Interview Preparation
An invitation for an interview shows that, on paper, you are the
right person required by the organisation for the vacant position. In fact, it
is estimated that 80% of candidates are rejected at the application stage so
you are really more than three quarters of the way towards getting the
job!
Larger organisations will have interviewers who are often
personnel professionals, or who are trained and experienced interviewers, so
expect the interview to be very structured to obtain the maximum from you. In
smaller firms you are more likely to be interviewed by a partner who may not be
a trained interviewer. If you are confronted by a 'bad' interviewer you will
have to work hard to use the questions as a means of conveying the points you
wish to make. It can be a good idea to try to steer the conversation towards
the topics you have particular strengths in, highlighting your good
points.
There are several different types of interview/questioning
techniques: -
·
The straightforward
chronological interview, where you are asked questions around your CV /
Application form
·
Criterion referenced
interviews, where you will be asked to give examples of how you meet their
criteria e.g., examples of teamwork, negotiating, leadership
·
The off-the-wall
questions where you might be asked some bizarre questions. This is to see if
you can think on the spot and how creative/logical you are.
·
The pressurised
interview where your views will be challenged (or even ridiculed) and you might
feel like you are being goaded into an argument. If this happens to you do not
lose your cool, it is to test how you react under extreme pressure and to see
if you can hold your own without starting a fight or being reduced to tears.
Preparation is essential if you want to do well. Have a look at
the checklist:
Stage 1 - Preparation
·
Prepare questions to
ask and to be asked
·
Rehearse interview
·
Work out a strategy
for dealing with stress
·
Read vacancy details,
employer's literature - what they are and what they want
·
Know where the
interview will take place
Stage 2 - First Impressions Count
·
Arrive in good time
·
Make a good entrance
·
Body language -
handshake, posture, eye contact
·
Smile
Stage 3 - The Interview
·
Be yourself
·
Be honest
·
Be prepared to talk -
but not too much
·
Don't be afraid to ask
for clarification
·
Illustrate your
answers with examples
·
Be ready to sell
yourself
·
Be interesting
Stage 4 - The Final Stage
·
Know when the
interview is over - read employer's body language
·
Thank him/her for
his/her time
·
Learn from the
experience - ask for feedback if necessary
Questions You May Wish To Ask
The Organisation
·
Major current projects
·
Future developments
Work
·
What you would be
doing
·
How long for
·
Typical
projects/timescales
·
Variety of work
Training
·
Training
offered/possible
·
Help with professional
qualifications
Colleagues
·
Who would you work
with?
Location
·
Where would you be
based?
·
How much
travel/mobility
Prospects/Salary
·
Likely progression
·
Where are previous
graduates
General Way of Life
·
Accommodation,
amenities, limits on free time etc
Questions You Can Prepare For
·
Tell us about yourself
·
Why did you choose
your degree and what have you gained from it?
·
What has been your
most important achievement in life so far? Why?
·
What are your
strengths and weaknesses?
·
Why have you applied
for this job?
·
What do you have to
offer us?
·
What are the current
issues in this sector of work?
·
What experience do you
have of working in a team and what role did you play in that team?
·
Describe a project you
have successfully completed.
·
How would your friends
describe you?
·
Describe a situation
you have found difficult. How did you overcome it?
·
What questions would
you like to ask us?
If you would like help with interviews come to the Careers
Service to talk to an adviser. We have a video available called, "Why Ask
Me That?" which shows you how to do well at interviews. We also have a
range of books on interview techniques for you to look at.
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