An Enginestaff guide to succeeding in interviews for both permanent and contract opportunities in engineering.

1. Your Next Interview
Guidance From Our
Consultants

2. Introduction
Web: enginestaff.com Phone: +44 (0)20 7803 0606
Email: info@enginestaff.com Twitter: @Enginestaff
RELOCATION GUIDES
Many of us have been through a number of interviews in our careers and it is
safe to say that no one interview is the same.
We arrange almost 1,000 interviews a month for individuals like yourself and
have built up a wide range of knowledge and expertise that we hope you
will find useful. That being said, we’d urge you not to rely on our tips and
commentary as every company is different and will approach their recruitment
process in a different way.
At Enginestaff, we will make sure that we truly understand the company you
are interviewing with and give you all of the preparation that you need to be
successful in your potential career move. We hope this guide acts as useful
supplementary interview guidance both now and in the future.

3. Contract Interviews
Web: enginestaff.com Phone: +44 (0)20 7803 0606
Email: info@enginestaff.com Twitter: @Enginestaff
CONTRACT INTERVIEWS
Telephone Interviews
In Europe, it is common place for contractors to move from country to country with each role they
take up. This means that telephone interviews are the most common amongst contractors.
Landline Phone
Try to use a landline phone, this will guarantee a clear connection thus preventing issues with signal
like you could possibly get whilst using a mobile.
Mobiles
If you absolutely cannot use a landline phone, make sure your phone has enough battery and signal to
last the whole interview!
Quiet setting
Find a quiet room with no distractions that will allow you focus on your answers and enable you to
hear exactly what is the interviewer is asking.
Have your CV in front of you
Contractor CVs can be up to say 15 pages long, it would be some achievement if you could remember
every single detail on it. Even if you think you know your CV inside out, have your CV to hand to refer
to during the interview.
Face to Face
These are very basic tips, but it is amazing that some interviewees do not adhere to the following;
Dress smart
Wear a suit and tie for the interview, if the company has a relaxed dress code then it is better to dress
smart in the interview and then wear what everyone else does when you start your job.
Do not be late
Plan your journey well in advance, prepare for traffic and public transport issues.
Save company details in your phone
Having the address and number on your mobile will help with directions and being able to let them
know if you are running late.

4. Permanent Interviews
Web: enginestaff.com Phone: +44 (0)20 7803 0606
Email: info@enginestaff.com Twitter: @Enginestaff
PERMANENT INTERVIEWS
Telephone Interviews
Most of our candidates work all over Europe, so face to face interviews can sometimes prove tough
to arrange on short notice. Telephone conversations are therefore the first port of call for employers
before a face-to-face interview.
Have your CV in-front of you
The most experienced professionals will have a vast employment history. Having your CV in-front of
you will help you answer questions about your experience.
Quiet location
Make sure you are in an appropriate environment, without distractions. Shut yourself away from
everything to ensure you are purely focused on the interview.
Good equipment
Use reliable equipment, do not use an old unreliable phone. Make sure you in a setting where you get
good mobile reception. If the line is cutting out every few seconds you will not know what is asked of
you.
Face to Face
Make sure you know exactly how you are going to get to the interview and how you are going to
get there. Explore transport options in-case your first choice lets you down. If you are driving, make
sure you know where to park. Be punctual, arrive on time, about 10 minutes before your interview is
perfect. If you are interviewing in a different country, research the business etiquette to know how to
dress and act (i.e. the Dutch are typically relaxed whereas the Germans are typically professional)
Skype
Treat this as you would a face to face interview as you still need to dress to impress. For gentleman,
ensure you are clean shaven. Much like telephone interviews, situate yourself in a nice quiet setting
with access to a fast internet connection! Lastly make sure you give enough time to fit a whole
interview in your busy schedule. Do not do it in your lunch break because interviews could last up to
an hour and a half long, sometimes longer.

5. General Information
Web: enginestaff.com Phone: +44 (0)20 7803 0606
Email: info@enginestaff.com Twitter: @Enginestaff
GENERAL INFORMATION
You will be expected to face all types of interviews prior to getting a job. You may have to go through
a telephone interview, sometimes a Skype interview and of course the face to face interview. Before
you take the interview, you must prepare for it. Here are a few basic tips of what you should do before
your interview:
Preparation
Ensure you research the company you are interviewing for. Do not go to the interview not knowing
anything about the company, they will not be impressed. Make sure you allow yourself enough time
to research the company. Do not leave it to the last minute. Be thorough with your research and this
will most certainly pay off in the interview.
Potential questions to ask:
• Tell me more about the position and about the type of person you are looking for?
• What is the nature of this vacancy?
• What is the culture of the company?
• What sort of people have done well in the organisation?
• How does my skill set and experience compare to others you have interviewed?
• What is the future for the organisation in the next 1 – 2 years?
• What is the next step in the recruitment process?
Closing the interview
Call your recruitment consultant after the interview. Discuss with them if you are interested in the
position. If you’re not successful, get some feedback so you can improve your technique for next time.
Send a thank you email if you have been contacting the interviewer this way.
If you get a job offer but you are yet to decide, thank the company for the offer and give a time frame
for a response (usually a few days) and then do so.