The Winning Interviewby Michelle Fischer, Creative Leadership

April 2009

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"To say that the class of 2009 won't have it easy after graduation is an understatement. Competition for jobs will be the most intense for many years.” Richard Lambert, CBI Director General

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Aims

What interviews are

Why they are used

How you can get the most out of them.

Recruitment 2009 – The Facts

Nearly 2/3rds of employers plan to freeze wages this year and almost half predict they will cut jobs.

There are already 33% less Job Vacancies than last year AGR is predicting job vacancies to drop by 5.4% in 2009

There are 2.10 million unemployed. The highest since 1997.

Some graduates have been offered £10K not to come to work this year (Norton Rose)

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Ouch!!!

Effective Interview Preparation has never been more critical!!!

“You have brains in your head. You have feet in your shoes. You can steer yourself in any direction you choose.” Dr Seuss

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Interviews

What are interviews?

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Interviews

Why are interviews used?

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Types of Interview

Telephone interview

Situational Interview

Competency Based interview

Assessment Centre

Panel interview…8

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The Common Denominator??

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The Common Denominator is…

Can you do the job?

Will you do the job?

How will you fit in?

Ability, Potential and Fit…

Can you do the job?

The how, why, when, what of your application form/CV

Situational questions – “what would you do if…?”

Tests/presentations

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Ability, Potential and Fit…

Will you do the job?

What do you know about the company?

How does the job fit with your goals?

Why do you want this job?

Describe a time when you felt motivated

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Ability, Potential and Fit…

Will you fit in?

Tell me more about yourself

What’s your preferred style of working?

How do your interact with other people?

What are your strengths and weaknesses?

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Preparation is King

Preparing for your interview?

Why prepare?

What to prepare?

How to prepare?The organisation?The job?Yourself?

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Step 1: Consider

How specifically are you different?

Why should an employer employ you?

What can you offer that others can’t?

What will make employers pay attention to what you’ve got to say?

What will make you memorable?

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Be aware of who you are and why that’s significant

Step 2: Questions

Identify the likely questionsCommunicationTeam work Initiative Innovation

Consider your strengths and skills

Identify specific experience in the past where you can demonstrate this. Describe the experience

Use the STAR model

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The S-T-A-R Model

Situation

Task

Action

Result

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Example Questions

Opening Questions– Tell me about yourself?– Could you summarise your career?– Describe the last three jobs you’ve had?

Keep it short First impressions count What do they want to know about you? Prepare a list of 5 – 6 items to mention

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Example Questions

Can you do the job questions– What are your strengths?– What have been the major achievements in your life so far?– Why should we offer you the job?

Focus on your strengths and skills Be concise and give relevant examples Put yourself in the interviewers shoes. Tailor your answers to the job opportunity

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Example Questions

Will you do the job questions– Why do you want this job?– What are your career aspirations?– What motivates you?– Would you accept this job if it should be offered to

you?

Understand what has motivated you in the past Be positive even if not totally convinced Consider the reason they’re asking the question Be honest!

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Example Questions

Nasty Questions• What would you say are your weaknesses?• What training do you think you need?• How do you deal with stress?

Choose a past behaviour or scenario unrelated to the job Explain how you overcame it Confirm it’s no longer a problem Remain silent – don’t give a list of reasons not to be

employed!

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Step 3: Prepare Yourself

Prepare thoroughly – you, questions, the interviewer, job, company

Re-read your CV/Application form – take a copy with you Arrive early – go and have a tea/coffee nearby The interview begins as soon as you walk in the building Turn off your phone STAR Enjoy yourself!

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During the Interview

Have a firm and positive handshake Sit down when invited and where indicated Don’t slouch. Sit well back in the chair Maintain eye contact Use your interviewers name Give clear, full answers to the questions asked Do not lie or exaggerate Have questions prepared Thank the interviewer for their time Smile!

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Interview No-Nos!

Don’t; Read from your CV Take Notes Criticise previous employers Be aggressive Smoke Drink alcohol beforehand Answer a question you thought was asked Be too honest or negative

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After the interview

Make notes of what happened and your impressions of the organisation

Reflect on what went well Write down the difficult questions asked and practice

these next time Feedback to your agency Send a thank you email to your interviewer if appropriate Follow up on any promises Ask for feedback

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Summary

Preparation is critical! Use silence Listen carefully and practice answering questions Be smart and well groomed Think about why the questions being asked It’s normal to be nervous Make notes afterwards Ask for feedback and be gracious when you receive it

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Any Questions?

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