There are numerous interview tips which apply to any career, but knowing how to approach different interviews for different companies can put you ahead of the curve. Here are some insider tips for your Site Manager interview. 

Have Stats to Hand

Everyone knows to take your CV to the interview. It means you have a point of reference and as most interviewers will also have a copy you will be able to predict what they will want to discuss next.For extra detail before the interview, add notes to your CV with statistics, costs, budgets and timescales. You are likely to be asked specific questions and having the facts to hand will show you are prepared and organised. 

Tailor your Conversation

Whilst you may have a vast amount of managerial experience you need to make sure the skills and examples you are highlighting are relevant to the property sector you are being interviewed for. You may have a vast amount of social housing experience but if the interviewing company builds speculative homes then it will look like you haven't researched the company enough to know what housing sector they work in. Keep what you are saying relevant to the company. 

Don’t Miss out on an Opportunity to Showcase Your Skills

Candidates often fail to use the interview as an opportunity to talk about their success and even miss important skills, qualifications and commendations from their CV. Make use of your time with the interviews to fill any gaps you couldn't fit on your CV, this includes any first aid qualification, IOSH, NEBOSH or other training you have. If you have ever been recognised or rewarded for your work as a Site Manager, even if you were nominated but did not win, make every effort to mention it. You want to sell yourself without sounding like you are bragging. 

Stand Your Ground

This does not mean getting competitive or aggressive with your interviewer but don’t be afraid to speak truthfully. It has been known for companies to test your knowledge and experience in Site Manager interviews. If they say their build time is 16 weeks and you are confident it should be 20 weeks, speak up. Assuming you are correct, they will be impressed with your understanding and it opens the conversation to discuss specific projects. 

Ask the Questions That Matter

There is fine line between the right and wrong questions to be asking in an interview. Bonus structures are of course important to you but make sure you don’t look driven by individual gains instead of company goals and success. Looking interested in the company as well as your own career progression shows the right attitude in the interview. Ask about the company’s core goals and values, this will help to determine what the bonus structure will depend on, whilst finding out what drives the company. Find out more about future projects: again this has two benefits 1. you will show interest in the company’s development and long-term plan and 2. you get a greater idea of other locations you may be asked to work in.