Tips for a Successful Facilities Management Interview

When it comes to a facilities management interview, it’s quite normal to feel a little nervous. Nerves help you to know that this is a facilities management job you are really interested in. However, it’s important not to let those anxieties affect your performance. Job interviews all have a similar format, no matter what level of facilities management job you apply for. But they all have the same purpose! Ultimately, they are your chance to sell yourself to your prospective employer.

To help you feel at ease for your next facilities management interview, our team have put together some useful tips to help you stand out from other applicants.

Be prepared for your best facilities management interview ever!

Before you go into your interview, make sure that you have done your research. A quick read of the job description is in unlikely to be enough. Ideally, you should put in the time and effort to read the company website and any blogs or other online material linked to the business. There are so many resources available now, preparing for a facilities management interview doesn’t have to be difficult. With sites like Glassdoor you can even research what other employees feel about working for the company. It’s always a worthwhile to take a look before your interview.

TOP TIP: Now that a lot of first interviews have moved online, it’s important to check that everything works beforehand. Checking your connection, making sure there are no distractions and finding a quiet area are all key to a successful facilities management interview.

Develop a rapport where you can

When taking part in a discussion with your prospective employer, it’s important to show enthusiasm, energy, and passion. However, be cautious that you don’t come across as overly confident. It’s a fine line, but an important one. Saying that, it’s important to show your ‘work personality’ too. Do you share the company values? Can you give examples? This is a great, and professional way to not only show your personality but that you have also researched in advance.

Also, be sure to answer questions fully. Even if you need a moment or two to get your thoughts together, the panel will not mind. It is far better to stop and compose yourself than to blurt out a rushed response and then regret it afterwards.

Bear in mind body language

Trying to remember all the things you want to say can be even harder when you are also worrying about how you are coming across. That is why you should think about your body language in advance, so that you can feel at ease during the interview. Don’t forget that this also applies to online interviews.

Some simple advice is –

• Never fold your arms in an interview as this creates a barrier
• Do not slouch or lean back in your chair
• Sit up straight when being spoken to and lean slightly forward to show interest

TOP TIP: For online interviews, be sure to look at the camera whilst you are talking to the interviewer. This will make it easier for you both to feel a connection, despite the distance.

Why are you the best candidate for the role?

It’s not good practice to simply expect your experience to carry you through the interview stage. Nor should it be left to the interviewers to pick things out of your CV and make links to the position you are applying for. Show them that you understand what is expected from the post holder. Give examples of when you have had to perform in a similar situation in the past. Also, reiterate key skills gained, wherever relevant.

Do you have any questions for us?

Finally, this is something that you need to be prepared for. It’s the question that ends over 85% of interviews. But what do you ask? There are the obvious questions about how any plans for growth and when you can expect a decision. However, there’s one great question that always goes well. “What do you enjoy most about working here?” It’s our favourite way to end an interview. Not only will it give you some insight into what it’s really like to work for the company, it shows that you are also interested in others.

We have been helping facilities management candidates secure their dream jobs for 40 years and we pride ourselves on our award-winning candidate care programme.

Here’s what one of our candidates had to say about us recently – 

“I recently started work with Catch 22 as a Building Manager, I’m delighted with the way they kept in contact with me, the friendliness and professionalism of the staff, and the face that they keep in touch to see how I’m doing. I’d recommend them to anyone looking for work; they will find you a job’

Get in touch with our expert recruiters today and let’s find you your dream facilities management job – 0207 220 8900 / 0113 242 8055 / 0161 470 2160