BJD Purchasing: Enabling Purchasing Excellence through best practice recruitment

Interview Techniques

Interview Tips - Purchasing

Interviews are two way affairs and most people have an opinion on best practice. Our view is not intended to be definitive and contains some obvious and some less obvious advicewe hope it is of use.

Preparation is the key to success

Company Background
Obtain information about the company, look at their web site - they are likely

to ask what you know. Gain a clear understanding of the structure of the company, its main areas of focus and its market.

Role Requirements
Obtain information about the job, person specification, competencies required

and interview process. Match your strengths and skills to their requirements and be and how you could make a difference.

prepared to demonstrate them at the interview. Understand the key tasks of the role

Contact Numbers
Ensure you have a telephone number - should you have any problems with

attending, make contact and let us know by telephone, not email.

BJD Purchasing Email purchasing@bjdgroup.co.uk Website www.bjdgroup.com/purchasing Tel: Leicestershire Office 01858 433071 London Office 0207 554 8666

BJD Purchasing: Enabling Purchasing Excellence through best practice recruitment

Location
Obtain a map or directions - www.multimap.com is a good site. Try to

determine how long the interview will last, always allow at least 30 minutes extra. It is better to be early than late. Arriving early will give you the opportunity to read some information on the company in the reception area and gather your thoughts.

Interviewers
If possible, find out about the interviewer(s), their job titles etc., typically this

will include your Line Manager and HR.

Arrival
When meeting the interviewer, greet them with a smile, a firm handshake and

be polite. Try to match the style i.e. if they are formal be formal, if they are informal be informal. Always be aware you are under review however informal the interview.

Testing
Psychometric Tests and Questionnaires are used to aid the interviewers

decision making process. These are either pencil and paper or computer aided questionnaires/tests, taking place under controlled conditions by a trained reasoning to personality profiles. Your local bookstore will stock booklets to sites offer free testing e.g. www.shldirect.com . Presentations may be required. Keep focused on delivering a professional appearance. Jokes are definitely not what interviewers are looking for. If you are given a choice of subjects, pick one you know well. administrator. There is a wide range of tests, from numeracy, intelligence, verbal purchase and practice such tests. Alternatively use a Web Search for them, many

Your Questions
Interviews are a two way process, so have your questions ready. Ask questions

that show a real interest in the position and the company. You can demonstrate a clear understanding of the business by asking the right questions. There are always elements that were not covered during the interview process. Try not to focus mainly on the reward/package as this can always be addressed later. Its OK to have a list.

Know your CV
Rehearse, practice, know your CV off by heart including dates and reasons for leaving employments.

BJD Purchasing: Enabling Purchasing Excellence through best practice recruitment

Make the Right Impression

Dress appropriately Be on time Be alert

Maintain eye contact, but dont stare Smile but do not overdo it Answer questions without digression, quote examples Have ice breaking comments and answers ready Mild flattery helps Be positive Avoid criticising previous employers/people Thank people for their time and courtesy Do not "name drop"

Be prepared for difficult questions like, what are your weaknesses?

Ask appropriate questions about

1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. Company/Group Culture Systems

Organisation

Job, its challenges, KPIs

The selection process, time-scales

Your interview technique and your chances of getting through to the next stage

Typical Questions
1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9. 10. 11. 12. Tell me about yourself Describe your management style Why do you want to work for us? Why do you want this job? Describe your Boss How would your Boss describe you? What do you know about our company? Why did you choose your profession? What are your strengths/weaknesses? What are the best and worst aspects of your current job role? Why are you looking for a new position? What has been your greatest achievement to date?

BJD Purchasing: Enabling Purchasing Excellence through best practice recruitment

13. 14. 15. 16. 17. 18. 19. 20. 21. 22. 23.

How would you describe yourself? How would your friends or colleagues describe you? What are your future aspirations? How ambitious are you? Describe how you overcame a problem at work What can you offer to your new team/company? Give us an example of when you have provided good customer service What drives you? Where would you like to be in 5 years? What kind of decisions are most difficult for you? Are you by nature detailed or take a more overview approach when conducting

a project? 24. 25. What are your interests out of work? What is more important to you, deadlines or targets?