Session 4: Interview Techniques

How to prepare for your interview ALPHI Toolkit Section 4 By the end of the session you will be able to: Understand and demonstrate the interview process Complete a role play of a mock interview Identify the do’s and don’ts of interviews Understand the language and dress code for an interview

Activity 1: How does it work? ALPHI Toolkit Section 4 You will now be split into groups by the teacher/advisor Please refer to the listed sequence of events. In your teams please put the events in the order for the interview process You will have 5 minutes to complete this task. Your teacher/advisor will come round and discuss this with your team. Please select a member of your team to discuss your findings with the group

Employer recruitment process Advertise Vacancy Short Listing Conduct Interview Job Description or Person Specification Complete Application Form or C.V. Job Offer Schedule Interviews Interview Feedback Induction Scoring Candidates ALPHI Toolkit Section 4

Employer Recruitment Process ALPHI Toolkit Section 4 Job Description/ Person Specification Advertise Vacancy Complete Application form or CV Short Listing Schedule Interviews Conduct Interviews Scoring Candidates Interview Feedback Job OfferInduction

Activity 2: The Good the Bad and the Interview ALPHI Toolkit Section 4 Volunteers for the role play come to the front After each role play as a group we will discuss your thoughts of how the interview went. In conclusion we will run through some of the main areas of do’s and don’t for a successful interview technique. Activity 2: The Good the Bad and the Interview – How will it work?

The Bad ALPHI Toolkit Section 4 Used only one word answers Turned up late Didn’t listen No respect for interviewer Poor communication skills Didn’t ask questions Scruffy or casual clothes Negative body language

The Good ALPHI Toolkit Section 4 Asked questions Used positive body language Showed respect for the interviewer Arrived on time or early Listened Dressed smartly and clean Brought in record of achievement Answered questions clearly

Interview Techniques: Do’s & Don’ts ALPHI Toolkit Section 4 Do: Plan your journey so you arrive early Know who to ask for when you arrive Research the company and what they do! Take your C.V., record of achievement and any certificates Think about personal hygiene: Clean, smart clothes Clean body, hair and teeth! Speak clearly and give detailed answers to the interviewers questions Keep tattoos hidden and jewellery to a minimum Smile! Don’t: Use your phone in the interview –Switch it OFF completely –Don’t just put it on silent Smoke or eat strong foods before the interview - no smoking or bad breath smells Chew gum Use inappropriate language or swear Just say ‘yes’, ‘no’, ‘don’t know’ or shrug! Wear trainers, caps or too much make-up Stay up late or go out the night before Worry or panic – we are here to help you prepare for your interview