Week 6 Lecture Preparing for Job Interview Employment skills Week 6 Lecture Preparing for Job Interview

Preparing for Job Interview

What are we going to learn in this session! By the end of this session, you will: Be aware of different types of interviews Know how to prepare for an interview Be aware of how to effectively present and promote yourself in an interview Know how to use interview experience constructively Be aware of different types of tests you might encounter and how to gain practice in them.

So, What Interviewing is…… Verbally asking participants the job evaluation questions and hearing the participant’s point of view in his or her own words. Interviews can be either structured or unstructured They can be conducted in person or over the telephone. They can be conducted individually or as a group

Structured Vs. Unstructured Interviews Interviews fall along a continuum from structured to unstructured. A structured interview uses is a set of questions that are asked in a standard way across all respondents. A semi-structured interview has specific topic areas and a general set of questions but the interview flows like a conversation and topics are covered as they come up. An unstructured interview has a topic area to be explored but what gets covered is left up to the respondent. An opening question might introduce the topic, I’d like to get your perspective about the Networking Systems. What would you like to tell me about it? When the questions are not totally pre-set and the interview takes a conversational approach, it is often called qualitative interviewing.

General Types of Interviews Telephone One to one Panel Might include a practical test (Technical)

Telephonic Interviews Screening interview prior to face to face interview Length of time may vary –from 10 minutes to 1 hour Plan for it: no distractions; get comfortable; be aware of your voice, tone and pace.

One to One Interviews May be a sifting exercise to see if you progress to the next stage Likely to explore your CV or application form - be prepared for detailed questions

Panel Interviews Common for graduate entry level jobs and in the public and not-for- profit sectors Perhaps 3 or more people All will ask questions They may have different areas of interest

Preparing Yourself For Interview

The Three Most Important Things YOU Should do Before your Interview: PREPARE! PREPARE AGAIN! PREPARE YET AGAIN!

First Impressions Your CV Your Application Your Clothes & Appearance Your Body Language

Applications & CV Fully complete the application without being too wordy. CV should be brief and to the point (1-2 pages). Both must be ERROR FREE! If you cannot type on the spot, please complete the form NEATLY by hand. Make sure all information is accurate. Document your qualifications. NEVER assume anything. The application DEADLINE date is exactly a “DEADLINE”. Plan ahead!

Before the interview Preparation – Knowing the organisation Research the company/organisation – do you know what they do?; what do they say about themselves? Current developments/news items/trends e.g. new contracts, takeover bids, financial and industry awards, government initiatives, economic pressures Demonstrate knowledge of the wider business and commercial context

Before the interview Preparation – Knowing yourself Recall any learning points from previous interviews Anticipate questions based on: your application form/CV; job description; person specification; skills requirements, job and sector knowledge Think about your answers & examples you could use as evidence What 4 or 5 main points/strengths do you want to get across about yourself Questions you want to ask

Before the interview Preparation – the practical issues Interview practice (careers consultants; friends) Practice your presentation within time allocation, if applicable Re-read your CV/application form and the job details Check interview arrangements (time, place, anything you have to take along) Plan your route Plan your interview clothes

During the interview Body Language Be ready to shake hands Make eye contact with all members of the panel Smile (at appropriate points!) Seating position -try to look and feel relaxed, self-assured and alert No fidgeting! Leave a positive impression

Answering Questions Listen to questions carefully –what do they want to know/why are they asking? Take a few seconds before you answer to give yourself time to collect your thoughts If you are not clear about the question, ask for clarification Talk about your relevant skills and abilities –relate these to the job If you lose your thread, take a moment to clarify your thoughts Be aware of how long you talk for Ask if the interviewer needs additional information

Scenario Questions –STAR STAR “Tell us about a time when...” Scene/scenario –what was the situation? Tasks –what needed to be done? Action –what did you do and why? Result –what was the outcome? Plus, what you learned from the experience

STAR questions Skill specific e.g. tell us about a time when.... .... You’ve solved a problem .... You’ve worked as part of a team .... You’ve worked under pressure .... you exceeded the expectations of a customer or colleague.

Behaviour-Based Questions Can you describe the most valuable criticism you have received and what you did with it? Can you tell me about an event that really challenged you? Can you give me an example of a project that required attention to detail and how you handled the details? Can you tell me about a difficult person with whom you have worked? Can you describe the supervisor that you have liked the least?

What sort of questions can you prepare for? Tell us about yourself How would your friends describe you? Why are you interested in this job? What do you know about our organisation? What has been your biggest achievement to date? What are your main strengths? What is your greatest weakness? Where do you see yourself in 5 years time?

What sort of questions can you prepare for? Why should we give you this job? How are you suitable for this role? What relevant skills do you have for this role? What made you study for a degree in .....? What have you gained from being at the College? Do you have any Questions?

When asked; “Do you have any questions? “ Are there opportunities for working in other departments/ for promotion? What training/support could I expect? What would the key objectives be in the first 6 months of the job? When will I hear about this interview? Whatever the outcome, will you give me feedback?

However…. Do not ask questions just for the sake of it Do not ask questions if you should already know the answer Do not ask about fringe benefits –that conversation can take place when you have been offered the job

After the Interview Make notes of : questions you were asked and your answers five things you did well three things you could have done better one thing you have learned from the experience which could be helpful in the future Reflect –if offered, would you take the job? If not, why not? Keep all the job application materials together for future reference Give yourself a treat!

What creates a bad impression Poor personal appearance Negative attitude – using excuses Lack of interest and enthusiasm Lack of preparation Poor knowledge of role Failure to give concrete examples of skills Over emphasis on money/rewards Lack of career plan

AGCAS‟ Interview Tips Association of Graduate Careers Advisory Services Preparation is crucial Find out what skills the employer’s looking for Do some serious research on the company/organisation Be ready for questions they’re likely to ask Make a good impression Give yourself time to think Positive body language Expect different types of questions –technical, open, motivation, scenario Try to expand but don’t talk too much Make it easy for the selector to see that you’re right for the job

Psychometric tests in job and internship selection Types of tests Test based i.e. right and wrong answers ability-verbal, numerical, diagrammatic Questionnaire based -how a person feels or thinks about something personality –aimed at securing a good match between a person’s characteristics and a job/career area career interests/motivation –how do I want to use my skills and abilities

Psychometric Tests Aptitude Tests - measure skills relevant to position Verbal comprehension - evaluate logic of text Numerical reasoning - interpret statistical data Diagrammatic reasoning - recognize patterns Watch timing – complete as many as possible Personality Questionnaires Look at personality style No right or wrong answers Be spontaneous, don’t try to second-guess Tests include built-in checks Employers may be looking for different personality profiles

Interview Preparation Dressing Sense & Body Language

Before the interview Research the potential employer Make sure you have the appropriate interview attire

Tips Regarding Attire (Men) If possible, wear a suit to the interview Belt and shoes should be same colour Avoid ties with elaborate patterns or too many colours A wedding ring and/or watch is generally the only jewellery that should be worn Head to Toe: Hair should be well groomed and shoes should be polished

Who Would the Interviewer Prefer?

Tips Regarding Attire (Women) A suit or official dress is preferable Hairs neatly done and professional The amount of jewellery should be minimized Make-up should be light Avoid perfumes and scented powders

Who would the Interviewer Hire?

Starting The Interview Be sure to arrive 10 to 15 minutes prior to the start of the interview Greet the interviewer with a firm handshake Maintain good eye contact and posture Make sure you are energetic and enthusiastic Speak clearly and articulate

Follow-Up Be sure to say “thank you” after you have interviewed If situation is cordial, ask when they would possibly get back to you

Interview DO’s Dress appropriately. Personal grooming and cleanliness should be perfect. Keep cologne or perfume to a minimum. Pay particular attention to hands and fingernails. Arrive 10 minutes early. Know the exact time and location of your interview; know how long it takes to get there, park, and find a restroom to freshen up. Treat other people you encounter with courtesy and respect. Their opinions of you might be solicited during the hiring process. Offer a firm handshake, make eye contact, and have a friendly expression when you are greeted by the interviewer. Listen to be sure you understand your interviewer’s name and the correct pronunciation.

Interview DO’s Even when your interviewer gives you a first and last name, address your interviewer by Mr./Ms. OR Better still Sir/Madam. Sit still in your seat; avoid fidgeting. Respond to questions and back up your statements about yourself with specific examples whenever possible. Ask for clarification if you don’t understand a question Be thorough in your responses while being concise in your wording. Watch the tone of your voice Use good grammar and good diction. (Say “yes”, not “yeah.” Don’t fill pauses with “um,” uh” or “ah”. Don’t punctuate sentences with “you know”, “like”, “see” or “okay”) Make sure you understand the employer’s next step in the hiring process; know when and from whom you should expect to hear next.

Softly Show Your Capability! Exhibit quiet confidence. Organize your thoughts and apply your knowledge, skills and abilities. Think globally! Relate “outside” experiences to demonstrate your qualifications.

Interview Don’ts Don’t make excuses. Take responsibility for your decisions and your actions. Don’t make negative comments about previous employers or Institute. Don’t treat interview casually, as if you are doing the interview for practice. This is insulting to the interviewer and organization. Don’t give the impression that you are only interested in salary. Don’t act as though you would take any job or are desperate for employment. Don’t chew gum or smell like smoke. Don’t take cell phone calls during an interview. If you carry a cell phone, turn it off during the interview.

What about Answering Questions? Your points must be CLEAR, RELEVANT AND ADEQUATE: to enable the interviewer to understand what you are trying to say; to determine your strengths for that particular job; and to have sufficient information to make a good decision. The interviewer needs to determine if you can do the job, if you will do the job, and if you fit in. Hiring the RIGHT person for the RIGHT position for the RIGHT job at the RIGHT TIME is the goal of any interview

Qualities Employers Seek Good all-round intelligence Enthusiasm, commitment and motivation Good communication skills Team work ability Ability to solve problems Capacity to work hard Initiative and self-reliance Balanced personality

Generally Followed Interview Marking Sheet Name Mark-max 100 Communications skills Max 10 Field knowledge Max 20 Problem solving Team fit Relevant experience Leadership and decency Total Marks

Resources http://www.redgoldfish.co.uk/cvinfo/questionsfor.aspx “Making an Impact : the Graduate Job Interview” Careers videos on- line at: https://intranet.londonmet.ac.uk/studentservices/careers www.prospects.ac.uk –select Careers Advice / Interview Tips www.targetjobs.co.uk –select Careers Advice / Interview Techniques You Tube –Rich Alexander Job Interview Boot camp; GraduateGame.com; Vault Video do’s and don’ts Careers Service -one to one interview practice

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