Interview PreparationIram Sial

Careers Consultant

Objectives

This session will provide:

• Knowledge on how to prepare for job interviews

• Different types of interview/questions

• Importance of first impressions

• Role play questions

• Tips and useful resources

 http://www2.askgrapevine.com/news/hr/article/2013-02-27-heineken-give-graduate-interviewees-insane-experience/?utm_source=Sign-Up.to&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=7962-289204-Graduate+Recruitment+-+28%2F02%2F13

Expect the unexpected…

http://mycareer.wmin.ac.uk/units/unit-int051.shtml

Interview Etiquette

The interview is a sales pitch

You need to convince the employer that:

• You can do the job

• You want to do the job

• You will fit into the organisation

Before the interviewYOU!

•Know yourself•Re-read your application•Identify your strengths and weaknesses•Why do you want the job?

COMPANY & SECTOR

•Why do you want to work for the organisation? •What does the organisation do?•What are the latest developments in the sector?

THE JOB

• What skills are required?

• Demonstrate skills with examples

• Know the Interview format

• What questions are likely to be asked?

• Prepare and rehearse answers

Brainstorm: preparing the interview

• Research company/sector

• Analyse job description & person profile

• Study your application form/CV

• Match requirements of job to your attributes

• Prepare examples your experience using CAR model

• Prepare outline answers to motivation, knowledge & competency questions

Know yourself

• Re-read your application form

• Identify your strengths and weaknesses

• Why do you want the job?

Preparation!The job

• What skills are required?

• Think of examples from University, work and interests which demonstrate these skills

• Find out the format of the interview

• What questions are likely to be asked?

• Prepare and rehearse answers

Preparation!

The organisation and the sector

• Why do you want to work for the organisation?

• What does the organisation do?

• What’s happening within the sector right now?

• Westminster Library systems – journals/reports??

On the dayFirst impressions

• Dress

• Arrive on time

• Plan what you need to take

• Greeting

• Body language

Top tips for success1. Preparation, preparation, preparation!

2. Shake hands in a firm and positive manner

3. Check posture – avoid slouching

4. Maintain good eye contact

5. Listen carefully

6. Give clear and concise answers

7. Smile!

Body Language

Inhibited

Aggressive

Assertive

Inhibited/Shy •Saying little

•Speaking very softly

•Meek tone of voice

•Sitting lower than others

•Downcast eyes

•Hand wringing

Aggressive•Forceful gestures

•Harsh tone of voice

•Ignoring responses

•Speaking too much

•Standing over others

•Staring

•Interrupting

Assertive•Smiling

•Eye contact

•Balanced posture

•Relaxed tone of voice

•Open gestures

Types of interviewFind out what sort of interview to expect:

Telephone interview – initial interview One-to-one interview – second interview Panel interview

Simon Reichwald, - Owner, Bright Futures Resourcinghttp://mycareer.wmin.ac.uk/video/mpeg/r1610.mpg

Interview Questions Motivational Questions• Assess your motivation for the job and organisation

Technical Questions• Designed to test the technical knowledge you have learnt on your

course/work experience

Competency Questions • Structured around the competencies or qualities required by the job

Types of questions

• Tell me about yourself – prepare 30 second summary

• Motivational questions – course, jobs

• Competency based questions – use the CAR model to describe your experiences of the different transferable skills.

• Prepare a question of your own at the end

Test your Motivation for the Job & Organisation

• Why do you want to work here?

• How much do you know about our organisation?

• Where do you see yourself in 5/10 years time?

Technical Questions

Your ability to use the technology you have learnt from your course/work experience: “What systems and software are you competent in”?

Competency Questions Questions based on

the general competencies all employers expect from graduates (team work, communication, problem solving etc..)

“Can you tell us about a time when you...worked in a team/dealt with a difficult customer/met a deadline”?

Examples of questions• How did you come to choose your degree?

• What will you bring to the job?

Competency questions:

• What experience do you have of working in a team environment?

• Can you tell us about a time when you have had to ease yourself in to new team?

How did you go about this?

CAR ModelContext Where were you?

What did you have to do?

Scenario or problem

Action What action did you take? What was

your role? Be specific.

Result What was the outcome and why?

Would you do it differently next time?

“As customer service team leader in a fast food restaurant, I dealt with customer issues and complaints quickly and efficiently, receiving appreciation from my line manager”

Take virtual interview test:

Test your interview skills

http://mycareer.wmin.ac.uk/units/unit-int052.shtml

Preparation is the key to success

• Find out selection criteria

• Research some original things about organisation

• Know what you are offering

• Identify likely question areas and questions

• Rehearse responses to potential questions

• Practice and get feedback

• Prepare your attitude

More Advice

• Career development centre – interviews, assessment centres and tests

Career player – http://www.careerplayer.com/

• Targetjobs - http://targetjobs.co.uk/

In summary• Prepare your answers

• Plan the logistics

• Remember your body language

• Prepare your questions

• Further resources: MyCareer – Interviews

• Career Development Centre:

Mock interviews

Further information and guidance Career Development Centre services:

• 20 minute quick queries:

CV, covering letter, application form checks

• 45 minute individual career coaching:

detailed career planning, mock interviews

Career Development Centre resources:

• CV Guide

• Videos and DVDs

• Free sector-specific and general careers publications

Contact us

Career Development Centre

1st Floor Cavendish House101 New Cavendish Street, W1W 6XHTel: 020 7911 5184E-mail: careers@westminster.ac.uk

www.westminster.ac.uk/careersmycareer.wmin.ac.uk

Follow us on

facebook.com/uowcareers

twitter.com/uw_careers

blog.westminster.ac.uk/careers

Slides download from: slideshare

www.slideshare.net/cdcwestminster

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