CV & Interview Guide from Hudson

InterviewpreparationPreparation is the first essential step towards a successfulinterview. Interviewers are continually amazed at the numberof applicants who drift into their offices without any apparentpreparation and only the vaguest idea of what they are goingto say. It is important to:IIIIIIIIIIIIKnow the exact place and time of the interview, theinterviewer’s full name, the correct pronunciation andtheir title.Check the location before the day and explore alternativeoptions of transport.Dress conservatively and preferably in darker colours,paying attention to all facets of your dress and grooming.Ensure complete understanding of the company you aregoing to see. It is essential to conduct thorough research.Look out for all relevant additional information includingnewsworthy items. Also, talk to friends or colleagues thatwork(ed) at the organisation, read through press releaseshighlighting recent successes.Highlight on the job specification the skills required andessential responsibilities, know where your role will fitinto the organisation.Refresh your memory on the facts and figures of yourpresent or former employer. You will be expected toknow a lot about the company for which you currently orpreviously worked.Probing questions you might ask include:IIIIIIIIIIIIIIIs there a detailed description of the position? Whatis the structure of the team and why is the positionavailable?What is the culture of the company?Why is the position available?What is the anticipated induction and trainingprogramme?How do you see this role developing over the next twoyears?What is the staff retention rate like?What are the company’s growth plans?You are being interviewed because the interviewer wantsto hire somebody, not because they want to trip you up orembarrass you. Your CV has impressed the interviewer, andnow you need to support this in your performance at theinterview.Through the interaction that takes place during the interview,the interviewer will be searching out your strong and weakpoints, evaluating you on your qualifications, skills andintellectual qualities. They will probably probe deeply todetermine your attitudes, aptitudes, stability and motivation.IIIIRead through and know your CV inside out, includinghighlights and/or challenges overcome in relation toeach project.Prepare the questions you will ask during the interview.The employer will try to determine through questioningif you have the qualifications necessary to do the job,and you must determine whether the company will giveyou the opportunity for the growth and development youseek.8