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

Alternative Introductions Name Research work Best interview story What ’ s your greatest achievement? Question you most dread?

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 NeedsTemperament 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 want

What are employers looking for? Five core competencies Problem solving Professional presence Leadership Initiative Communication

More Competencies Teamwork Creative thinking Self motivation Curiosity Broad perspective Energy and passion Relationship skills Intellectual capacity Open mind to others views Influencing Entrepreneurial spirit Dedicated to excellence Celebrates diversity Decision making

Your skills…. Teamwork Creative thinking Self motivation Curiosity Broad perspective Energy and passion Relationship skills Intellectual capacity Open mind to others views Influencing Entrepreneurial spirit Dedicated to excellence Celebrates diversity Decision making

What an employer wants… ? Teamwork Creative thinking Self motivation Curiosity Broad perspective ? Energy and passion ? Relationship skills Intellectual capacity Open mind to others views Influencing Entrepreneurial spirit Dedicated to excellence Celebrates diversity Decision making

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 interviews

Get into groups of 3 1 will interview - pick out 5 questions 1 will be interviewee – ready to answer 1 will observe Feedback interviewee Interviewer Observer

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

Observations