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Interview Success

The short time spent at an interview can directly affect your future career aspirations.

It is therefore essential that you present yourself to greatest effect. You are there because you qualify to be considered for this post. Both you and the interviewer are there to decide if you, the job, and the Company are a good match. The interview is a much about helping you decide if it’s the right move as it is for the employer to
find a new employee.

Honesty and enthusiasm are essential. If you are successful, you need to know that you got the job for all the right reasons. The following suggestions will assist you and in conjunction with the guidance provided by your Kelly consultant will ensure you make the most of this opportunity.

Preparing for the interview

Preparation is essential to a successful interview. We often hear from companies that are by the number of unprepared candidates they meet. Before the interview always ensure:

  1. Make sure you know the location and time of interview.
  2. Make sure you know the interviewers name and their title.
  3. Find out some information about the company. This information will be available on their website, alternatively your Kelly Services consultant will be able to help you.
  4. Prepare a list of questions you intend to ask - check this list is complete by discussing this with us. Remember we are here to assist you in finding the right opportunity - not just a job. Some questions you may like to ask:

    a) Why is the position currently available?
    b) Is there a training programme?
    c) What are the Company’s growth plans?
    d) Are there promotion prospects for the right candidate?
    e) What are the next interview steps?
  5. Please dress appropriately for the interview.
  6. If you don’t know where your interview is call us straight away or go to www.google.co.uk/maps and enter the postcode.

Attending the interview

The interviewer will ask work-related questions about your past employment, current position and responsibilities, and career goals. This is your opportunity to be remembered as a qualified candidate with notable achievements.The best interviews are where both the interviewer and candidate ask questions.

By asking relevant, informed questions you will also present yourself as someone who is ready to work, not just for any company, but for this company in particular.

The following points should therefore be remembered:

  1. Arrive on time or early - never late. Do not smoke before you go in.
  2. If asked to complete an “application” form, do so neatly.
  3. Greet the interviewer with a smile and a firm handshake.
  4. Do not slouch or relax in the interview - even if the interviewer suggests you do so.
  5. Look the interviewer in the eye at all times.
  6. Avoid answering questions with a “yes” or “no” answer. Always relate your experience to the question being asked and put yourself at the centre of every example you use.
  7. Remember to ensure that you make the interviewer realise they need you in
    their organisation - sell yourself, your abilities and your experience in the best
    possible manner.
  8. Be prepared to answer questions like:

    a) “Tell me about yourself.”
    b) “What kind of position are you looking for?”
    c) “What are your strengths?”
    d) “What are your weaknesses?”
    e) “What do you know about our company?”
    f) “Why do you want the position?”
  9. Don’t lie, always answer honestly and frankly.
  10. Ensure you do not criticise your present employer or competitors.
  11. Do not ask about salary, holidays, and bonuses at the first interview - make sure that they want you first.


Closing the interview

  1. If you are offered the position and wish to accept - do so immediately and contact your Kelly Services consultant. If you wish to think it over, ask for the offer in writing.
  2. If you are interested in the position, make this clear.
  3. If no offer is made, don’t worry. Often a employer may have several candidates to see before a decision can be made.
  4. Summarise the interview briefly, confirming that all relevant points have been covered and how your abilities match the needs of the employer.
  5. Ensure you have covered the following before leaving the interview:

    a. Why you are interested in the position and company.
    b. What you have to offer the company.
    c. You CAN and WANT to do the job.
  6. Provided you have covered these points you have done all you can.
  7. Thank the interviewer for their time and considering you for the position.

After the interview

Call your Kelly Services consultant as soon as possible. The client will often call us, and they need to know your views on the interview and the job. We can ensure that any point you failed to express in interview can be done so now on your behalf, to reinforce your case.

We will wait to get your reaction on how the interview went before speaking to the company.

Finally, make sure you enjoy the experience, and good luck.