An Expert's Guide to Interview Success

How you perform in interviews is one of the most important factors in determining whether or not you secure the job you want. But these days it’s not just interviewees who need to impress; interviewers need to be conscious of how they represent the role and the company too.

With returning market confidence leading to companies increasing headcounts and more professionals looking to pursue new opportunities, competition for the best candidates — and amongst candidates — is only going to get tougher. So now more than ever it’s important to make a good impression in your job interviews, whichever side of the desk you sit on.

Here are a few “dos and don’t’s” to help you on your way to interview success.

Employer dos and don’ts

• Don’t assume that you don’t have to impress candidates. At present with full-employment not too far off, the vast majority of candidates seeking permanent roles are currently already in permanent jobs, and many have multiple opportunities available to them.
• Do be prepared to answer questions about how your business navigated the Financial Crisis and how you have managed performance out of it.
• Don’t involve too many stakeholders in the interview process: companies who avoid lengthy hiring processes tend to secure the best candidates.

Candidate dos and don’ts

• Do prepare, prepare, prepare. Make sure you do your research on the company, review your CV and the job description, and prepare questions to ask the interviewer. The better prepared you are, the more confident you will be.
• Don’t underestimate the importance of body language – shake hands firmly, sit upright in your chair, look alert and interested, be a good listener, smile and maintain eye contact, and be as charismatic as possible in order to demonstrate your interpersonal skills.
• Do describe your accomplishments and how they apply to the prospective role, focusing on your experience in the last two years.
• Don’t be afraid to tell the interviewer why you are interested in the role and what you can bring to their organisation.

For more insight into how to make a good impression in interviews, visit www.robertwalters.com and download our Interview Guide.

David Barr is Director of Banking & Financial Services at Robert Walters Sydney office. Robert Walters is one of the world’s leading global recruitment consultancies, specialising in the placement of permanent, contract and temporary positions across all levels of seniority. With international offices spanning five continents, our global footprint enables us to meet the demands of clients and candidates whose needs extend beyond local markets, whilst our strong local foundations provide us with unique insights into industry and culture.

To contact David please send an email to david.barr@robertwalters.com.au

David Barr
Director
Robert Walters Sydney