Preparing for Interviews

Plan to succeed

The interview process offers you and United House a chance to meet, exchange information and come to a conclusion about your suitability for both the Company and the role. The interview is a two-way process. You evaluate us whilst we evaluate you. Preparation is the key to a successful interview from both parties. You will be asked relevant structured questions in relation to the core competencies in the role you are applying for. Therefore it is vital that you have researched the position.

Structured interviews

These are also known as skills based, behavioural, situational or competency based interviews. They work on the principle that, past performance is the best predictor of future performance. The interviewer will therefore be seeking examples of past behaviour that provide them with concrete evidence that the candidate has the necessary attributes and competencies to succeed in the job.

Psychometric testing

The way that a person performs in their job does not solely depend upon their ability. Personality also plays an important part. Used in conjunction with other measures and assessments a personality profile can provide a useful insight into an individual's style of behaviour in specific situations and prove invaluable re-training and development requirements for their future. United House use this style of testing in conjunction with traditional selection methods to assist in the recruitment of staff.

Preparing for interviews

• Do your homework. Research the Company beforehand so that you can showcase that knowledge during the interview. This will boost your credibility with the interviewer and will help you to formulate intelligent questions to ask.
• Bring necessary documentation. Make a checklist of documents that you will need for the interview, and make sure that you have them before leaving home. For this Company you will be required to bring your completed application form, your passport, and if applicable to the role you are applying for your driver’s license.
• Know where you’re going. Make sure to find out where the office is and how to get there. Do you know how long the trip will take? Do you have the name and phone number of the person you’ll be meeting with? Do you know how easy it is to park? Save yourself time and unnecessary stress by knowing these things before heading to the interview.
• Look the part. Your clothing should be neat and professional looking. However, don’t be afraid to inject some personality into your look, and don’t neglect the details.
• Preparation is paramount. Prior to your interview, prepare answers to competency based questions the interviewer is likely to ask. Such as: Provide an example of a time when you had to meet an important deadline. Give me an example of when you have worked well within a team. Tell me about a time when obstacles made it difficult to achieve work goals. Conduct a mock interview with a trusted friend as practice.
• Arrive early. Be sure to arrive at least 10 minutes before the interview. Announce yourself to the receptionist to let him or her know that you have arrived and that you have an appointment. Turn your mobile phone off so it doesn’t ring during your meeting.
• Sell yourself. The interview is your chance to shine, so now is not the time to be humble. Think about your strengths, your skill and abilities, and what sets you uniquely apart from other applicants.
• Secure your references. Find at least two key references from your present and most recent previous employer.
• Prepare questions. Based on your earlier research, ask the interviewer any questions that you feel were not answered throughout the duration of the interview.
• Follow up. If you don’t hear anything after one week, call to politely inquire when they will be making a final decision.