Interview Skills Tim Reed Careers Advisory Service

How not to interview Candidate: n fell and broke arm during interview n said he didn’t finish secondary school because he was kidnapped and kept in a wardrobe in Mexico n brought a large dog to the interview n asked “Would it be a problem if I am angry most of the time?”

How to interview What would be good to do at an interview?

Introduction n What is an interview? n Using non-verbal communication n How do you prepare? n How should you dress? n How to deal with difficult questions! n What questions should you ask? n CAS facilities.

What is an interview? n Interaction - with questions - to get a job or a place on a course n 1:1 1:2 1:3 1:4 1:!???! n Panel; Group; 20min; 40min etc…., n Face to face/on the telephone n Your chance to meet a representative of the organization you have applied to n Stressful!

Using non-verbal communication n Eye Contact n Smiling n Nodding n Facial Expression n Standing n Sitting n Gestures n Tone/Volume

How do you prepare? n Re-read employer information n Re-read your application n Prepare some questions to ask n Remind yourself why you find this career/employer attractive n Plan how you will travel n Dress neatly and smartly

How should you dress? n Conformity is the rule n Suits n Harrods n Men/Women Do’s & Don’ts n Consider the employer!

Mock interview Ask two questions: n Tell me about what interests you n What is your single greatest achievement?

How to deal with difficult questions! n Give yourself time! n The “No, but …” technique n Reflect/Deflect n Tell them research is needed n Allow yourself not to know the answer n Prepare for “obvious” questions

Prepare for obvious questions n Why are you applying to us? n Why have you chosen IT/marketing etc.? n What makes you suitable for this job? n Tell me more about your relevant skills. n What other jobs are you applying for? n Where do you see yourself in five years? n Why did you choose your current employer? n Why are you leaving your present employment? n What have you got out of your job? n What do you do in your spare time? What do you get out of it?

What should you ask? n See booklet! n Do ask a question! n Keep it brief n Ask about the work itself, not pay/perks n Prepare them in advance n Tell them something they don’t know!

Research both employer & job n CAS library – files, booklets, leaflets n Company internet site(s) n Other internet sites – search engines n Directories – eg. Willings Press Guide n Quality newspapers – finance section n May not find much re. small firms

CAS facilities n AGCAS Booklet “Going for Interviews” n Interview Skills booklet (CAS) n Reference File No. 014: First Interviews Assessment Centres Interview Reports n CAS website & Practice Interviews online n Online streamed interviews n Reference Books (eg. “Answer the Question: Get the Job”) n Quick Query (Mon-Fri & 2-5)