Interview help!

[LRob]

I lost my job a month ago and haven't been out of work for over ten years, so I don't have too much experience at interviews. I have an interview tomorrow...I'm not nervous, but would like to make a good and lasting impression. Basically, I want to get the job (it's in healthcare).

What do employers really look for in potential employees, and how do they decide to take a person on?

Do you have experience of interviewing, what did you notice was good or bad about the interviewee? Thanks!

[Catso]

Not much help, I know, but I've found my first interview (after a long period) to be dreadful, and I'm much better at the second. Probably just nerves. Go for a few interviews for jobs you don't really want, so when you get the one you do, you've got some experience under your belt.

What they are looking for depends upon the job. Make sure you know the job description by heart. Make sure you know your own CV as well. Think about how your work experience matches their requirements. They want someone who can do the job, be reliable and fit in with their other staff and company 'way of life'.

Expect something like "tell us about yourself" as an opener; this is your opportunity to sell yourself. There's often the classics like "tell us your 3 best qualities and your 3 worst". Or "tell us your biggest work triumph" or "...disaster".

I think its still true that basically, they've decided in the first 5 minutes, so first impressions make a big difference.

As an occasional interviewer, I looked for the things I described above and somebody who was relaxed about themself, if you know what I mean.

[kirstyvw]

Hi LRob

When I'm interviewing I consider the following to be important:
- candidate arrives on time!
- candidate turns up prepared ie knows their CV (or ideally brings a copy of it with them). Have interviewed people before who can't even remember where they've worked!
- candidate looks well presented
- candidate knows about the role they have applied for - funny how often I've interviewed people who've obviously applied for jobs en masse and can't actually recall which one they're being interviewed for!
- candidate has researched company as far as is possible
- candidate shows genuine interest in the conversation
- candidate either has some questions prepared to ask or, if they are all answered during the course of the interview informs the interviewer of this - ie, "I think you've answered all the questions i had prepared to ask..." rather than making something up to ask on the spot.

These factors coupled with obviously being able to sell yourself would make a candidate stand out for me.

Employers should be looking for the individual who comes along and who is able to demonstrate that they are the closest match to their job description. In reality, other factors may come into play such as how well they see someone fitting into their team etc.

Sounds like you are well prepared though and a confident individual so I hope the above helps and wish you the best of luck.