Life Orientation – Grade 11 Interview Skills Life Orientation – Grade 11

Purpose of an Interview To see if you match the job requirements Assess personal qualities How well you express yourself Your motivation and enthusiasm Whether or not YOU feel the job suits you

Preparation Do research Remember why you are interested in the job – be enthusiastic! Try to anticipate possible questions and form model answers Prepare questions to ask the interviewer Practice with a friend Dress neatly (dress code depends on the nature of the job) Know how you will get there (being late is considered inexcusable, no matter the circumstances) If necessary, employ calming techniques (slow breathing, read while waiting)

Structured/Competency-Based Interview Unstructured Interview Types of Interviews Structured/Competency-Based Interview Pre-determined questions Standardised (all applicants are given the same opportunity to answer the same questions) Specific qualities are looked for No opportunity for conversation Unstructured Interview A conversation with a purpose Direction of the interview depends on the applicant Answers to questions are meant to be explorative Interviews tend to challenge answers in order to stimulate debate

The Interview

First Impression Generally, it takes only 7 MINUTES for an interviewer to decide if a candidate is right for the job Do Maintain eye-contact Stand up straight Smile! Speak clearly Praise the company Be polite Don’t Eat right before or during Check your phone Take a friend to the interview with you Criticize the company Make excuses for past mistakes – take responsibility Do not address the interviewer by his/her first name

Hypothetical Questions Questions and Answers Typical Questions Tell me about yourself Why did you choose this company? How would the experiences you describe be useful in this company? What are your main strengths and weaknesses? Where do you see yourself in five years time? Tell me about your vacation work/involvement with student societies/sporting activities Hypothetical Questions How would you deal with an angry customer? How would you deal with a staff member caught stealing? Your manager is ill and leaves you in charge. Many employees complain about the way the manager does things. How do you handle the situation?

Questions You Can Ask General Rules Keep them brief – consider other candidates waiting to be interviewed Ask about the job, not the benefits You do not have to wait until the end to ask your questions – ask when the question is suitable Examples How will you judge my success? Do you have any concerns about my being successful in this position? Who held this position previously? Why is he/she leaving? What types of training opportunities do you offer? Is there a possibility for promotion in the future?

Sought-After Skills Good interpersonal skills Ability to sell yourself Ability to work in a team Organisation Motivation Initiative