Preparing for an interview/selling myself

joelk2

joelk2

joelk2

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Joined
22 Nov 2010
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So I have an interview for a job I really want on Tuesday. ive researched the company as much as I can on Google so have that side of things covered. There was no job spec on their site just a general comment saying they are looking for employees. It was actually organised through an agency which honestly I don't like using at the best of times.

Anyways. My current employment is quite basic but my previous job is where all the relevant skills are from (been with current employer 8 years)

Took current job based on doorstep location and much better pay.

I'm a very quick learner and the job is something I really aspire to do but how do I sell this to the interviewer?

Ive not had much experience in interviews and the limited number I've had in the past 3 years (3 interviews) I can only assume didn't go well as I didn't get the jobs.

What's the best prep I can do?
The job is a structural cad technician if anyone is in this field that might have an insight.
 
Have some answers for the HR guff like 'what attracted you to the company', 'give an example of....' blah blah blah. Have a set of questions in your head that you want to ask them about the role/company.

Don't beg or sound desperate, they need someone to do a job and you're the one that can do it. Assuming the interviewer is the line manager ask yourself what you'd want to hear if you were in their shoes.

Usual other stuff, sit up straight, maintain eye contact, have a drink of water, notepad, pen.
 
I would always get a job spec before going for a role, otherwise how can you know if you are even suitable for what they need?

Secondly how can you be expected to prepare if you have to demonstrate a particular set of skills?

Regardless I prepare for my interviews based on the "standard questions"

- Tell me about yourself
- Strengths Weakness
- Why do you want to work here
- Why are you leaving your current place

Think of some scenarios around these, and they will typically apply to most questions fired at you.

If its a technical interview then get an idea of what the interviewers will be looking for ( Linked in is useful in this case ). Try to get an idea of what technologies that person uses and how they may answer questions based on that.

I would normally dissect the job spec, and match their requirements to my own CV and see how I can demonstrate a particular trait they are looking for.
 
just an update for this, had the interview. was the best part of an hour. seemed to go really well (obviously the proof is in the offer - if that comes)

the only downside i can see is that it will most likely entail a pay cut of some degree (2k would be about my max i think) so just hope its in that region.

i get less holiday, work more hours and for less pay (but it would be worth it in the long run)
 
UPDATE NO.2

had a call from the recruitment agent. company is very interested in me, loved my knowledge of the software but due to lack of knowledge in the buildings side they cant employ me currently (due to being busy and theyve had 2 gradutes start in the past 2 weeks aswell as training an office junior)

he said they will offer something in a few months though when things have quietened down.

how much of this is truthful i dont know but honestly i take any recruitment agent with a pinch of salt as generally theyre all bull-Fully star our swear words as per the FAQ. Gilly.
i guess time will tell
 
Structural design engineer

Hope something does come of it but I don't have faith in the recruitment agent telling the truth so who knows.
 
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