Interview Preparation & Technique

1. Interview Preparation & Technique A Guide

2. “Failing to plan is planning to fail” • 90% of candidates don’t prepare in advance of an interview because they don’t know how to. • The 10% who do prepare always stand out. • Don’t risk playing it by ear if you really want the job.

3. The purpose of interviewing For the Employer; • Most tried and trusted method of selection (although not necessarily the most effective) • Chance to further explore your CV • Assess how you will fit into their team/business culturally • Assess you against the requirements of the job • Show you the working environment • Test your interpersonal skills • Test how your past behaviour might influence your future behaviour.

4. The purpose of interviewing For the Candidate; • Meet the person you will work for and potential colleagues. • Sell yourself • See the working environment • Assess the culture of the organisation • Ask questions

5. Remember • If you have got as far as an interview you have already made a significant impression • An interview is a two-way process – you have something that they want too!

6. First Impressions • Research shows that first impressions are made up of the following; • 55% visual impact (dress, facial expressions, body language) • 38% tone of voice • 7% what you actually say You don’t get a second chance to make a first impression.

7. Advance Planning • Understand the job you have applied for • Read through job description/person specification/original advert if you have one. • Questions will arise from these documents. • You can anticipate what will be asked. • Review your CV and think which areas are likely to be probed within it. • Can you satisfactorily explain short stays in previous jobs or gaps in employment?

8. Advance Planning • What would you ask if you were the recruiter? • Ask a friend to think of potential questions. • Most interviews are predictable – there is no mystery. • Think about the questions you will wish to ask them.

9. Advance Planning Research the organisation • Review any company literature they may have sent you • Look on the internet (company website/topical articles) • Check out the newspapers / trade magazines • Ring up and ask! Most employers will ask what you know about them!

10. Advance Planning • Dress smartly & simply (unless specifically instructed otherwise. • Neutral colours are best. • Polished & comfortable shoes • Minimal jewellery/accessories • Simple ties/socks for men • Check clothes closely for stains, loose buttons, worn heels etc. • Consider appropriate bags / document carriers • Handkerchief • Avoid overwhelming scents • Make sure you feel comfortable.

11. Find out where you are going..

12. Advance Planning Do a ‘dry run’ if necessary • If unclear, call in advance and ask for precise directions. • Check out public transport routes/times • If going by car, find out if there is parking. • Don’t leave all this to chance on the day.

13. On the day of the interview • Get a good night’s sleep. • Eat • If it is a fairly high profile organisation, check out the news on the internet to see if there are any topical stories. • Allow for the rush hour • Check the traffic reports • If on public transport – confirm if running on time.

14. On the day of the interview • Check out the weather – coat & umbrella!! • Make sure you have a direct contact name and number with you in case you are delayed en route and need to call.

15. Arrival • If chewing gum, get rid of it before you go in. • Turn mobile off. • Time it right – too early can be as bad as too late • Report to contact as directed • Always be pleasant to reception staff • If there is company literature in the waiting area, have a look through (it may give you some good material to make reference to in your interview). • If it is raining and you have a cumbersome umbrella and coat, perhaps ask receptionist if you could leave these somewhere. • Ask for rest room so that you can check your appearance.

16. Waiting • Take in your surroundings • You will get lots of clues about the culture of the business by the items on display and the people you see around you. • Try to relax and breathe. • Remember all the other candidates will feel the same

17. Greeting • When greeted by interviewer, always stand. • Look them straight in the eye and smile (wait for them to offer handshake). • If offered, give a confident, steady handshake.

18. In the interview room • Expect anything up to about 3 people. • Handshakes – “pleased to meet you” • Smile • Wait to be invited to sit down.

19. In The Interview Room • If offered a drink, good idea to get glass of water. • Body language – make yourself comfortable but don’t slouch. • Hands relaxed on lap (don’t grip the arms of the chair!) • Take a deep breath • Be concise and to the point • Pace your voice pitch and speed – nerves may make you speak too fast.

20. In The Interview Room • Be honest and sincere with your answers – never lie. • Imagine you are talking to people that you know in a relaxed conversation style. • Nobody wants to trip you up or make you feel uncomfortable. Most recruiters try to put the candidate at ease.

21. In The Interview Room • Look enthusiastic and interested • Remember – the interviewer may be nervous too. • Try to strike rapport • Light humour in appropriate places • Smiling • Good eye contact

22. Typical Opening Questions • Why are you applying for this position? • Why are you leaving your current job? • Why do you want to work for our company? • Tell me about yourself ……………. • Mentally prepare a short statement providing 3 or 4 key points.

23. Anticipating The Questions Increasing number of companies now apply ‘funnelling’ technique which asks for specific examples of situations Process; • Opens with general question & funnels down to specifics. • Don’t be intimidated or put off by this technique • Means of separating genuine information • Prepare sets of examples in advance.

24. Example-Based Interviewing • This is sometimes known as a competency based interview and is very common. • The interviewer is looking for you to give a specific example of when you have done something. • Thoroughly examine each aspect of the person specification which show the competencies matched to the role. • Prepare examples from the past when you have demonstrated each of these competencies

25. STAR Model The STAR model allows you to demonstrate the competency; Situation – When did the behaviour occur? Task – What was expected of you or what did you set out to do Action – What did you do? The interviewer will be asking for how you demonstrated this behaviour / competency Result – What effect did the action have on the outcome?

26. Tips • If necessary, take a second or two to think before you answer a particular question (sipping water is a good delay tactic). • Don’t be afraid to ask the interviewer to repeat a question if you don’t catch it or understand it.

27. The difficult questions • Personal weaknesses • Mistakes • Pressure • Conflict • Hobbies • Short stay jobs/gaps • Current employer

28. Closing the interview - your questions Interviewer should invite questions from you at the end of the interview. This is a very important part of the interview • Consider in advance 2 or 3 well thought out business or role related questions. • Avoid long lists – be respectful of interviewer’s time and other candidates who may be waiting. • Failure to ask at least one question could be viewed that you are not interested in the role.

29. Closing the interview – your questions Questions to avoid; • Salary and benefits • Holiday entitlement • Sickness entitlements • Annual pay rises • Any negative publicity about the business (past or present)

30. Closing the interview – your questions • Opportunities for personal development • How role will develop over medium and long term • Structure of the team you would be working in. • Training • A typical day in the role • Company’s strategic objectives • Reference to any (positive) topical items you may have read about in respect of the organisation.

31. Closing the interview Consider a response to the following possible question at the end of the interview; “Is there anything else you would like to say?”

32. Closing the interview • Prepare a suitable but concise ‘closing statement’ which reinforces your interest in the role. • e.g. “I would just like to say that having learned more about this role, I am even more interested in being considered.” • You should also ask what the next stage of the process will be.

33. Closing the interview What if you are not invited to ask questions but you wish to do so? Politely ask if you may quickly do so.

34. Leaving Part with a smile and a polite thank you.

35. General Tips • Avoid responses like “it’s in my CV.” • If you feel you have answered a question badly at some point, you may wish to refer back to it later and re-explain your answer. • Don’t lie • Avoid waffling • Never gossip about other people. • Never criticise your current employer.

36. General Tips • Don’t be evasive in your answers – tackle them head on even if they are difficult. • Remember, there are often no right or wrong answers. • Don’t be afraid of silences • Don’t forget – it’s a two-way exchange! • Just be yourself • Don’t be scared of making mistakes • They want to hear your thought processes • Looking for potential rather than perfection

37. Any questions?