While an interview can be a piece of cake for some, it can also be nerve-wracking for others. The recruitment team at GCS Malta have already outlined what you can do to prepare before the interview, but what should you do after to ace it?

Arrive 10-15 minutes early

Map out the interview location beforehand and make sure that you arrive on time. Arriving late will leave the wrong impression on the interviewer.

Make a great first impression

First impressions are paramount since some studies show that interviewers make up their minds about candidates within the first five minutes of the interview and then spend the rest of the interview looking for things to confirm that decision. Here are some tips for acing the first impression:

•Check your appearance

•Have good body language

•Express enthusiasm and appreciation

•Treat everyone you meet with respect

•Greet the interviewer with a smile and a handshake

•Start off with a positive comment about the company

Respond well to all types of questions

During the interview, the interviewer may ask you different types of questions: personal, situational, behavioural and competency-based questions. When responding to your interviewer’s questions, retain the following tips in mind:

•Keep your answers concise – remember that your time is limited

•Tie your answers back to your strengths, selling points, skills and accomplishments

•Respond truthfully – do not embellish your skills or achievements; honesty can be refreshing

•Be assertive – politeness does not equal passivity. It is your responsibility to make sure that the interviewer knows your key selling points

Wait for the interviewer to mention salary and benefits

When the end of your interview is approaching, although it might be tempting to ask about the salary and benefits, try to wait for the interviewer to mention them first. Do not expect a job offer before the second or third interview if this is your first interview.

Ask what the next step is

Before concluding the interview, ask your interviewer what the next step in the recruitment process is. For example, establish whether you would have

Close on a positive note

Thank the interviewer for his time and express your interest in the position. If you really want the job, tell them! If you are a good match for the company but are competing for the position with another candidate, your enthusiasm might make your desired employer more inclined to choose you.

Send a personalised thank you email

Now that you have aced your interview, take it to the next step. According to your interviewer’s preference, send a thank-you email or letter to express your appreciation and reaffirm your interest. Refer specifically to what you discussed together and aim to make your email/letter stand out from the rest.

Why GCS Malta?

Are you looking to advance your career? Check out all the available positions here. At GCS Malta, our exceptional Recruitment & HR department can aid you with all your recruiting needs. Contact us for more information.

Article by Sarah Jane Gauci