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Candidate Assistance
You rarely get a second chance to make a
good impression on a prospective
employer, so at your first interview it is
important that you get it right first time.
The following information contains some advice on how to prepare and tips on how to
succeed in that all important first meeting.
However, we are all aware of how competitive the market is, therefore in order to be
one step ahead of the next candidate you’ll need to take your preparation and
performance one step further. If you would like to know how, take a look at our Career
Support Services.
Prepare yourself
Do your homework
Dress code and appearance
Ask your consultancy what the clients’ dress code is. For office work, smart business dress is a must. Ensure you are well groomed with tidy hair, clean shoes and clothing. Do not wear too much perfume or aftershave and keep make-up, jewellery and nail polish simple.
Travel and timing
Plan your journey beforehand to ensure you arrive a few minutes early. Allow for possible travel delays. Just in case of a major hold up, make sure you have your contact’s telephone number so that you can call if you suspect you will be late.

The Interview
What to expect
Two-way communication
- Make sure the employer knows the benefits of employing you. It is important to sell yourself by telling the employer details of your relevant skills and experience that you have to contribute to the organisation.
- Try not to monopolise the meeting – let your interviewer talk.
- Find out what the key parts of the candidate specification are, so you can show how you meet them.
- Ask how the job contributes to the success, efficiency and profitability of the organisation.
- Show that you have done some research
The next steps
Top Tips
- Practice a strong positive handshake and plan your greeting.
- Remember to smile and be polite to all the staff you meet, including those at the consultancy. They are an important link in the recruitment process and may influence a decision in your favour.
- Unless you feel particularly comfortable, do not accept tea or coffee at the interview as it can get in the way.
- If you are taking papers to the interview, carry them in a suitable case or folder.
After the Interview
Negotiation
Career Support Services
Choose from 4 packages:
- CV Redesign/Rewrite only £119
- Professional CV £199
- Executive/Director CV £250
- Career Support Clinic Package £349