Interview Tips

Interviewing can be a daunting proposition, and it is normal to feel this way. However, ensuring that you are properly prepared will give you the best possible opportunity to settle those nerves during the interview.

Start by viewing the interview not as a necessary evil, but as the ideal platform to showcase your talents.

Preparation:

Your BettingJobs Consultant is the best person to help you get started on your preparation - briefing you on the company, the role, and other important detail highlighted by the client. We will ensure that your time, date, location, interviewer, and full brief are clearly communicated and we will guide you on our knowledge of our client.  The BettingJobs team are there to give you the most important information at our disposal - however, it's not all down to us.

Know the role you are going for and know your CV. Tailor your approach accordingly - identify from the job description, and from your briefing with the BettingJobs team, what the company is really looking for and how you can convince them that you are what they are looking for. Tailor your preparation to the level of position you are interviewing for - if it is an Executive or senior management position, prepare accordingly and with substance. For entry-level, the same principles apply, but tailor your preparation towards yourself and your ambitions.

Before attending any interview, consider the types of questions that might be asked - and prepare answers that will instill confidence in you with the interviewer, putting them at ease and giving yourself the best opportunity to sell yourself at the critical 'you' part of the interview.

The level of interview dictates the level of questioning, however, some scenarios and typical questions you might be asked are:

• Talk me through your experience.
• Why are you interested in this job?
• What can you contribute to this organisation?
• What are your career objectives?
• Describe a situation where you had a difference of opinion with a superior - how was it resolved and what was the outcome?
• How would your colleagues and / or manager describe you?
• How would your friends describe you?
• What are your key strengths?
• What are your weaknesses?

As the interview is a two-way process, use the opportunity to create discussion and ask questions relevant to the role and company. Most interviewers love talking about what they are looking for and the company - take advantage and show interest by trying to find out as much as you can. Use open questions such as:

• Why is the position currently available?
• What are the short and long-term prospects?
• What can you tell me about the company growth plans?
• What training and support is available?
• What are the biggest challenges currently facing the business?

During the interview, communication and etiquette is of the utmost importance:

• Speak with clarity and confidence.
• Keep your answers clear, defined and succinct.
• Be composed - don't think you are panicking or you will panic.
• Make the interviewer(s) feel relaxed and at ease.
• Remember the names of your interviewer(s) - don't repeat their names too often or appear over-familiar, but it's fine to show that you are attentive.
• Don't be afraid to produce examples of your work to back up what you are saying.
• Be respectful of your current and former employers. Even if you loathe them, keep it professional.
• Never interrupt - ever. Allow the interviewer time to speak and reply accordingly.

Some other pointers:

• Dress appropriately, in business attire.
• Definitely know the location and, where possible, do the journey in advance so you don't get lost on the day.

Common factors which cost people the job:

• Lack of preparation in advance.
• Lack of confidence. Allowances can be made for nerves but try make yourself settle as quickly as possible.
• Present yourself poorly or show lack of interest. Just turning up looking for any old job and hoping - or, worse still, expecting - to be hired.
• Overconfidence or acting in an overbearing manner. Sell yourself but never overstate your credentials - it's usually taken as arrogance.
• Poor communication.
• Appear disinterested in what the interviewer has to say and that it's 'all about you'.
• Over-emphasise the financial aspects.

Closing:

At the end of the interview, if the role is of interest and if you feel that the interviewer has bought into you and what you have to offer, feel free to try gauge their interest. Such questions may be useful:

• What are the next steps?
• What is your timeframe for making a decision?
• Any concerns?

In interviewing, the old cliché stands tall - 'Fail to prepare, prepare to fail.' Use our Interview Tips to your advantage and make sure that you give yourself the best possible chance of being the successful candidate.