
		Your ability to handle pressure and stressful situations.
		Examples of your ability to communicate effectively.
		Your motivation.
		Your relationships with your work colleagues.

Good Subjects On Which To Ask Questions

		Availability of professional training courses.
		Knowledge of systems.
		Initiatives or growth plans for the company.
		Prospects for advancement within the company.
		The structure of the department and reporting lines.
		Where you would fit within the team.
		Other details of the company, however, try not to ask questions to which you could easily have found the answer in the public domain.
		Future plans for the department and the company.

Utilise Our Experience

First impressions are critical. Thus, a first interview is the single most important part of the recruitment process.

Our recruitment professionals have vast knowledge of how interviews work. They can advise you on how best to approach them. They can also provide you with important facts about the company and the interviewers, both in terms of general information and more specific details on what to expect from those people with whom you will be meeting.

Accordingly, an important part of your interview preparation should involve speaking to your recruiter to obtain detailed knowledge on the business, department and individual with whom you are interviewing. If you would like to have a trial run with us prior to the interview proper, we would be happy to oblige.

We are here for you with the intention of giving you the best possible chance of a successful interview, so please make full use of the help we can offer.