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Successful interviewing

A Progressive Recruitment career guide

Managing your online reputation
Successful interviewing
Contents
Introduction............................................................................. 2
Interview preparation............................................................3
Self-assessment................................................................... 3
CV/resume............................................................................. 3
Research...............................................................................3
Practice, practice, practice.................................................4
What to wear............................................................................ 4
Interview preparation checklist...........................................5
Types of interviews.................................................................5
Telephone............................................................................. 5
One-to-one............................................................................5
Panel interview.....................................................................6
Group interviews................................................................. 6
Competency-based interviews......................................... 6
Technical interviews............................................................7
Body language.........................................................................7
Good body language: It’s all about the confidence.....7
Bad body language: What not to do.................................7
R is for “Rapport”................................................................8
Body language on the telephone.....................................8
Interview questions................................................................ 8
Tell me about yourself........................................................8
What can you tell me about our organisation?............9
How do you fair in a team environment?.......................9
Be a STAR..............................................................................9
Challenging questions........................................................10
Personal questions..............................................................10
Any questions for us?.........................................................10
Important things to remember.........................................10
Do’s and Don’ts........................................................................11
After the interview..................................................................11
Follow up...................................................................................11
Thank you letters.................................................................11
Social networking...................................................................12
Connecting to your interviewer........................................12
Connecting to your recruiter............................................12
Accepting a job offer...........................................................12

Introduction
So you’ve invested the time creating the perfect CV and now you’ve secured an interview for that all-important new
role that will take you to the next stage of your career. Now comes the daunting part – the interview. The interviewing
process is the employer’s opportunity to delve deeper into your employment history, including your skills and
experience whilst getting a feel for how you will fit into the team and wider organisation. Don’t forget though that it is
your chance to find out more about the role and the company and ensure it is an opportunity that fits your long-term
career goals.

Whilst it can be a nerve-wracking process remember the interviewer already thinks you could be a good match for the
role – that’s why they selected you for an interview – now they just want to find out more about you and confirm you are
the best fit for the job.

Follow our simple guide to interviews to ensure you are fully prepared and know how to perform to your best to secure
that job offer.

Successful interviewing 2
When it comes to interviews, This could just mean looking at your CV/resume to make
sure it is accurate and that you are able to talk around
preparation is everything. any part of it, but it could also mean revisiting the
content to make sure it is aligned with your career goals
On the very basic level, interview preparation can involve and makes the most of the stories that matter to the role
merely knowing what’s included in your CV, having a good you are applying for.
story to tell about the highlights of your work experience
and understanding the basis on which to promote your In preparation for the interview, it’s wise to look at your
key skills and experience. However, the key to preparing CV/resume and link your key achievements to the role
for a winning interview is based on much more. you are applying for and the responsibilities associated
with it. If you don’t have a story to tell about each
Good preparation should also mean having a structure for achievement, you might want to consider whether it’s
your conversation; it’s about ensuring you come across worthwhile including the achievement in the first place.
as professional and expert; making sure that what you
want to talk about is talked about, and can even make
Research
the process more enjoyable and your performance much
more memorable.
It’s impossible to over-estimate the value of researching
the company you are interviewing with. Understanding
Self-assessment their challenges, aims and objectives not only shows
your commitment to understanding the company you
Before even thinking about the role you are interviewing want to work for, but it also allows you to tailor your
for, it’s crucial you look at yourself, understand what performance, your key skills and expertise to the unique
makes you a desirable option and what will make you requirements of the company.
stand out from the crowd.
A well-informed applicant will always stand out from the
Self-assessment is a good way to critically look at your crowd and separate good interviewees from average
skills, abilities, strengths, weaknesses, interests and work ones. So make use of the multitude of research tools
ethic. It enables you to think about what is important to available in the public domain; use websites, news
you, the kind of role that will make you happy and also be channels, annual reports and social media groups
the basis on which to develop your career plan. to learn about the culture of the organisation, what
motivates them, the kind of projects they work on, their
By undergoing a period of self-reflection before the plans for expansion, and the types of people that thrive
interview you’ll be able to examine your accomplishments, in the company.
achievements and successes, and understand those areas
that are particularly relevant to a prospective job. If your research shows the company you are being
interviewed for prides itself on being a thought leader,
Make notes about what motivates you, what you want then show them you value thought leadership too. Your
from your career and how work fits into your life. This preparation could include examples of where you have
will be the basis for your conversation and dictate your been a thought leader.
agenda prior to the meeting.
You can always go that extra mile by researching
CV/resume competitors too.

You’ll have no doubt updated your CV/resume before

securing your interview, but it will help significantly if you
use the lessons learned from your period of
self-assessment to revisit it, making sure it’s on message,
reflects your immediate and future needs and is focused
on the job you are applying for.

Successful interviewing 3
Practice, practice, practice
Top tips for women
So you know what your personal and career goals • Solid colour, conservative suit
are, understand how these are aligned to the needs of • Co-ordinated blouse
the company you are interviewing with and how the • Moderate shoes
company’s needs fit your own. Now is the time to get to • Limited jewellery
grips with your interview technique. • Neat, professional hairstyle
• Tan or light hosiery
Set up mock interviews with a friend or family member; • Sparse make-up & perfume
use the job description and the results of your • Manicured nails
• Portfolio or briefcase
self-assessment as the basis for the interview, making
sure to address typical interview questions confidently
and expertly. Throughout this process make sure to
consider your career goals and the results of your self
Top tips for men
assessment, and focus on promoting your key skills
and communicating the value you can bring to the • Solid colour, conservative suit
organisation. • White long sleeve shirt
• Conservative tie
Although it may be difficult, it’s crucial you encourage • Dark socks, professional shoes
• Very limited jewellery
your interviewer to be critical. The point of this exercise
• Neat, professional hairstyle
is to help you improve and be the best you can be, so it’s • Go easy on the aftershave
better to get criticism now than during the interview. • Neatly trimmed nails
• Portfolio or briefcase
What to wear
Dress for the job you aspire to and people will picture
you in the role. It makes sense to dress your best for an
interview regardless of the dress code at the organisation.

While no one ever got a job because of the way they

dressed, many people did not get it because of something
they were wearing. If you do not dress appropriately,
you will be on the back foot before you even open your
mouth.

Prepare beforehand and select your interview clothes

carefully. Pay attention to detail. All job interview clothes
should be clean, tidy and ironed. If you have to travel any
distance to your job interview consider how wrinkled your
clothes may look after a couple of hours travelling. Select
job interview clothes that do not crease easily.

Successful interviewing 4
Interview preparation checklist
Preparing a simple preparation checklist can provide structure for your pitch and ensure that you are on message with
your responses and meeting the needs of the company. Below is a simple example, which you can tailor for your own
requirements.

Interview preparation checklist

Company name: Role applied for:

Date/time of interview: Interviewers:
Location:
Why should they employ me?
Why do I want to work there?
Which of my key skills do I want to focus on? How will I get these across?
- -
- -
How does my experience reflect the needs of the company? How will I get these across?
- -
- -
What challenges does the company face? How can I be of value?
- -
- -
What questions will I ask at the end of the interview?

Types of interviews • Have a pen and paper ready, you may be required to
write down important information.
Telephone • Have a glass of water nearby to avoid a dry mouth.

Telephone interviews are typically used for initial One-to-one

screening purposes. They allow consultants or employers
to make an initial assessment of each shortlisted This is the most common type of interview. In the
candidate without too much investment in time or money. one-to-one interview the candidate meets directly with
the interviewer. One-to-one can happen at any stage in
If you are working with a recruitment consultant you the interview process; some companies may use
should expect a telephone interview to take place before one-to-ones with an HR representative at the outset
your CV/resume is submitted to an employer. It’s therefore of the interview process, others may wait until the
crucial you treat each telephone interview seriously and final stage before setting up a one-to-one with your
professionally. prospective line manager.

Either way, this is probably the most common type of

• Make sure you have a quiet place where you can
interview.
interview without interruptions.
• Always keep your CV and other kind of information to
hand; if you have to look for it, the interview is over.

Successful interviewing 5
Panel interview setting so that employers can more easily evaluate one
candidate against another.
A panel interview typically involves three or more
members of the company you are applying to work with When taking part in group interviews it’s crucial you
interviewing you in one meeting. Each member of the are seen as an active participant rather than merely an
panel will typically come with their own agenda, will want observer. Contribute your views and ideas while also
to ask their own set of questions and will evaluate your listening to the other candidates, making sure to avoid
performance based on their own unique set of criteria. dominating the conversation and interrupting the other
Each member of the panel is there for a reason, so it’s applicants, no matter how tempting.
important you treat each of them equally; don’t be
tempted to focus just on your potential boss. Competency-based interviews

When engaging with an interview panel, it’s important Competency-based interviews (also called structured
you make eye contact with each person and if possible, interviews) are designed to test one or more specific skills
cross reference a question with one that has already been against a particular job type. The key competencies for
asked by a different member. This brings the interview each role will usually be informed by the job specification
together and shows your understanding of why they are or advert, and your responses will be matched against
there and how the teams interact. those criteria and marked accordingly.

Before arriving at the interview it’s wise to understand In a competency-based interview every applicant for
the roles and actions of each member of the panel. the position is asked the same questions as every other
For example, if you are going to be interviewed by an applicant applying for the position.
organisation’s Customer Service Manager, Finance
Manager, and Human Resources Manager; you should How to prepare
familiarise yourself with current information about the • Make sure you understand the skills and competencies
organisation’s customer service policies, finance policies, being tested.
and HR policies. Be ready to ask specific questions of • Use examples from your past experience to
each member of the panel, relevant to their different demonstrate you possess the skills and competencies
organisational roles, which will also show how well you you are being asked to demonstrate.
engage with different parts of an organisation. • Learn to narrate the story using the STAR method. This
means setting the scene, explaining how you handled
Group interviews the situation by placing the emphasis on your role and
detailing the outcome/result.
Group interviews usually mean you will be interviewed • Practice responding to competency-based interview
simultaneously with other candidates all applying for the questions, examples of which can include:
same position. The purpose of this type of interview is to --How do you manage upwards?
observe how applicants interact with each other. --Give us an example of a situation where you had
a fundamental disagreement with one of your
Some group interviews are used as part of real life superiors and how you managed it.
scenario exercise where an activity linked to the role you --How do you influence people in situations where
are applying for is designed to show how you would go there are conflicting agendas?
about your job. Each applicant is compared in a real life

Successful interviewing 6
Technical interviews • Rest your hands, loosely clasped, in your lap or on the
table and keep them away from your face.
A technical interview typically features questions that are • Cross your legs at the ankles or place both feet flat on
specific to the role you have applied for, and are focused the floor.
on proving you can do the technical aspects of the job. • Smile and nod where appropriate.
Although technical knowledge is very important in this • Speak in a clear and controlled voice.
setting, it’s important to note that interviewers are not • Vary your tone and pitch to reflect what you are saying
just interested in technical knowledge but also how you - this helps shape the message that you are trying to
approach problems, construct your thought process, and convey.
demonstrate your personal skills. • Breathe and pause before answering a question, this
gives you time to react in a considered way and it
Technical interviews are designed to show recruiters what ensures the interviewer has finished the question.
you know and how you solve problems associated with • Interact with the interviewer as an equal, not a
the job you are applying for. Some will therefore involve subordinate.
evaluating your understanding of the technical aspects • Be poised – try not to show too much or too little
of a job, for example software processing, while others emotion, but be happily confident in yourself.
will focus on looking at how you approach problems
associated with the technical aspects of the job. Bad body language: What not to do

• Don’t wave your hands and arms around – this can

Body language be perceived as nervousness and shows a lack of
professionalism.
It’s no secret that your body language speaks volumes, • Don’t fold your arms – it suggests a defensive attitude.
and never more so than in a job interview. Using effective • Don’t move your legs too much – this is distracting and
non-verbal communication techniques, which include indicates nervousness.
tone of voice as well as physical movement, are just as • Don’t rest one leg or ankle on top of your other knee –
important as the actual words you use. it looks too casual.
• Don’t cross your legs high up – this conveys a defensive
All body language should point to you being confident attitude in the one-on-one context of a job interview.
about yourself and your qualification for this role, as well • Don’t speak in monotone.
as showing the interviewer that you are an open and • Don’t vary tone and pitch too much - you could come
friendly person who is perfect for the job. across as overly excited or emotional.
• Don’t sound too apologetic or defensive.
Good body language: • Don’t erupt into laughter on your own - you’ll look
deranged.
It’s all about the confidence

• Bookend your interview with a firm handshake.

• Maintain a good posture and friendly expression – this
indicates that you have a positive approach.
• Relax into your chair, but without slouching.
• Keep good eye contact - if you have more than one
person interviewing you, look at the person asking
the question when you reply but glance at the other
interviewers from time to time.

“The content of what you say accounts for only 7% of your

credibility. Non-verbal cues account for 38% but 58% of
your credibility rating is based on visual cues such as facial
expressions and gestures.”
Based on research by Mehrabian,
American psychologist

Successful interviewing 7
R is for “Rapport” Interview questions
Find the right tone for the interview by paying attention One thing you can be sure of in an interview is you’re
to and adopting the posture of your interviewer. This going to be asked a question or two. But trying to second
is called mirroring. If they have adopted a more formal guess what those questions might be is enough to give
posture do the same until you see that the interviewer even the most hardened of interviewees a sleepless night.
has relaxed and become less formal. Instead of weighing yourself down with a very long list of
potential Q&As, the secret to success is to prepare for the
Mirroring the communication and behavioural styles of areas the interviewer will want to cover.
interviewers is an interesting concept as it creates a sense
of bonding but is almost, if not entirely, indiscernible Tell me about yourself…
to the interviewer himself. It works because the closer
another person’s communication and interpersonal style Your current role
is to our own, the better the chance that we will ‘click’, You do it every day, but make sure you know it inside out,
and of course where interviews are concerned, it is not remembering all the skills and responsibilities you have,
just what you know that counts, but also those other even if you only carry them out once a fortnight/month/
factors which make the interviewer feel comfortable quarter/year.
with you.
Your previous roles
Subtly mirror the body language - if he or she leans back, Make sure you know your CV/resume back to front - you
lean back yourself, if expressive hand movements are may be asked about skills and experience from previous
used do so yourself, try and talk at the same pace in the jobs which may be more relevant for the role you are
same range of tones. If you breathe at the same pace as interviewing for.
the interviewer you will find yourself communicating at a
similar pace. BUT be natural, don’t try to be someone you Your strengths
are not and use natural body language. Leadership, organisation, empathy – if you’ve got it, flaunt
it. This is your moment to shine, so ensure you tell the
Body language on the telephone interviewer all the great things about you, citing examples
to give your strengths context and relevance.
Although the interviewer will not physically see you,
body language still has a major part to play in telephone Areas for development
interviews. The way you carry yourself, sit/stand, look Recognising the areas in your character and working life
and feel will all impact on how you come across and how that need to be improved is a sign to the interviewer that
well you respond, so before your interview, take a few you are self-aware and strive to progress. But be careful
moments and: which area you choose – wanting to be more organised
• sit up straight or stand so you sound alert could lead to awkward questions from the interviewer as
• get dressed - studies have shown that people who dress to why you’re lacking this basic skill. However, wanting
professionally for a phone interview will perform better to have more experience in advanced areas - such as
than those dressed casually leadership and public speaking - shows the interviewer
• smile so your voice and tone are friendly rather than that you want to develop and succeed.
negative or confrontational
• speak slowly and clearly. Aspirations
Keep them achievable and relevant to the role and
organisation. If you’re looking at this role as a stepping
stone in your career for bigger and better things with
another company, then keep this strictly to yourself.

Successful interviewing 8
Achievements Major challenges for the organisation over the next
Always mention a work-related achievement (heading 5 years
up a successful project or saving the company money is This is an opportunity to not only show the interviewer
always a good choice), and if you’ve run a marathon or that you know the organisation, but also that you know
scaled a mountain, well, that’s an achievement that could the industry and you have a grip on challenges it faces.
be shoe-horned into the conversation too.
How do you fair in a team environment?
Reason for wanting to leave your current role
Whilst it’s important to be honest, it’s even more Competency questions generally cover topics that you
important not to be dismissive or derogatory about your will have already addressed when preparing to talk about
current employer. This could make you look bitter and yourself – namely:
leave the interviewer wondering if you’ll end up thinking • strengths
the same way about their company should they give you • weaknesses/areas for development
the role. Career development and the opportunity to • leadership skills
take on a more challenging role are always good starting • risk-taking activities
points. • problem-solving skills.

What can you tell me about our Be a STAR

organisation?
For maximum impact, use the STAR technique to answer
What do you know about the organisation? competency-based questions:
What does it do/sell/make? How many employees work
there? Where does it operate? Is it listed on the stock Situation - briefly describe the where/when/who.
exchange? These are the key things you should know
about a company before going to the interview.
Task - outline the task or objective (what you hoped to
achieve).
Reason(s) for wanting to join the organisation Action - describe what you did, focusing on your role and
Salary and more holidays aren’t going to cut the mustard your input.
– you need to find out what’s great about the organisation Result - tell the interviewer what the outcome was, and
and the department you are being interviewed for, and what skills you developed as a result.
need to link it to your career goals.

Who are the organisation’s competitors?

If you’re successful in securing the role, these are the
companies you’ll be up against, so get to know who they
are and how they relate to the organisation.

What differentiates the organisation from the

competition?
If you know what the company does and who its
competitors are, then a little bit of research should help
“Engage with the
you differentiate the two. But remember, flattery will get interviewer and
you everywhere, so be positive towards your potential
employer.
show that you are a
confident individual
who listens and
interacts.”

Successful interviewing 9
Challenging questions As the interview draws to a close, don’t feel the need
to ask a question for the sake of it. You can show your
If you’re prepared, then the more awkward questions enthusiasm and interest by discussing aspects of the
shouldn’t be a problem, but panic can kick in, so take a training programme or talking about the working culture
little more time to consider the question and your answer or opportunities for gaining further qualifications.
before replying. Alternatively, if the interview does not give an
opportunity to discuss an aspect of your course, work or
Gaps in CV/resume extracurricular activities that you feel strongly supports
If your CV/resume has gaps explain why honestly and your application, this is an appropriate time to mention it
try to make those experiences not listed on your CV, e.g. (briefly!).
travelling or working on a project for charity, relevant to
the role you are going for. If you can make them relevant Important things to remember
then stick to honesty; if you wanted to travel for a year,
tell them. Be bold
Avoid answering simply ‘yes’ or ‘no’ to questions, and if
Changes in your career you don’t understand a question or it’s not clear what
This is your chance to give a positive spin on an area that they are asking you, don’t be afraid to ask for clarification.
could be misinterpreted by someone reading your Speak clearly and loudly enough for the interviewer(s) to
CV/resume. Again, honesty is the best policy, but try to hear, and try not to speak too fast. This can be difficult
show your progression. when you are nervous, but take a deep breath before
you start to answer a question and work on keeping your
How would your friends/colleagues describe you? answers concise.
This is another opportunity to be positive about yourself,
so remember to reiterate all your good points. There are no trick questions
And though it sometimes may seem like it, interviewers
Working with people you didn’t/don’t like or individuals are not trying to trip you up. It costs organisations a lot of
who do not do their fair share time and money to set up interviews, and they want to get
Don’t be negative, describe the challenges you face with the best out of you so that they make a good decision.
these colleagues, show empathy towards them and finish
on a good note by describing how you approach difficult Be positive about yourself and your achievements
individuals and how you would use your manager to Being overly modest or playing down your achievements
support you in these scenarios. will not win you a job, neither will arrogance. Being
confident as you highlight your achievements, successes
Personal questions and strengths will show you in the best possible light.

Recruiters must not discriminate on the grounds of Difficult question to answer? Be honest
gender, race, religion, sexual orientation, age or disability. Answer as honestly as you can, without being defensive
If you feel uncomfortable about a particular question or or apportioning blame to anyone. Try to turn your answer
line of questioning, you could say, ‘I’m sorry but I don’t into a positive statement with a successful outcome and
feel comfortable answering that question.’ place weaknesses and other problems in the past, clearly
stating what you learned from overcoming any difficulties.
Any questions for us?
Stay positive
An interview is a two-way conversation, so be prepared to Even if you feel you answered a question badly, don’t
ask relevant questions. There’s no need to wait until the dwell on it - move on, and do your best in the other
end, feel free to interject with queries and comments as questions; employers will be looking at the interview as
the conversation flows. This will not only give you relevant a whole, and will not focus on the odd slip. A positive
insight into the organisation, it will also help you engage attitude and a clearly demonstrated enthusiasm for the
with the interviewer and show that you are confident job will keep you in good stead.
individual who listens and interacts.

Successful interviewing 10
Do’s and Don’ts

After the interview

Do…

• Make sure you know exactly where the interview is and

Follow up
how long it takes to get there
• Dress smartly and appropriately At the end of the interview you might want to ask what
• Arrive on time – turning up late is never excusable the next steps in the interview process are and when you
• Turn off your mobile phone would be likely to hear from the interviewer. This gives
• Greet everyone you meet with courtesy and respect you a good idea of the timescales involved and how soon
– you only get one chance to make a good first you should follow up if you don’t hear back.
impression
• Bring extra copies of your CV/resume to the interview If your interview has been arranged via a recruitment
• Shake hands firmly but not aggressively
consultant make sure they are your first port of call upon
• Wait until you are offered a chair before sitting
• Sit upright and show interest at all times leaving the interview. They will want to know how well you
• Make eye contact with your interviewer(s) thought the interview went before contacting their client.
• Show enthusiasm throughout the interview – even if the Always be open and honest at this stage; if you feel the
role is not what you thought it was job is not for you, tell them.
• Be truthful
• Be confident If you have been dealing directly with the employer
• Focus on your good points you might want to wait until after the closing date for
• Make the most of your research into the company feedback before contacting them again. If you have not
• Use the interview to evaluate the interviewer and the
heard back after the closing date, then it is acceptable to
company – an interview is a two-way process
• If needed, ask for a question to be repeated – it will give call the company and politely enquire about the status of
you more time to think your application, whilst reiterating you are still interested
• Be prepared for a question about your salary in the role. If a decision still hasn’t been made ask for
requirements, but avoid leading a discussion about a clear date of when you can expect to hear and don’t
salaries, holidays, bonuses or other benefits until you chase again before this date!
have received an offer
• Put together a number of questions to ask the
interviewer(s) about the position, company, or industry
Thank you letters
• Be professional at all times
After a good interview it’s crucial you remain in the
Don’t… interviewer’s mind and reinforce why you would be the
best person for the job. One of the best ways to do this
• Chew gum during the interview is with a well written and structured thank you letter or
• Contradict yourself email.
• Use swear words, poor language, slang, colloquialisms
• Rely on your application or CV/resume to do the selling
The key purpose of your thank you letter is to thank the
for you – it is the basis for a conversation
• Fidget or slouch
interviewer for their time, while being a good opportunity
• Walk into the interview smelling of smoke to reiterate your key skills and confirm you are still
• Act as if you are desperate for employment interested in the role. Don’t lose sight of the fact it is,
• Criticise your past employers essentially, a thank you letter. By overselling yourself you
• Interrupt run the risk of looking desperate.
• Answer questions with just a “yes” or “no” - use the
opportunity to go into details wherever possible A suggested format would be to thank the interviewer
• Discuss personal issues or family problems for their time in the first paragraph, and then follow-on
• Answer calls during the interview
by providing a succinct summary of what you particularly
• Be tempted to ask about salaries, holidays, bonuses or
other benefits until after you’ve received an offer
enjoyed about the interview, why you are still interested
and highlight any key skills you feel may have been
overlooked in the interview. Be careful though not to just
repeat everything that was discussed previously.

Successful interviewing 11
Sign off your letter by once again thanking the In contrast it is not recommended that you send your
interviewer and reiterating your interest in the role. interviewer a Facebook or Orkut request following an
Remember to state that you are looking forward to interview. Facebook and Orkut are seen far more as social
hearing from the company with regards to taking the platforms and sending a ‘friend’ request can be seen as
process forward. presumptuous and overly familiar by many employers.

Connecting to your recruiter

Top tips for thank you letters
• Keep it short and to the point Connecting to your recruitment consultant is a great
• Show enthusiasm way to ensure you remain top of mind for any new
• Be professional roles that arrive, should you not get the first role you
• Make sure you proof read the letter thoroughly are interviewed for. It will also help you create a wider
network with other potential employers who will be
connected to your consultant.

Social networking Accepting a job offer

Connecting to your interviewer If your interview has been successful and you are
offered the job, don’t be rushed into making a decision.
Connecting with interviewers following an interview Remember the purpose of the interview is to ensure the
through networks such as LinkedIn, Xing or Viadeo company is a good fit for you – just as much as it is them
is becoming increasingly popular. Much in the same screening you, so you might want to think about how the
way you would exchange business cards it is now role fits with your career goals, whether the salary or
commonplace to exchange social network connection rate is what you expected/wanted, whether you feel you
requests. These requests are seen as a good way of can succeed in the organisation.
increasing contact with your interviewer while giving
them the opportunity to refresh their memory by viewing A new job is a life-changing thing; make sure you are
your profile. Any updates you post will also help keep you accepting the job for the right reasons.
top of mind following the interview. Remember though if
you have been put forward for the role by a recruitment If you decide to go ahead, always ask for the job offer in
agency you should not discuss any elements of the writing and check the terms of the offer carefully before
role with the interviewer directly but should channel all formally accepting and handing in your notice at your
communications through your consultant who will be current company.
better placed to discuss any queries you, or the employer,
may have.

Please be aware that whilst some interviewers will be

happy to connect with you after one interview, others
may choose not to accept until they have a clearer idea
of your professional skills and understand you better. In
fact it might be seen to be a little too premature if you do
“The purpose of the
ask to connect after the first interview. interview is to ensure
If you plan to send a link request you should do it within the company is a good
48 hours of your interview. Use your judgement to fit for you - just as
decide whether you had rapport with the interviewer
before sending out the invitation – you don’t want to much as it is them
cause offence! If you do decide to link up then write a
personalised message rather than a generic one.
screening you.”

Successful interviewing 12
Our career guides
This guide is part of Progressive Recruitment’s dedication to supporting our customers and delivering market-leading
recruitment solutions. As one of the world’s leading recruitment consultancies we pride ourselves on being a key
recruitment partner for professionals and organisations across a range of sectors.

Our series of career guides offer best practice advice and an insight into the latest recruitment news to help you secure
your next job.

Other career guides in the series:

Get the interview: Writing the perfect CV

A Progressive Recruitment career guide

Get the profile: Managing your online reputation

A Progressive Recruitment career guide

Successful interviewing 13