The UK job market has a wealth of opportunity. Many companies are looking for workers willing to grow and develop within their corporate culture. Currently, the UK job market is extremely competitive but with savvy networking, a willingness to be a self starter and the ability to interview like a pro, finding a position in the UK job market is not out of reach.
Of course, the interview can be a tricky thing. It is no longer common for an employee to get the job based on a first interview. Often, HR uses over the phone pre-screenings, first interviews, second interviews and even panel interviews to determine the right fit for a vacancy.
Keep in mind, the purpose of an interview is to pick the ideal candidate. Hiring and training employees can be very expensive. Several top UK companies invest thousands of not millions of dollars in employee development. In order to maintain a strong bottom line, this investment needs to pay off. Finding the right fit is critical and that is why the interview process is often arduous.
Now that you know the why, let’s talk about to the how. Here are some tips on what you can do to put your best foot forward during the interview process.
Dress your best
It should go without saying, but many people still attend interviews dressed inappropriately. The first impression is everything. Arriving to an interview in a sloppy, stained or wrinkled outfit will tell the interviewers everything you do not want them to know. With good reason, an interviewer will make the assumption that if you are unwilling to put time, energy and preparation into obtaining your job, you certainly won’t exert any extra effort once hired.
Tips: Wear a suit, clean and polished shoes, minimal jewelry. At most, jewelry should include a watch or, for the ladies, simple studs. Nails should be manicured. Hair should be well groomed. Perfumes and colognes should be avoided.
Be early
Again, it should go without saying but you should always be on time for an interview. If you cannot be on time to an interview, odds are good you will not be on time to appointments and meetings at work. Arrive to your interview fifteen minutes early. If you are even earlier, great. Wait in your car or outside until the clock is at fifteen to. Anything earlier makes you appear desperate.
Be positive
Everything, and we mean everything, in a job interview should be positive and upbeat. This means sidestepping questions that could result in a negative response and finding a way to answer them with a positive bent. For example, if you have to discuss why you were fired from your previous position, a positive response such as, “So I could interview with you!” shows a sense of humor and a lack of interest in gossiping about the negative. Once a positive response is put in play, be certain to answer the question. Just make your answer brief and to the point. The positivity in your humorous answer is what they will remember.
Talk yourself up
An interview is your one chance to prove to a company that you have what it takes to excel in their workforce. With every question, find a way to sell yourself. The best way to do this is to answer the question, using positive pre-experience. For example, “Yes, I do think I’d be capable of managing ten workers. In my previous position, I successfully managed a team of just five people and found I was ready to take on much more responsibility.”
When interviewing for a job in the UK, it is up to you to put your best foot forward. Use these interview tips to make smart choices in an interview situation. Remember, HR would love to hire a prime candidate. All you have to do is prove that candidate is you.
