How to have a great interview!Jenny Wade

Interview skills

Agenda

Setting the scene Preparation and research Make a positive impression What employers are looking for Common interview questions Practice interviews Questions

What is an interview?

a conversation with a purpose

What’s the purpose?

To assess your suitability for a particular job

Selection process

CV / Application submitted

Psychometric testing

Telephone interview

Face to face interview

Assessment Centre

Accept / Decline

Job offer?

Forces of change

Globalisation Competition Education Communications Technology Social factors Politics

Changes to organisations

De-layering Strategic alliances Outsourcing Growth of service activities Customer focus International approach Use of IT

Changes to careers

Ladders Clarity Employer Job Functional identity Career Progression Rising income/security Education and training Company training

Bridges Fog Customer Adding value Project team role Portfolio Personal growth Remaining employable Lifelong learning Self development

From To

Reasons to be cheerful...

Your CV/application form works You’re over the biggest hurdle Employer wants to know more You’ve prepared and know your selling points Interviewers are human It’s a learning experience

Preparation

Practical things you need to know…… in advance When Where How long will it take you? What to wear Who with? What format?

Types of recruitment interview

standard chronological criterion/competence based panel technical telephone

Typical interview structure

Breaking the ice Education and qualifications Job/organisational knowledge Probing questions Your questions

Resources for your preparation Job description & advert Your application Annual Report/promotional materials Website Press articles Who do you know? Careers Service

Knowing yourself

Skills/Abilities

Needs Temperament

Values

Interests

You

Expect questions on the post offered the employer your motivation your achievements and background skills, qualities and weaknesses

Have your questions ready for them!

Anticipating questions

Good recruiters tell you what they are

looking for

Preparation and research at the

application stage still relevant

Think about their agenda

What would you ask in their shoes?

The Obvious Questions #1

What is the appeal of this job?

(aka) Why do you want

to work for us?Show you’ve researched them

Match what they want

Skills, knowledge and values

“I would enjoy this post as it would allow me to use my………. and further develop my………..”

The Obvious Questions #2

What would you say was your greatest strength?

Don’t lie; Target.

Steer towards what they want!

Remember, if your (real) strengths don’t match, you won’t enjoy the job – will you?

The Obvious Questions #3

What is your greatest weakness?

Pick something that’s not on their list of desirables and essentials

Or – Talk about something that doesn’t come naturally, but that you’ve improved…

Your Two Minute drill

Tell me about yourself?

A coherent overview of who you are

and what skills you have to offer.

During

Making a positive impression

Be on time & look professional Body language can convey confidence

– Smile– Firm handshake– Eye contact

Speak slowly and clearly Look like you want to be there!

Answering the question

Listen carefully Seek clarification if necessary Have evidence to support your claims Talk about PERSONAL contributions Be specific Describe a positive outcome

Your attitude

make a strong first impression: smile, handshake, confident body language

answer the questions! be succinct, but avoid yes/no answers be interested and enthusiastic leave positively: thank interviewer

Your questions

Understand your own motivations– structure of organisation– typical projects/responsibilities– variety of work– performance assessment

Demonstrate your research and interest– market knowledge– insight into company

Mistakes people make.... Don’t think it’s all over after one slip - stay

positive Don’t say “we” - say “I” Don’t talk non-stop - be interruptible Don’t hang yourself by giving too much

information - stay concise Don’t flatter or be insincere Don’t volunteer any admissions or negatives

After

After the interview note the questions asked and your answers reflect on your responses record your impressions ask for feedback act on feedback

If you are unsuccessful and were impressed by the employer, keep in touch.

What employers are looking for

Verify your claims and dig deeper establish the relevance of your skills

and experience be convinced of your motivations evaluate your verbal, interpersonal skills

& overall professionalism Sell their organisation to you

The bottom line

Can you do the job– qualifications, experience, skills

Do you want to do the job– knowledge of organisation, job knowledge,

motivation, enthusiasm Will you fit in

– values, attitude, personality

Common questions

Practice interviewsGet into groups of 31 will interview - pick out 5 questions1 will be interviewee – ready to answer1 will observe

Feedbackinterviewee InterviewerObserver

Feedback

Start with positives Be SPECIFIC; give concrete evidence Consider CONTENT & DELIVERY of

the answer

Observations