1. Employability and graduate Development 01392 724493 careers@exeter.ac.uk www.exeter.ac.uk/employability

2. Aims of this session Preparation for interviews Typical interview questions Non-verbal communication Coping with different styles of interview www.exeter.ac.uk/employability

3. What is an interview? Getting an interview means that you are nearly there Interviewers want you to succeed – help them! It is not an interrogation but a chance to expand on your application form/CV How you come across is just as important as what you say Be enthusiastic and interested www.exeter.ac.uk/employability

4. Types of Interview Information based/life history Structured behaviour based (competency/strength) www.exeter.ac.uk/employability

5. What may happen…. A panel interview A technical interview A telephone interview A case study A group interview/discussion Several different interviews on the same day An unstructured interview www.exeter.ac.uk/employability

6. The best thing about not planning is that failure comes as a complete surprise and is not preceded by a period of worry and depression Sir John Harvey-Jones www.exeter.ac.uk/employability

7. Three important points for a successful interview: Preparation......... Job,Company, Motivation Preparation.. Impact,appearance, body language Preparation....... Questions, strengths competencies Any Weaknesses???? Plus The Magic Ingredient www.exeter.ac.uk/employability

8. RESEARCH : Job, Company, Motivation Market/Sector/Competition Plus Commercial and Current Affairs www.exeter.ac.uk/employability

9. First impressions….. What you wear is important! Many people believe decisions are made on: 55 % body language 38 % voice 7 % words www.exeter.ac.uk/employability

10. Body Language – donts Limp handshake Avoiding eye contact Folding your arms Fidgeting Leaning forward and sitting on the seat edge Looking out of the window Looking unhappy, bored, disinterested www.exeter.ac.uk/employability

11. Body Language – dos Firm handshake Open body language Smile Eye contact –with everyone Sense of humour-but be careful Relaxed and professional manner www.exeter.ac.uk/employability

12. Question types Information seeking questions – knowledge of the organisation your motivations arising from your CV or application form why do want this job? Behavioural questions competence strength Scenario or hypothetical questions www.exeter.ac.uk/employability

13. Examples of competency based questions Give me an example of when you influenced the work of others Describe a challenging project, activity or event which you have planned and taken through to its conclusion Remember the STAR technique www.exeter.ac.uk/employability

14. Structure your answers – the STAR format SITUATION- I was part of a sales team that was responsible for ….. TARGET/TASK- Customers were confused about the difference between …. ACTION – I questioned whether this would work and suggested that we try ….. RESULT – Positive feedback from customers showed that.. www.exeter.ac.uk/employability

15. Strength Based Interviews Shorter questions designed to discover what you enjoy rather than what you can do. E.g Do you prefer starting or finishing a task? Back this up with an example of why you think this What do you enjoy most about your current role? Tip: Research the role and prepare strong examples of appropriate strengths & state why this is relevant to the role/organisation – employers will be looking for energy and enthusiasm in your answer www.exeter.ac.uk/employability

16. Surprise questions Who do you most admire and why? Is there a future for the European currency in Greece? Give me five uses for the colour red How would your best friends describe you? Tell us about a book you have just read Why did I ask you this question ? If you were a type of sweet or confectionary bar,what would you be? www.exeter.ac.uk/employability

17. Lets try a few questions ………

18. Questions Are we heading for a double dip recession? Tell me about a time when you have used your initiative to cope with changes ? What makes a successful day for you? Give me an example of when you have performed effectively in a team? How did you decide to apply to our organisation? Have you had to solve a complex problem and how did you approach this? www.exeter.ac.uk/employability

19. Your questions Training Promotion? Development /job content The future of organisation Avoid Questions answered in the literature Questions about conditions of service/pay www.exeter.ac.uk/employability

20. Tips on the day Help the interviewer Enjoy the interview The magic ingredient: www.exeter.ac.uk/employability Sparkle

21. Remember ….you dont get a second chance to create a first impression! www.exeter.ac.uk/employability

22. Useful resources EGD vidcast (on web site) www.prospects.ac.uk – interview tips under the Jobs and Work section www.prospects.ac.uk DVD – Making an Impact – available at Reed Mews Careers and Employment Guide The Interview Experience/mock interviews with employers (check web for details and dates) www.bemyinterviewer.co.uk Appointment to see a Careers Consultant (Tel: 01392 724493) www.exeter.ac.uk/employability