Preparing for an interview is like any other important meeting: it has to be spot on. Candidates will need to know exactly where and when they are expected to turn up. Put the postcode into an online search engine and see how you will get there: check parking if you are going to drive (leaving plenty of time in case of traffic jams) or train timetables if going by rail.
If you are to make a good start with your interviewer, you should know their name and how they pronounce it. Mr Hug, for instance, will pronounce his name differently if he is a Frenchman or a German-speaking Swiss executive and no, that is not a made-up example. It is a simple courtesy to know someone’s name and correct job title before discussing your future with them.
To be sure, your contacts at BiS Henderson will go through as much of this material as there is time for, but you cannot know
too much about the organisation where you have landed an interview. After all, this could be a portal to your next career move, in which case all the knowledge you acquired at the outset will be relevant in coming months. If you can demonstrate that you have taken the trouble to do your homework, the person on the other side of the desk will know that you are capable of proactive
research.
If there is a chance to visit any of the company sites, e.g. a retail outlet, do so and observe how people work. You will need to have your own questions prepared and rehearsed, particularly ones that are relevant to the changing business environment: subjects like known changes in relevant legislation or how developments in the market are shaping plans to secure competitive advantage over rivals.
The questions coming your way may be very specific, such as IT implementation, in which case your role should be clearly presented (e.g. responsibility for budget of xyz thousand pounds, the management resources invested and the business outcome). Avoid the temptation to close off questions with shutdown responses like “yes” or “no” because a job interview is a dialogue: if you are successful, this conversation could be resumed at a later date.
If you would like more information about BiS Henderson’s services or supply chain and recruitment candidates please leave a comment below or visit our contact page.
