Get Workfit this Summer with our series of useful guides. The second of which focuses on interview preparation and tips.

1. WORK FIT 2012
PART 3 - INTERVIEW PREPARATION

2. FAIL TO PREPARE...
PREPARE TO FAIL
WORK FIT 2012 - PART 2: CV WRITING WWW.YOLKRECRUITMENT.COM

3. WHAT SHOULD I RESEARCH?
Research everything and everyone!
• First, take the proper amount of time to prepare for your interview. Being
well prepared will boost your confidence and lower your anxiety.
• Secondly study the job description, your duties, responsibilities and
experience required - prepare reasons why you match the criteria with real
life examples
• Research the company you’re interviewing for in detail rather than just
their general history. If you’re applying for a marketing role research what
campaigns they’ve run and how successful they were.
• Research who their competitors and clients are and see how you can
incorporate them into your answers. What connections do you have?
• Find out who will be taking your interview and use online networks like
LinkedIn to find any common ground
• Prepare some questions of your own. This lets the interviewer know that
you are truly interested in the company and the position.
WORK FIT 2012 - PART 3: INTERVIEW PREPARATION WWW.YOLKRECRUITMENT.COM

4. DON’T LEAVE IT TO THE LAST MINUTE
Travel arrangements
• If using public transport check for any planned work that would create
delays on the day
• If driving either print off directions using google maps or use a Sat Nav
• If you have the time try a dry run of getting to the interview location as you
never know what might happen on the day
What to wear?
• Deciding on what you wear is down to personal choice just make sure
you’re not making the decision the morning of your interview
• If you’re really unsure - ask! Speak to either your recruitment consultant or
the company direct for advice.
Presentations
• If you’ve been asked to do a presentation check the setup on the day. Will
you be expected to bring your own laptop or bring it in via USB?
Leave nothing to chance - be on time and be ready. Don’t put yourself
under pressure.
WORK FIT 2012 - PART 3: INTERVIEW PREPARATION WWW.YOLKRECRUITMENT.COM

5. PRACTICE MAKES PERFECT
Every interview is different but there are some
questions that are common across the board.
Why should we employ you?
Don’t be generic! Set yourself apart by telling the interviewer about your unique
qualities that are relevant to the job. This is where studying the original job
requirements really helps.
Why do you want to work here?
This is one tool interviewers use to see if you have done your homework. If you have
done your research this question should be easy to answer.
What are your greatest weaknesses?
The secret to answering this question is being honest about a weakness whilst
demonstrating how you turned it into a strength. For example, if you had a problem
with organisation in the past explain the steps you took to keep yourself on track.
This will show that you have the ability to recognise aspects of yourself that need
improvement, and the initiative to make yourself better.
WORK FIT 2012 - PART 3: INTERVIEW PREPARATION WWW.YOLKRECRUITMENT.COM

6. PRACTICE MAKES PERFECT
Every interview is different but there are some
questions that are common across the board.
Why do want to leave your current job?
Be careful about being negative in answering this question. Be as diplomatic as
possible. Complaining endlessly about your last company will not say much for your
attitude.
What accomplishment are you most proud of?
Even if your greatest accomplishment is being on a successful football team, opt for
a more professionally relevant accomplishment. Think of the qualities the company
is looking for and develop an example that demonstrates how you can meet the
company’s needs.
What are your salary expectations?
This is one of the hardest questions, particularly for those with little experience. Steer
clear of discussing salary specifics before receiving a job offer. Let the interviewer
know that you will be open to discussing a fair salary when the time comes. If pressed
for a more specific answer, always give a range rather than a specific number.
WORK FIT 2012 - PART 3: INTERVIEW PREPARATION WWW.YOLKRECRUITMENT.COM

7. PRACTICE MAKES PERFECT
Every interview is different but there are some
questions that are common across the board.
Tell me about yourself.
While this question seems simple it can prove to be very difficult to answer because
it is so open. The interviewer doesn’t want to know about your home town or what
you do on the weekends. They’ve seen your CV and are likely to have it in front of
them, however they want to hear what you’ve done to get to this point in your career.
Pick a couple of points about yourself such as, academic background, professional
experience and career goals.
This can be a common opening question at an interview if you have a solid answer
prepared it can often lead the direction of the interview. If you briefly mention a particular
achievement of yours be prepared for the interviewer to interrupt you and probe for more
details so don’t over exaggerate your achievements unless you can back them up.
Remember to always, always incorporate the research you’ve done into
the company and the interviewer into your answers.
WORK FIT 2012 - PART 3: INTERVIEW PREPARATION WWW.YOLKRECRUITMENT.COM

8. ETIQUETTE & TIPS
• If you smoke, maybe hold off between changing into your interview suit
just in case your interviewer is a fervent non-smoker. We know it’s hard
but that next cigarette is just around the corner…
• Sorry to preach, but if you have a boozy night the day before the interview
a few extra-strong mints just won’t cut it. Sacrifice the night out or stick to
soft-drinks…just this one time
• Accept a drink if offered. This may seem unimportant but refusing a drink
can create tension before the interview even starts.
• If you want the role, ensure you tell your interviewer that it’s the role for
you and re-emphasise why you’re the right person. We’d recommend
going even further and asking the interviewer if they feel you have any
weaknesses. This will allow you to counter their concerns there and then.
WORK FIT 2012 - PART 3: INTERVIEW PREPARATION WWW.YOLKRECRUITMENT.COM

9. Yolk Recruitment
6-7 St John Street
Cardiff CF10 1GJ
www.yolkrecruitment.com
info@yolkrecruitment.com
Download Part 4
ASSESSMENT CENTRES
www.yolkrecruitment.com/workfit/
WORK FIT 2012 - PART 2: CV WRITING WWW.YOLKRECRUITMENT.COM