Entrée Recruitment’s Ultimate Interview Guide

Dress Code

Your choice of attire for the interview significantly impacts the first impression you make. It is important to dress in a manner that is both professional and appropriate for the business environment. Choose professional corporate attire that is neat, clean, and fits well. Here are some examples:

• Blazers or Jackets: Pair with trousers, skirts, or a conservative dress.
• Shirts: Opt for a collared shirt or a blouse in neutral colours.
• Trousers and Skirts: Ensure they are of a professional cut and fit.
• Shoes: Closed-toe, professional shoes 
• Accessories: Keep it minimal and professional.

Preparation

Preparation is crucial and can distinguish you from other candidates:

• Details: Confirm the interview’s date, time, location, and contact person.
• Research: Familiarise yourself with the company’s values, vision, recent achievements, and news.
• Role Clarity: Understand the job description to anticipate role-related queries.

Typical Interview Questions

Framework: The STAR technique (Situation, Task, Action, Result) is a powerful tool for constructing your responses with confidence and clarity.

Example Q&A:

• Q: “Can you tell us about a challenging project and how you handled it?”
• A: “In my previous role, we faced (Situation) …, I was responsible for (Task) …, so I decided to (Action) … As a result, (Result) …”
• Q: “What do you know about our organisation?”
• A: “Your organisation is renowned for [specific details]. Recently, it has accomplished [recent achievement], which I admire because [reason].”
• Q: “Why does this role specifically appeal to you?”
• A: “This role suits my skillset and career ambitions perfectly because [specific reasons], particularly the [aspect of the role], which I find intriguing.”
• Q: “What motivates you at work?”
• A: “I am greatly motivated by [factors that drive you], reflected in this role’s responsibilities.”
• Q: “Long term, what are you hoping to achieve in your career?”
• A: “My long-term goal is to [career goal], and this position is a crucial step towards it because [how this role fits into the career path].”
• Q: “What are your greatest career achievements?”
• A: “My biggest achievement so far has been [describe achievement], mainly because [the impact of your achievement].”

Behaviour

Your body language reinforces your spoken words:

• Body Posture: Maintain an upright position, face the interviewer, and remain approachable.
• Non-Verbal Cues: Incorporate suitable gestures, moderate eye contact, and nod to convey understanding.
• Attentiveness: Focus on the interviewer and minimise distractions.
• Smile: Display positivity and confidence through a friendly demeanour.

Common Interview Mistakes

Avoiding common pitfalls can significantly improve your chances in an interview. Here are the most frequent missteps to be aware of:

Lack of Preparation

• Insufficient Company Knowledge: Not being able to talk intelligently about the company is a common oversight that can communicate a lack of interest.
• Poor Understanding of the Role: Not understanding the job description or how your skills match the role might indicate a lack of qualification or interest.

Negative Attitude

• Criticising Previous Employers: It’s unprofessional and might make interviewers wary of how you speak about them in the future.
• Overconfidence or Arrogance: Confidence is key, but overstepping can leave a negative impression.

Poor Verbal Communication

• Not Answering the Question: Failing to address the interview questions directly can be seen as evasive or unprepared.
• Using Filler Words Excessively: Overuse of “um,” “like,” “you know,” etc., can detract from your professionalism.

Not Engaging Fully

• Lack of Questions: Not having questions prepared for the interviewer can suggest disinterest.
• Inattentiveness: Failing to engage, not making eye contact, fiddling with objects, or not actively listening can all undermine your interview.

Additional Tips

Questions for Interviewer: Prepare a list of questions to ask the interviewer to show your interest and help you assess the role’s suitability, for example:

• “Can you describe the company culture?”
• “What are the immediate priorities for someone in this role?”
• “How is success measured for this position?”

Follow-Up: Sending a post-interview thank you email is not just a courtesy; it’s an opportunity to reiterate your interest and explain why you’re a good fit, showing your proactive engagement with the process.

This guide, thorough preparation, self-awareness, and authenticity will significantly improve your interview performance and create a lasting impression. The objective is to highlight your skills and experience and demonstrate a cultural fit and potential for future growth within the company.