Candidate Information

Interviews

How should I prepare for my interview?

Always thoroughly research the company you are interviewing with. If possible, visit their stores or concessions and make yourself familiar with their product.

Should I do a project before my interview?

Depending on the position you have applied for, it is advisable to do a small project before your interview if the projects in your portfolio are outdated or not the style of the company in question.

What questions am I likely to be asked?

All interviewers expect you to already have knowledge of their products and customers. You will more than likely be asked your opinion on which items you feel perform well and which ones you don’t. You should always be honest but not to the point of rudeness! It is a sign of character to give constructive criticism if you feel it necessary, simply agreeing with everything does not endear you to prospective employers.

What should I wear?

Always dress appropriately for the company you are interviewing with.

How long after my interview should I expect feedback?

This does depend on the company interviewing you. We will endeavour to give you feedback within a week of your interview, although this unfortunately cannot be guaranteed. If you have not heard back from us within a week, please do call or email us.

Job Hints

An interview is a two way process- the potential employer will be learning about you and visa versa. Information will be gained not only from the answers given to their questions but also from thee kind of questions you ask and opinions you hold. There is no magic formula on winning an interview but there are a number of basic skills and dos and don’ts.

The right attitude is the most important thing. You must go to the interview with the sole intention of being offered the position.

Too many candidates during a course of an interview give too much consideration to whether they want the job or whether they are suited to it. Do not give the interviewer the opportunity to exclude you by excluding yourself. Once you have an offer, you can then say yes/or no.

Interview preparation is vital! You have to know why you have chosen the particular job and find out as much as possible about the employer.

Do not tell untruths that can be checked. Always be positive, any negative things that may have happened to you turn them into something positive.

We can’t predict an interviewers questions, however to prepare yourself, think about how you would answer the following questions

• Review your past positions, education and other strengths
• What do your know about the organization?
• Why are you interested in this position?
• What are the most significant accomplishments in your career to date?
• Describe a situation in which your work was criticized. Focus on how you solved the problem and the lessons you learned from it.
• How would you describe your personality?
• How do you perform under pressure?
• What have you done to improve yourself over the past year?
• What did you like least about your last position?
• What is your ideal working environment?
• How would your co-workers describe you?
• Have you ever terminated anyone’s employment? What was the situation and how did you handle it?
• Why should we hire you?
• What are your salary expectations? What other types of jobs/companies are you considering?

Do not ask the salary, or what holidays you are entitled to etc. Your only job at the interview, is to win it – they will offer you the position if they want you and then we can negotiate the best terms.

Rejection

Why have I been rejected?

Candidates can be rejected for various reasons. Their style may not match our client’s requirements or they may not have gained enough solid experience.

What should I do if my interview is not successful?

Don’t despair! There could be any number of the reasons your interview was unsuccessful and we will try and give you as much feedback as possible. We will also continue to put you forward for other suitable jobs as they are presented.

Working with YP Personnel

When registered with YP Personnel, can I contact companies directly?

If we are putting you forward for a role, we do ask you not to contact the company directly as this only causes confusion. Companies use agencies so as no to be bombarded with phone calls, emails etc. and this will only inhibit your chances of getting the job.

If another agency has put me forward for a job, will YP Personnel still represent me?

Unfortunately not! All agencies and clients have an agreement not to represent the same candidates. If you call about a role that you have already been put forward for, we do ask that you tell us straight away so we will not represent you for that particular vacancy.