Interview Tips

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Over the years, and across a few different positions, I have had the opportunity to interview people as prospective employees to the company I was working for at the time. Most of the time I have interviewed as a partner with a colleague where one could ask questions and the other could observe the answer and reactions. At other times, I have acted as the "technical" interview barrier to ensure a level of knowledge and experience as part of the interview process.

I have also read up on a few online articles on how best to prepare yourself for interviews, as well as the best questions to ask. As always, these are my notes being shared here:
  • Dress appropriately. Research into the type of company you're applying for and understand if its right to wear a suit, or go smart-casual. A decent shirt, smart trousers and polished shoes will generally get you anywhere. Even if you believe the job will allow you to wear trainers, DON'T!
  • Get a decent haircut. Again, appropriate for the job. 
  • Read your CV and take a copy with you. 
  • Turn up 10-15 early. If you arrive an hour early, it looks like you've forgotten what time has been arranged 
  • Don't turn up blasting tunes our of your Fiesta, and then wheel-spin off afterwards.
  • Don't and try and break the interviewers hand with your handshake (it hurts and not impressed) 
  • Be yourself, know your abilities and be HONEST. Don't just say what you think they want to hear, because it might not be what they want to hear!
  • Do you smoke? Seriously, do NOT have one to steady the nerves before the interview. Stay fresh, because nobody wants to interview someone who smells like a stubbed out Marlboro. 
  • Research the company you are applying for. If you don't know anything about them, you're not interested in working there. 
  • Don't complain about your current employer, stay professional. Even if your current manager is a bit of a douche. 
  • Have a few questions prepared. Interviews work both ways. 





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