Interview Advice

So, you've been offered an interview at a company you're interested in. Even if you have some doubts about the opportunity, you should still 'play to win': it'll be good interview practice, you'll learn from the experience, make new acquaintances which might be useful in the future, and who knows, your doubts might be ill-founded and this might just be the perfect opportunity for you. In any case, in choosing to go to an interview, your aim should always be to win a job offer, and you should always do everything in your power to achieve that.

It is therefore important to remember that an interview is a sales situation. In this case you are the salesperson, and you are the product! Find out as much as you can about the employer's requirements, and then sell yourself effectively - explaining exactly what strengths you can bring to the employer, and "what's in it for them". And most importantly, close the interview properly, by expressing enthusiasm and actually asking for the job!

Preparing for the interview

Careful preparation before an interview will not only portray you in a more professional and positive light, but will also help you feel less nervous. Our Consultants at OPEN will give you all the information you need regarding your interview details, and any specific requirements you need to know about. However, it always helps to do a little bit of research yourself, and for all the information our consultants can give you, nothing beats the preparation you can do when it comes to questions & answers, knowing how to get there, etc.

Make written notes in advance, write down any questions, and don't be afraid to refer to your notes during the interview, or to write down answers to questions you have asked, so that you can refer to them after the interview.

Research and make notes about:

The Company - We will give you as much information as we can, but it is always good to look at the company website and find out as much as you can for yourself, as well.

Their product(s) - What end of the market do they sell to? What is their frame/lens selection like? What other services do they offer customers (e.g. laser surgery, contact lenses by mail, one hour spectacles, etc.)

Their ethos - Are they very sales focused? How long do their patients spend with the Optometrist? What training and development do they provide?

The job - What does the role involve? What is required of the successful candidate? What prospects for progression does the role offer?

The journey - How will you get there? How long will it take? Find out about parking, traffic hot-spots, public transport cost and routes, etc.  Ideally, you should do a "dummy run" to familiarise yourself with the route and avoid problems on the day.

Once you start gathering information, you will find out that there are some of those questions that you can't answer prior to interview, and that will automatically give you some questions to ask at interview. Remember, an interview is a two-way process! You need to find out whether the job and the company is right for you, as much as the employer needs to find out whether you are the right candidate for them. Employers will also expect you to have some questions for them, so show you have prepared by writing questions down, and refer to your notes if you need to, during the interview.

During the interview

Do

Don't

Examples of interview questions:

Competency-based interviews

If you have never had a competency-based interview, you might find this a bit daunting at first, but there really is no reason to worry. Competency-based interviews are actually easier to deal with than other types of interviews, because they are the easiest to prepare for. They are also a very fair way for an employer to assess candidates against each other.

For any given role, an employer will have a list of essential competencies, or skills. They will then ask you to demonstrate, using examples, that you have that particular skill, and they will ask you more in-depth questions based on that example. They will then score each answer and it will give them a grading system for each candidate.

You can prepare for competency-based interviews by making a list of the skills that you think are essential to the role you have applied for, and thinking of good examples that will demonstrate that you have those skills.

Typical competencies could be:

Examples of good questions for YOU to ask at interview

The Most Important Thing!

Employers are always more interested in people who are keen on the job. If you are interested in the position, and would like to receive an offer, ASK FOR THE JOB! "Mr Jones, you said earlier that there would have to be a second interview. I'm very interested in this position and I'm sure I can do a good job for you. Are there any reasons why I shouldn't be invited back for a second interview?"
"Mr Jones, I realise you have other applicants to see, but AT THIS STAGE, do you have any reservations? Is there any reason why you wouldn't want to employ me?"

If the interviewer DOES have some reservations, try to address them and then ask the question again. Agree on a time-scale by which you will have some feedback & a decision.

If you do have to wait for a few days, and you are interested, write a neat handwritten letter to the employer straight away, thanking him for the interview and expressing your interest. Send the letter by first class post.

Just as Important..

Immediately after your interview you must telephone your consultant. Very often employers telephone us to give us feedback, and always ask 'Have you heard from the candidate?' It is much more encouraging to the employer if we can say that we have, and that you are very interested. Call us from your mobile or a nearby telephone box, and we will call you straight back!