Interview Tips

Some employers such as Google, Apple and Facebook to name but a few, have taken to asking oddball questions to test candidate's ability to think on their feet during interviews. If you are asked such a question, remember there is no right and wrong answer, but try to work out the interview's motivation in asking the question. ...

Best-selling author and founder of "The CV Centre" and "The Resume Center" discusses the weird and wonderful interview questions that some employers ask candidates in his books "The Interview Book" and "The Interview Question & Answer Book". James provides examples of such questions and suggests ways of answering them....

How do you get a giraffe into a fridge? This is a genuine question a candidate was asked by a major employer at an interview, and is an example of a growing trend for recruiters to pose weird and wonderful questions to applicants as a way of testing their ability to think on their feet....

Many people find the whole thought of an interview makes them break out in a cold sweat. It is natural to be nervous about an interview but with proper preparation, lots of practice and a sense of perspective you can master your nerves and showcase your skills and talents convincingly....

Statistically 80% of candidates at interview will have done no or little research on the company to whom they are applying. Don't make this mistake. Just a little research will give you a head start over much of the competition, and underline your interest and enthusiasm for the role....

How you physically present yourself will make an immediate impression at an interview before you even open your mouth. Present yourself as a professional and create the right image from the start....

The best person, in terms of skills, experience and achievements, doesn't always pass the interview. The most able candidates on paper can fail because they assume they can just turn up on the day and all will be well. Failure to prepare for an interview, is preparing to fail it....

The first thing you should do when you know you've got an interview is thoroughly research the job. Not knowing what a job entails is one of the cardinal sins candidates can make at interview....

The failure by a candidate to ask questions during an interview is often cited by recruiters as a major reason why they fail to progress. Prepare in advance a few key questions to ask at the appropriate time - it demonstrates your interest and willing....

Experts say that body language accounts for 93% of messages you send out during the interview. That means only 7% of the message you convey comes out of your mouth! The conclusion is clear - get your non-verbal communication right to impress a potential employer....

If you are asked to provide references by a prospective employer choose carefully as their comments could have a significant impact on your job application. Make sure you contact references in advance and keep them briefed on your progress....

Almost inevitably if you get an interview, you will be asked the question "tell me about yourself?" or, a variation of it, such as "can you walk me through your CV?" Prepare for this question carefully as a well prepared and succinct answer can not only sum up your career history and experience, and highlight your skills it can also demonstrate they you are a good fit for the company and the role....

First impressions count as interviewers will make their mind up about a candidate very quickly. Make a poor first impression and you may never recover....

Questions may be asked during an interview about your personal or family life, political, religious or sexual affiliations that are illegal. Whilst in rare cases an interviewer may be blatantly discriminatory, more likely they are just trying to be friendly and have asked an inappropriate question without realising it. Don't feel obliged to answer. In any case, try and sidestep the issue and get the interview back on track....

There are some common interview mistakes which candidates make time and again, regardless of company, position, seniority or country. But, if you make a mistake, it doesn't have to be the end of the interview. You can still recover and get that job in the end....

Distance interviewing, whether by phone or video, is becoming increasingly popular as technology evolves and recruiters look to minimise the time and cost involved in the interview process. Candidates should treat distance interviews as they would a face to face interview, with a few additional points to be borne in mind....

If a company invites you back for a second, or even third interview, this is not because they are inefficient. They want to get the hiring right, especially for senior roles. So, if you are invited back, the good news is you are still in the game. But you must prepare as hard for the following interview(s) as the first, because now you need to convince them....

Being late is one of the major sins you can make an interview. Always try and leave enough time to get there early. Being late adds to your stress and leaves a bad impression on the employer....

If you have done badly at interview, don't beat yourself up. It happens. Pick yourself up, learn from what went wrong, and you'll do better next time....

A candidate who does not know a company's basic products or services is likely to fail badly at interview. There is no excuse for not doing your homework in advance....

According to research, if you have the option, Tuesday mid-morning is the best time to schedule an interview....

A classic interview technique is the old good cop, bad cop routine! Whilst candidates may fear the bad cop, it is usually the good cop they need to watch....

Interviews are widely regarded as a stressful experience. A determined candidate may spend hours, researching a company, its service and products, preparing strong answers to tough interview questions, and creating mental lists of things to ask....