​

Interview Guide for roles in Information & Communications Security, Compliance, Risk Management, IT and Networking

  1. Interview Guide

    Every company has their own unique hiring process used to help them decide who they will choose to work with them.​​

    Having applied for the job most employers will suggest a telephone interview before meeting face to face.
     
    Both these stages are equally important and you must use them to their full advantage.
     
    This guide is designed to help you do this in order to start your new career.
  2. DURING THE INTERVIEW

    Take your time.

    There’s nothing wrong with taking a moment to think about your answer. Better that than forgetting something important or rambling while trying to think of an answer. An employer really won’t mind giving you a moment to think if it means they get the information they want.

    Ask questions.

    If you don’t understand something, ask. Some questions are designed to gauge how you react under pressure. Asking for clarification is much better than clamming up and giving a bad answer.

    Confidence
    This is your chance to show the employer why they should hire you. They already like you or you wouldn’t have made it this far. It can be difficult for a lot of people to ‘sell themselves’ but this is when you must. Remember the list of points we told you to write down earlier! 

  3. Explain
    Don’t answer just ‘yes’ or ‘no’, add to it, remember you know what you’re talking about but the employer can’t read your mind, explain what you mean by ‘yes’ or ‘no’ and why you mean it.

    Body Language
    Sit up straight and keep regular eye contact but don’t stare. Try not to fidget, this is a complete give away and says that you are not comfortable or confident, place your hands in your lap, and don’t fold your arms as this comes across as closed off or defensive. Sit still, be calm and smile!

    Positivity
    Complaining about previous or current employer is a definite no-go. Be enthusiastic and show interest in the position.

  4. AFTER THE INTERVIEW

    It’s always a good idea to follow up on an interview. A good place to start is sending an email expressing that it was nice to meet the interviewer and that you are grateful for their time. You could also ask when you might expect to hear from them. If you choose to do this, check your grammar before sending the email!

    If you feel it's appropriate, a phone call to say the same could help you close the interviewer and make up their mind.

    It’s best to try and ask when you can expect to hear from the employer during the interview then you will know when it is appropriate to contact them.
  5. SUMMARY
    Remember:
    1. Confidence
    2. Preparation
    3. Strong hand shake
    4. Enthusiasm
    5. Sit up, don’t fidget
    6. Sell yourself
    7. Ask questions
    8. Close
    9. Follow Up
  6. BEFORE THE INTERVIEW:

    Remember: You can never be too prepared.

    As a general rule, smart business dress is most appropriate for a job interview.

    Take a couple of printed copies of your CV, your cover letter and any certificates / achievements - even if you have not been asked to provide them.

    Punctuality is essential. A first impression counts for nothing if you are already late. Try to arrive at least 15 minutes early; even if you get to the location on time, you may still have to find the right entrance and visit reception before being taken to the actual location. Look up the location well in advance, print a map or use a satnav and plan for delays.

  7. KNOW YOUR AUDIENCE:
     
    Find out the format of the interview and what will be involved.

    We will normally be able to tell you who will be interviewing you; look them up.
     
    Find out what they do, how they came to do it and how you can help them.
  8. First things first


    It is essential that you go into any interview process fully prepared.
     
    This checklist covers the most important things that you should know something about before any interview takes place...

  9. Do Your Company Research:
     
    What do they do?
     
    Who are their Customers?
     
    Is it a large corporate company or a start-up?
     
    Who are its competitors?
     
    What are the key points about their technology / services?

    Are there recent news stories relating to their performance?
  10. YOUR ROLE:
     
    • Have you understood the job description?
    • Where do you fit in the company objective?
    • If you are in any way unsure, we can answer these questions for you before the interview.
    • Work out how you can incorporate examples of your skills and experience in relation to the role.
    • Think about potential questions you could be asked.
    • Of course, you won’t know the exact questions you will be asked but you can prepare for the expected.
    You can edit text on your website by double clicking on a text box on your website. Alternatively, when you select a text box a settings menu will appear. Selecting 'Edit Text' from this menu will also allow you to edit the text within this text box. Remember to keep your wording friendly, approachable and easy to understand as if you were talking to your customer
  11. Make a list of the best things you've done in your career

    Make a list of things you want the employer to know about you and bring these up in the interview. You don’t want to leave thinking ‘I should have told them about that deal I made or that system I implemented’. Think about this before and you will leave feeling you have given yourself the best chance possible.

    Remember: It's all about clearly showing the prospective employer what you could do for them! If the job is a sales role, make sure you know your numbers.
     
    The employer wants to know what you’ve sold. You could make a presentable document with just your sales deals listed, products, customer, targets, etc. to give to the employer as you talk them through your achievements.
  12. Prepare questions to ask at the end of the interview. 
     
    Examples:
    • What do you like most about working for this company?
    • How would you describe the company’s culture?
    • What distinguishes this company from its competitors?

    Try and close them with a question similar to the below:
    • Is there anything else I can provide to help you make your decision?
    • What’s your timeline for making a decision and when can I expect to hear back from you?