Interview Tips! From Spencer Mehlman

Hi I’m Spencer Mehlman, The Founder of The National Skills Agency the UK’s leading specialist recruiter for the Apprenticeship & Training marketplace.

I have put together some interview tips to help you secure that new job!

The Interview

Ok all your hard work has got you this far. So, it’s interview time, it could be using Zoom or Teams or it could be face to face.

Preparation

It might have been a few weeks since you last looked at the hiring company’s’ website, read it again make some notes to take to the interview. Look at about us, work for us, news, products, get a real sense of them.

Remember have a smart appearance for the interview, don’t let yourself down. You have only one chance to make a first impression, it’s cheesy but true. Be smart even if it’s an online interview.

Try and find the person interviewing you on LinkedIn and see if you can find some common ground.

Ensure that you review the route options and make sure you get to the interview at least 5-10 minutes early.

With Zoom or Teams interviews have a trial run ensure the tech works, lock yourself somewhere quiet away from dogs, kids, take the phone off the hook, put the mobile on silent. Also think about what is behind you in the room does the interviewer want to see your posters, dirty dishes. These calls can also be tricky as people often speak over each other, so slow down take your time but let them feel your energy.

On a face-to-face interview always have several copies of your CV with you, I have seen hiring managers forget to bring them, or an extra person joins the meeting. You will look professional and prepared have them neatly in a folder not at the bottom of a rucksack. Also take a copy of the job spec with you, it will be very handy when talking through key points.

Think about what questions they will ask in advance:

• Where have you demonstrated these skills before?
• What would your work colleagues say about you?
• What are your weaknesses and strengths?
• What do you know about us?
• What is your greatest achievement?
• Where do you see yourself in 5 years?
• How have you dealt with difficult situations?
• Why do you want to leave your current employer?
• How do you respond to pressure and stress?
• Do you like to work alone or in a team?

Keep your answers positive and upbeat, don’t be negative about your current / previous employers it never sends out the right signal no matter how you really feel.

Have a list of questions which will ensure the company is blown away by your research and shared passion for what they do. A few examples:

• I can see the organisation has grown by 40% over the last 3 years and I am keen to understand what has underpinned this growth?
• I can see you have moved into new markets what does the roadmap look like over the next 12 months?
• You have a great set of services are you planning to expand these into other sectors?
• This role looks like a great challenge, and I can see there is a fantastic opportunity for your products to develop, in time will there be opportunities to climb the management ladder?
• I can see you have bought several businesses over the last 2 years are there plans to integrate or share core services?
• Are there training opportunities within the company to further enhance my skills?

Avoid questions centered around money, holidays, etc. This can be dealt with at the closing stages, get them to want you first. 

Don’t be afraid to ask killer questions at the end, if you feel it’s a role you want and it’s going well. It’s tough to do but I have seen it get great results!

Here are some examples:

“I have really enjoyed meeting you today and have a good understanding of the role and the organisation. I really would like to be part of this journey with you, is there anything that would stop you offering me the role”?

“I have really appreciated your time today thank you. I must say I really do want to work for you and this organisation, everything I have seen and heard has re-enforced that feeling. What do I need to do to be part of this team”?

Read about Spencer's CV Tips here!

By Spencer Mehlman, The Founder of The National Skills Agency

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