The Chartered Institute of Payroll Professionals

Interview Techniques

A successful interview is the key to you securing your next dream career move, but interviews can often leave us feeling nervous and many people find it a stressful experience. Detailed below is a list of hints and tips, that if followed will help you through the interview process.

Preparation

Many people fall at the first hurdle in the interview process when not putting in enough time and effort into preparation leading up to the interview. The better prepared you are for the interview the more confidence you will have in the interview and the more credible you will be as an applicant.

Its is essential you undertake some background research on the organisation and these days most information is available on company websites. Ensure you know the history of the organisation, the nature of business and know the facts and figures. The more research you do the more likely you are to impress!

Allow plenty of time to arrive at your appointment, ensure you have planned your travel and have a map and directions to avoid any last minute panics! Make sure you have the full name of the interviewer and are aware of their exact position in the company. Be smart and business-like in your appearance and ensure that you are well-groomed, limit the amount of jewellery worn, remember less is more. Carry a handbag or briefcase, not a carrier bag, If you have a mobile phone with you, make sure you turn if off.

Think about the things you would like to know about the position and prepare relevant questions to ask, for example:

• What will be my key responsibilities?
• How has the role become available ?
• Where does the role sit within the organisational structure ?
• What are the dynamics of the team?
• What career opportunities are there within the company?
• What do you (the interviewer) like about working for the company?

It is advisable to write them neatly in a presentable notebook before your appointment. If, when asked whether you have any other questions about the vacancy, you wish to refer to your list, ask the interviewer before doing so.

At the interview

Having done your ‘homework’ and spent a great deal of time in preparing for the interview, make sure you make good first impression by following these prompts:

• Be punctual to the interview by arriving a few minutes early
   
• Look your interviewer in the eyes and shake hands firmly and thank them for their time.
   
• Speak clearly during the interview remembering to keep eye contact and make sure your answers are both relevant and concise.
   
• Make sure you listen carefully to the client showing both your interest and ensuring you understand the questions being asked.
   
• Keep your body language professional, sitting upright and not slouching in your chair through to maintaining your focus on the interviewer.
   
• Avoid salary discussion at the first interview unless prompted by the interviewer.
   
• Prepare examples of key achievements that you can mention if asked and be able to explain how you achieved success.
   
• Avoid referring to your previous/current employer in a negative manner. And be ready to explain your reasons for leaving previous roles.
   
• At the end of the interview show your interest in the role by asking any of your own questions when prompted. Finally ask the interviewer what the next stage of the process would be and the timescales as to when you may receive feedback.

We have listed some questions below which you may be asked in your interview, it is important to read these, as it will give you an idea of what to expect and how to prepare.

• What interests you about this vacancy?
• What interests you about this company?
• Why do you wish to leave your current employment?
• What do you like about your current job?
• What do you dislike about your current job?
• What do you want from your new job?
• What problems are you faced with in your current role?
• How would you describe yourself?
• What motivates you? What de-motivates you?
• What are your strengths?
• What are your weaknesses?
• How would your current/previous Manager describe you?
• How do you organise/ prioritise your work?
• Give me an example of how or when you had to cope under pressure?
• If you work in a team, how do you see your role within the team?
• Where do you see yourself in 5 years time?
• What makes you ideal for this role?
• What skills and attributes can you bring to this vacancy?
• What is your current salary?
• What benefits do you receive?
• What salary are you looking for?

We hope the above hints and tips leads to a successful interview, in the meantime please remember to call your consultant immediately after the interview with your feedback as this enables them to discuss your interview and interest in the role with your prospective employer and also potentially shows how keen you are on the position.

For any further advice ahead of your interview please contact the payroll recruitment specialists and preferred suppliers to the CIPP, Portfolio Payroll, Portfolio Payroll on 020 7247 9455, www.portfoliopayroll.com. Good Luck!!!