The Interview Process
Your work experience to date presented on your CV has got you to the stage of your interview.
Your Performance in your interview is all up to you. Preparation is the key for a successful interview. Remember Fail to Prepare, Prepare to Fail!
Interviews are two way meetings, the chance to make an impression to a prospective employer and its important to impress right first time!
Preparing for an Interview
Prepare for your interview by researching your potential employer and having a full briefing of the position by websites, your recruitment consultant and news articles. Find out about the Company/Establishment; How long in operation, locations, services on offer etc.
Presentation at an interview is paramount. Dress code should be conservative. Caterassist Recommends that a Suit be worn where possible and also this would be prerequisite for Management and all front of house positions. Smart and Casual clothes can be worn. Please make sue that you dress to impress, your first minute will be always assessed by the interviewer.
Jewellery, perfume/aftershave and make up should be kept to a minimum.
Familiarize yourself with the route your interview destination if driving find out the route beforehand and if relying on public transport, find out timetables and stops well in advance. Always allow an extra 30 minutes due to traffic or transport delays.
Day of interview
Be punctual for your interview, leaving yourself enough time to tidy and fix your appearance if necessary.
Always be courteous to the client or there employees, first impressions matter!
Acknowledge everyone with direct eye contact and a firm handshake.
Be confident without been forward, be polite, listen to questions before giving your best answer!
Always thank the interviewer, and ask them what will the next stage be, if they don’t inform you!
During the Interview
Focus on the interview and listen carefully to what the interviewer(s) are asking you. Know your CV and be capable of discussing every point on your CV. Know exact dates, job duties and contacts for referees if asked. Be concise to the point without rambling on; speak clearly and confidently during the interview.
Never be negative about previous employers or experiences. Discussing this could portray a negative image about you. Remember you want to show all the good qualities that you have to offer!
Do have questions prepared for the interviewer about the position, company, future plans etc. (this will demonstrate that you are interested and have researched). Also highlight any experience that you may have had that will benefit your future employer.
Show your personality during the interview and your enthusiasm for the role. Any doubts that you may have may be best answered in the second interview. Make the interviewers remember you in the best possible manner! Be confident without been forward, be polite, listen to questions before giving your best answer!
As well as the past history on your CV the Interviewer may ask you questions like: Tell me about yourself and your past employments? Why are you seeking a new position? Why did you apply for this position? Where do you see yourself in 5 years time? What are you seeking in this role compare to past roles? What is your current Salary? What Salary are you Seeking? What would your current employer say about you, when time comes for a reference check? How do you work well with a Team?
They may also test your skills in relation to pressure and coping scenarios, listen and then answer, perhaps think of a scenario that may have happened in the past!
Closing an Interview
Always thank the interviewer, and ask them what the next stage will be, if they don’t inform you!
If you are interested in the position on offer tell them your interest!
If there is another interview ask them, when they think that would take place and with whom.
Also if you were successful when would they be seeking a candidate to start so, if successful you can organize yourself!
Contacting Caterassist after an Interview
It is a gesture of appreciation to let the Recruitment Consultant you dealt with at Catrerassist know how you got on at the interview.
Give them any feedback in relation to the interview; questions asked, if salary was discussed, it another interview was planned, or if an offer was made.
You can contact Caterassist either by phone, fax, landline or the Recruitment Consultant's mobile or indeed text them with your name at end of message.
For contact details click here.
