With January kicking off and the job market moving, your next exciting opportunity may just be around the corner.
As a leading Personal and Executive Assistant recruiter, preparing candidates for interviews is such an important part of our job. It’s a real cliché, but as Benjamin Franklin once said, ‘By failing to prepare you are preparing to fail’. So, here are our top tips to help you sail through the interview phase.
Before the Interview
Research the Company
- Understand their mission, values, and culture.
- Familiarise yourself with their recent news, projects, or achievements – LinkedIn, their other social media channels and their website are all good places to start!
Know the Job Description
- Highlight the required skills and qualifications.
- Prepare examples from your previous experience that align with the role.
Practice Common Questions
- Prepare answers to typical questions like “Tell me about yourself,” “What are your strengths and weaknesses?” and “Why do you want this job?”. They are all old-school style questions, but often do make an appearance.
Prepare Questions
- We always ensure our candidates have some good questions in their back pocket, that aren’t just about the role, team or company. We always veer candidates away from asking things we have already discussed with them, such as salary, working hours or benefits package. It’s important you think outside the box.
Dress for Interview
- Choose professional attire that matches the company culture. First impressions count!
Prepare Your Documents
- Ensure we have copies of your references and any certificates in advance, so if needed we can present to the client speedily if and when required.
Plan Ahead
- Plan your route, keep an eye on train/tube delays and have a backup plan! If it’s an in-person interview, scope out the area and arrive early enough to find the office and grab a coffee. It’s a far more relaxed way to start the day than rushing straight to an interview without time to breathe!
- If the interview is virtual – test your technology ahead of time and then make sure you’re online 10 minutes before the interview starts.
During the Interview
Make a Great First Impression
- Greet with a firm handshake (if in person) and a warm smile.
- Use confident body language.
Communicate Clearly
- Speak slowly and concisely. Avoid filler words like “um” or “like.”
- Tailor your responses to highlight how your skills meet their needs.
Show Enthusiasm
- Demonstrate genuine interest in the role and company.
- Let your passion for your work come through.
Listen Actively
- Pay close attention to the questions and try not to talk over the interviewer – easily done when you’re nervous or excited, so take your time to listen and respond carefully.
Stay Positive
- Avoid speaking negatively about previous employers or colleagues.
- Focus on what you’ve learnt from overcoming challenges.
Adapt to Curveball Questions
- Stay calm and think critically about unconventional or unexpected questions. One tip is to ask for a glass of water at the beginning of the interview. If a question comes and you’re unsure, pause, take a sip – this will give you 10/15 seconds to think about your answer.
- Always expect the unexpected – clients love to know the person behind the CV, so think about what makes you interesting as a person, outside of work.
With all this preparation you will be raring to go – and we wish you the best of luck!
Keep an eye on our job listings by following us on LinkedIn.
If you’re a client looking to hire a Personal Assistant, then do get in touch.
