Interview Tips

You only get one chance to make a first impression!
Dress professionally, even if you know the office dress code is business casual. Men should wear slacks, jacket and tie. Ladies should wear conservative business attire. Good grooming is a must and skip the perfume/cologne and heavy make up.

Preparation is key!
You should spend significant time researching the company and industry before you ever walk through their doors.

Clarendon Parker Bahrain will provide you with much of this information, but we also encourage you to research the company's website and/or annual report

During the Interview
A smile and a firm handshake are a must. Plan on arriving a few minutes early. Remember that an interview purpose is to determine if you are a good fit for the position and company and vise versa. They will be assessing your strengths and weaknesses as well as, your attitude, aptitude, stability, motivation and maturity.

Be able to answer standard questions, such as:-
- Why are you interested in this field?
- Why are you interested in this company?
- Why are you interested in this position?
- Tell me a little bit about yourself…
- Why did you choose a career in accountancy/IT/sales/banking/marketing..etc?
- What kind of job are you seeking?
- What is your technical experience?
- Why would you like to work for our company?
- When was your last salary review?
- What interests you about our product/service?
- Are you willing to relocate?
- What are your hobbies?
Be prepared to discuss anything on your CV. Also, be prepared to answer difficult questions, such as:-

What are your strengths and weaknesses?
How do you cope with pressure?
What makes you a good team member?
Where do you see yourself in five years?
What have you done that shows initiative in your career?
What style of management gets the best from you?
Which job did you enjoy the most and why?
What have you learned from some of the jobs you have held?

Remember that interviews are a two-way street and you need to decide if this company is a good fit for you as well. Prepare questions to ask. Examples of these could be as follows:

How does the position fit into the organizational structure?
How much scope (autonomy, flexibility, career growth, responsibilities) is there within this position?
What is the company's managerial style/culture?
What characteristics are most important for someone to succeed in this position (and then tell them how you have those characteristics!)

Closing the Interview

IF you are interested in the position enquire about the next interview stage. If the interview offers the position to you and you want it, accept on the spot. If you wish for some time to think it over, be polite and tactful in asking for that time. Set a definite date on which you can provide an answer.
DON'T be too discouraged if no definite offer is made nor a specific salary discussed. The interviewer will probably want to consult colleagues or interview other candidates (or both) before making a decision.
IF you get the impression that the interview is not going very well and you have already been rejected, don't let your discouragement show. Once in a while an interviewer who is genuinely interested in your possibilities may intend to discourage you in order to test your reaction.
THANK the interviewer for the time spent with you.

After the Interview
Lastly, and most importantly, call your consultant at Clarendon Parker Bahrain immediately after the interview to explain what happened. The consultant will want to speak with you before the interviewer calls.