How to pass your Interview

Talent

You're likely to have more interviews as a contractor compared to a fulltime permanent employee. The average contract length is around six months, meaning you could have at least two new interviews each year.

Successful candidates look forward to interviews, it gives them a chance to show off their talents and impress the recruitment agent and client. Successful candidates are good at selling themselves, prepare for their interviews and understand exactly what the client is looking for.

Before you meet your client, try to understand what it is they want and why they need you. Do you have the right skills? Do you understand what the client wants and where they want to be with your help? Do your homework and research the client's industry. Having got this far you must have the skills required by the client for this role - but don't assume anything.

Turn up on time (never be late) and make sure you remember the name of the person you are meeting. Dress smartly, even if you usually work in jeans and a T-shirt make the effort and wear a suit and tie. You want to create an overall good impression, one mistake could ruin your chances - the people you meet will judge you on first impressions, make yours count.

Do you know what the client wants?

The client knows he will be working with you on a daily basis. He wants to like you and know that you will support him. He'll wonder if you're the type to be claiming all the glory or whether you'll make him look good.

• Stress your particular skills, demonstrating how you have exactly what is required. Do you have any other relevant skills? Make sure you tell him. Use this opportunity to assess your client. What type of person is he? Does he want the contractor to use initiative or to follow strict guidelines? Will you fit in with other members of his team?

Find out why they are looking for a contractor. Is this the first time they've hired a contractor? Are you replacing another contractor or are you increasing the headcount? Do you have unique skills that no other team member has?

Are you expected to educate and train a permanent member of staff? Unless you understand their motive you won't be able to answer the questions in the best way.

Ask questions

Asking relevant questions shows you are keen. It also demonstrates initiative and shows the client you are motivated to know the facts and do well. Prepare your questions in advance and write them down.

• If during the interview you forget your questions it's perfectly acceptable to take out the piece of paper - in fact it reinforces the impression you are the type to prepare carefully and thoroughly.

Try and formulate your questions so that you can once again parade your skills. Ask about subjects which you are familiar with and which you can discuss in detail and knowledgably. You want the client to know you are qualified for the role and maybe even know a bit more than is required.

• Questions which lead to the client talking lots are good, avoid questions which can be answered with a single word. Clients like talking about themselves and the more you can help this along the better chance you have of ingratiating yourself.

By the time your interview finishes you should aim to leave the client thinking that you have an exact understanding of the issues and their needs. Also that you have the right experience for the role, you are motivated to do the best possible job and you will fit in seamlessly with the other members of the team.

• In summary: look smart, tell the truth & stress your ability. Let the client know that the role really interests you and that you're the one who can complete the task in the most efficient way which will result in your client being that much better at widget making.