Proper preparation is the difference between securing your dream role, and not. Providing you have relevant experience it will be your performance on the day that will determine your success at interview. We urge all candidates to spend at least one hour preparing for all interviews. Please see our 10 point guide below to impressing at the first interview stage:

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1 - DO YOUR RESEARCH

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There are 2 important reasons to undertake company research. Firstly, you shouldn't want to interview with a company you know nothing about. Secondly, the interviewer will be far more impressed if you can display that you have spent some time researching their business. Make sure you have a detailed understanding of the company, their products/services, their history, their competition and their strengths in the market.

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2 - RESEARCH YOUR INTERVIEWER

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Just as importantly, make sure you know about the person you will be meeting with. This is especially important if you are meeting with a senior decision maker rather than HR. Spend some time looking at their career history and look for any online articles they have been involved with.

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3 - DON'T BE LATE (OR TOO EARLY)

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Everyone knows not to be late to interview. However it is also advisable not to bee too early. Your interviewer no doubt has a busy day, and arriving significantly early disrupts them just as much as arriving late. Aim for 10-15 minutes early.

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4 - TAKE NOTES

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It shows a great deal of attention to detail to pull out a pen & pad, and take notes during the interview. It will improve your standing with the interviewer significantly.

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5 - DISPLAY COMPANY KNOWLEDGE

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There's no point doing your research if you aren't going to use it. Make sure you highlight your company knowledge on a number of occasions. Mention recent company news, ask questions based around the company and its people.

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6 - ASK QUESTIONS

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Always ask questions when given the chance. Just the process of asking questions will elevate your standing in the eyes of the interviewer. It is not acceptable to say "No, you covered everything" when asked if you have any questions.

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7 - PREPARE A PRESENTATION

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The best way to beat the competition to the job is to prepare a brief presentation showing what you can do, and a little about yourself. This will elevate you above the competition, as it is very unlikely that anyone else has gone to these lengths. For more info, and some example presentations, please get in touch.

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8 - TELL THEM YOU'RE INTERESTED

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As the interview draws to a close there are 2 things you must do. Firstly tell them you are interested, and secondly close them for the job (or second interview). With sales roles, you likely won't get the role without closing the interviewer, however we recommend you close them regardless of what role it is. 

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9 - CLOSE FOR A SECOND INTERVIEW

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At this stage, ask the interviewer if they have any reservations about your ability to do the job. If they say no, simply ask when the second interview will be, or depending on the tone of the interview, ask when you can start. If there are reservations, make sure you cover them coherently.

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10 - ALWAYS FOLLOW UP

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Post-interview always follow up as soon as possible. 

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If you follow the above advice, you will be significantly more successful at interview. It is likely that you will be the only candidate that had done their research, taken notes, delivered a presentation and closed them for the job - which will leave you miles ahead of the competition.