Hi all, if you're reading this then either your just having a look or you work for FSC, you're the person I'm looking for if you do.

I have an interview tomorrow for temp' customer service advisor and it's a position I really want, therefore if you could give me any heads up about the sort of questions I am likely to be asked I would be very grateful, is it just the usual:


Give an example of a time when you've dealt with a difficult customer
give an example that you gave good customer service
name a time when you've made a difficult decision and it paid off
etc etc


Thanks all for looking, and much appreciate any replies (Serious), sorry for the short notice but only just heard myself...

If you have got an interview then you should be fine, it's through an agency so you must have some skills they think are suitable else the would not be interviewing you. Some posts have a 20 question test about computers and stuff but I don't think that one does. The work is phone based so talk clearly, smile, make eye contact and make sure both your eyes point in roughly the same direction, I know that's all generic stuff but it's a bit late to get you more info. Do you know who is interviewing you?

I have no idea, I got a call about an hour ago from the online agency and they asked me how much notice I need to start / get to an interview and my response was something like middle of last week. So off went my cv, I got a phone call back asking me for interview tomorrow and he'd email me the information about time etc, all I know is it's 13:00 tomorrow as I'm still waiting on the email.

What sort of questions do they ask, I take it you work there...? I know pretty much anything you need to know to say I'm a skilled computer user, but cmd line, programming etc...I haven't the foggiest.

Is it like a formal interview where there's a few people taking notes and analysing every word, body language etc or is it like a 1 on 1 and quite informal?

All the help you can offer would be very appreciated as I am hopeless in interviews, I just fold and get all nervous. Might get to meet the Neeeeeek eh, I feel honoured.

The fact that you have an interview means you are almost there. Remember that:

· Interviewers don’t waste their time so you deserve to be shortlisted for the interview. At this point you do have a realistic chance of getting the job.

· An interview is a great opportunity to illustrate your enthusiasm and passion for the role.

· Be positive.

· Be prepared.

The following are points to take into account while preparing for an interview.

Research the company
· Look at its website. This will often provide good information.

· Contact the firm's marketing department for up-to-date literature.

Know your CV
Know your CV back to front. Be ready to expand on things you have written and be confident about talking about your main achievements.

Prepare some questions and answers
· Think about questions that you could be asked and practice your answers.

· Prepare a short career summary that you can give. Think about how to show your skills and how you could contribute to the company.

· Think about points you want to ask the interviewer. Those which invite thought and comment are more memorable to the interviewer than those which request specific detail. This is also a good way to show your understanding of the company.



Find out about the interview process
Find out the format of the interview process:

· How many interviews will there be?

· Does the firm carry out psychometric testing?

· Who will be conducting the interviews?



The day of the interview
Make sure you know exactly where the interview is taking place and give yourself enough time to get there. If you are running late, call the company and let them know.

Arrive about ten minutes early for the interview so you can sit in the reception and read the company’s brochures and press releases. Study the receptionists and watch the comings and goings to provide a valuable insight into the type of company you could be joining.

Presentation
Always dress to impress. You never get a second chance to make a first impression.

Look in the mirror and check your posture. Relaxed shoulders present an open and confident manner. A strong handshake and a natural smile give a positive picture.

So you need to look good and seem confident before you have even spoken.

Make sure you have some additional copies of your CV with you.

Performance
The interview is where you will need to answer three questions:

· Do you have the technical skills and experience to do the job?

· Will you have the right attitude and commitment to do the job?

· Will you fit in?

Skills and experience
The fact that you are having this interview shows your potential employer thinks you do have the right skills. However, most of the interview will probably be spent confirming this. Avoid one word answers and give supporting information where possible.

Attitude and commitment
Give practical examples of how you have shown commitment and motivation in the past.

Will you fit in?
Companies are different. A company's literature and your interviewer will provide clues on the company’s culture. Make sure you really think that you will fit in.


Other useful tips
· Be clear and straight to the point. Always be positive. You are in control of what you want your interviewer to know, so take responsibility for answering the three key questions from the start.

· If you are a fidgeter, keep your hands apart and don't hold anything in your hands.

· Practice a comfortable way of sitting that feels natural.

· Use your voice well. Pace, tone and intonation are all important.

· If you are being interviewed by more than one person, make sure you look at everyone when talking.

· Don’t mention salary. The recruiter will bring this up later and you have more influence when the recruiter wants you.

· Even if you think, during the interview, that you don’t want the job always remain positive throughout the interview and at the end of the interview, always be positive if asked about your interest in the job.



Questions frequently asked by interviewers
· Tell me something about yourself.

· Why are you looking for a job at this point in your career?

· Why would you like to work for this company in particular?

· What attracts you to this role?

· What are your main strengths and weaknesses?

· Give details on two major achievements in your career.

· If you could change anything about your career so far, what would it be?

· How would members of your team describe you?

· What important points came out of your last appraisal?

· What is your management style like.

· What would you like to do in your next role?

· What does success mean to you?

· What motivates you?

· What really annoys you in the workplace?

· Describe your greatest challenge so far.

· Describe a difficult work scenario and how you managed it.

· Where do you see yourself in five year's time?

· What are your career aspirations?

· What would you say about your current and last employers?



Questions you could ask

· Why has this vacancy come up?

· How would you describe the firm/company culture?

· What do you see as the main challenges of this role?

· How do you differentiate yourselves from your competitors?

· What are the company’s main business objectives in the coming year?

· How are employees measured in terms of performance?

· What processes exist to support employees in their career development?

· How would you describe the company's values?

· What would I be involved in during my first six months of joining?

· What are the department's priorities during the next six months?

Quite alot their, but hope it helps and good luck with the interview :)

Thanks Craig, a lot to get my head around there and a lot of which I recognise, there are also some points that apply to professional positions only but might be best to draught an answer to them in case.

Right, best get to work on what I have, thanks guys...

how did your interview with Norwich Union go the other day?

how did your interview with Norwich Union go the other day?

Not got it until the end of the month....keep me hanging, gives me time to prepare though so can't knock it.

Looks good, a bit stuttery @ times but then I was pretty sharp with most answers, let you all know what happens on Thursday.

:thumbsup:

Hi Ricon, FSC's a pretty good company to work for once you get sucked in! ;)

Interviews aren't generally made too difficult here until you start entering middle management, then you need to get yourself well prepared. Like has been mentioned before, just act yourself, be 'normal' and jot down a few questions. Also, be prepared to give examples of when you've worked through difficult times, i.e problem solving, dealing with difficult customers, within a team etc and you'll be fine.

Good luck! :thumbsup:

Quite alot their, but hope it helps and good luck with the interview :)

A quite good (and lifted i presume?) guide but you missed two important questions to ask when they give you the opportunity at the - one is a definate one to ask, the other is one if you are feeling confident (and i have asked and been asked it)

1) "Did i answer all of your questions to the extent you required or would you like me to elaborate further on any response" - this shows that you are ensuring the interviewer has accepted all your answers and also gives them the opportunity to think "well he's close but didnt give us a good enough answer there". It also provokes them to consider that you are looking to satisfy the clients (in this case the interviewer) needs and that an agreed and satisfactory closure is important to you.

2) "Is there any reason based on my interview that you would consider me unsuitable for the postion" - This can be double edged and you have to play this very confidently or you come across arrogant. Again its about ensuring that you have answered all the questions to their satisfaction and also says "i want this position and there is no one that will give a better interview is there so give me the job now" It can also highlight an immediate reason why you shouldnt which gives you the opportunity to ask them what their advice would be to complete "the jigsaw" so next time you interview (potentially for their company again so its to their benefit) you will be better prepared.

Good luck any way and always remember to thank the interviewers and wish them good luck in fulfilling the vacancy.