Interview Skills
Prepared by Apropos Productions Ltd.
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UK
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What Employers look for!
The Iceberg Model
Easy to see and
Skill
measure
Knowledge
& Experience
Deep Seated Qualities
Harder to see,
(Behaviours and Values)
but make the
most difference
It is those factors below the waterline that make the most
impact and discriminate performance in key roles.
Competencies are critical to an organisation’s future
success because these learning and developing factors
which lead to outstanding or superior individual
performance will, ultimately, lead to outstanding
performance of the organisation as a whole.
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What are competencies used for?
•
•
Recruitment &
selection
•
Performance
management
•
Competency
framework
•
•
Culture
change
•
Succession
planning
Training and
development
360 0
feedback
Capability
audits
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Competencies
1
What are competencies?
2
What are your competencies as a professional?
3
Give examples of your competencies.
4
How easy was this exercise?
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Competency Interviewing
The easiest way to define competency is: ‘what are you capable of?’ In order to
understand the likelihood of future behaviour, we can only reflect on the past. Our
behaviour in the past is a fairly good indication of what we may do in the future.
Humans do change their behaviour, however human nature is fundamentally
conservative. Risks will be taken in behaviour only when a person is forced
to…either through extreme necessity or disaster.
Thus, a competency based interview can really help the applicant and the
interviewer(s) define the exact behaviour that is essential in any professional role.
Exercise
1
You have now defined the competencies for your department/company, list
them again here:
2
List some key examples that you could give to an interviewer to demonstrate
your abilities. In your group/pair, write on a flipchart some good examples
(don’t forget to write them down in this workbook for future reference!).
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Job descriptions
A
With a partner, define the key experiences and abilities that
are necessary to achieve your department’s (and/or
company’s) goals?
B
What are the major skills that you need to fill your current
positions (minimum of 4)?
1
5
2
6
3
7
4
8
What examples can you give to define how previous organisational
goals have been achieved?
Ex 1
Ex 2
Based on these examples, what are the key competencies needed for
your department/company?
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MOST COMMON INTERVIEW QUESTIONS
1.
Tell me about yourself?
2.
Why are you looking for a job?
3.
What are your Strengths?
4.
What are your weaknesses?
5.
What have been your most significant achievements
6.
What 3 words best describe you?
7.
Why should we offer you this job?
8.
Why do you want to work for this company?
9.
If I called your last boss, what would they say about you?
10. Do you prefer working on your own or with other people?
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OTHER POSSIBLE INTERVIEW QUESTIONS
1.
Why have you been in your current job for such a long/short time?
2.
What mistakes have you made in the past and what have you
learned from them?
3.
Tell me about a time when you went the extra mile to get a job
done and why?
4.
What qualities should a successful manager possess?
5.
What motivates you
6.
What do you dislike about your current/last job
7.
What have you done in the last 12 months to develop yourself?
8.
What have you learned about yourself as a result of being made
redundant?
9.
Tell me about a difficult situation you have had to handle?
10.
What are your team player qualities?
11.
What sort of training would you need to do the job well?
12.
What is your dream achievement outside work?
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Answers to common (and potentially tricky) Interview Questions:
1. What is your greatest weakness?
There are three answers 1) those which everyone else
possesses 2) those which are irrelevant to the job and 3) those
which you used to have but have taken positive and proactive steps to overcome. It’s a good idea to show how you
can strike a delicate balance between being honest and
diplomatic.
2. Provide an answer of when you’ve worked in a team
This is more than an opportunity to highlight your capacity
for teamwork. Also include how you managed yourself and
how you came up with innovative solutions to tricky
problems. It is important to highlight how you made sure to
communicate clearly and persuasively with all involved.
Incorporate the selling points.
3. Why do you want to work here?
Brandish your superior research skills . anyone can parrot
back the stuff on the website – read stories in newspapers
about the company, follow up with snippets in industry
journals, talk to contacts who know the company well –
therefore offering a more in depth and impressive answer.
Think of their brand, their culture, their advancement
opportunities or their record of corporate social
responsibility.
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4. Why are you interested in this job in particular?
Change to emphasis your eagerness and enthusiasm – refer
back to the job advert and study the language it uses
describing the demands of the role. Eg challenging targets,
demonstrating initiative and base it around you looking for a
challenge and valuing the chance to demonstrate your
initiative – have examples where you have met challenging
targets or demonstrated your initiative to back up your
assertions
5. Where do you want to be in 5 years time?
Highlight your capacity for planning. Employers will be
looking for some strategy. Say you are ambitious and you
would do many different things to get ahead in a challenging
job market. Reason with the interviewer that if you work
hard and effectively you feel rewards will follow.
6. Is there anything you would like to ask us?
Use this to make a positive lasting impression. Ask an
interesting astute question. Try a role related one: In what
way is performance measured and reviewed? This can flag
up that you value commitment and results. Or try a company
related question: you have recently introduced a new product
service division project how will this benefit the org? For the
really bold: Do you have any doubts about whether I am
suited to this position? Then you can re-emphasis your
strengths.
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Further typical questions and suggestions
• Tell me about yourself… This is usually the opening question and, as first impressions are key, one of the most
important. Keep your answer to under five minutes, beginning with an overview of
your highest qualification then running through the jobs you’ve held so far in your
career. You can follow the same structure of your CV, giving examples of
achievements and the skills you’ve picked up along the way. Don’t go into too much
detail – your interviewer will probably take notes and ask for you to expand on any
areas where they’d like more information. If you’re interviewing for your first job
since leaving education, focus on the areas of your studies you most enjoyed and how
that has led to you wanting this particular role. • What are your strengths? Pick the three biggest attributes that you think will get you the job and give examples
of how you have used these strengths in a work situation. They could be tangible
skills, such as proficiency in a particular computer language, or intangible skills such
as good man-management. If you’re not sure where to start, take a look at the job
description. There is usually a section listing candidate requirements, which should
give you an idea of what they are looking for. • Why should we hire you? or What can you do for us that other
candidates can't? What makes you special and where do your major strengths lie? You should be able
to find out what they are looking for from the job description. “I have a unique
combination of strong technical skills and the ability to build long-term customer
relationships” is a good opening sentence, which can then lead onto a more specific
example of something you have done so far in your career. State your biggest
achievement and the benefit it made to the business, then finish with “Given the
opportunity, I could bring this success to your company.” • What are your goals?
It’s best to talk about both short-term and long-term goals. Talk about the kind of job
you’d eventually like to do and the various steps you will need to get there, relating
this in some way back to the position you’re interviewing for. Show the employer
you have ambition, and that you have the determination to make the most of every job
you have to get where you want to be. • What are three positive things your last boss would say about
you? © Apropos Productions Ltd. www.aproposltd.com
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This is a great time to brag about yourself through someone else’s words. Try to
include one thing that shows your ability to do the job, one thing that shows your
commitment to the work, and one thing that shows you are a good person to have in a
team. For example, “My boss has told me that I am the best designer he has ever had.
He knows he can always rely on me, and he likes my sense of humour.” • What salary are you seeking? You can prepare for this by knowing the value of someone with your skills. Try not to
give any specific numbers in the heat of the moment – it could put you in a poor
position when negotiating later on. Your interviewer will understand if you don’t
want to discuss this until you are offered the job. If they have provided a guideline
salary with the job description, you could mention this and say it’s around the same
area you’re looking for. • If you were an animal, which one would you want to be?
Interviewers use this type of psychological question to see if you can think quickly. If
you answer ‘a bunny’, you will make a soft, passive impression. If you answer ‘a
lion’, you will be seen as aggressive. What type of personality will it take to get the
job done?
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Choosing Job Interview Questions To Ask
How to choose questions that make a great final impression
Choosing job interview questions to ask at the end of the interview is
essential.
Whatever you do, make sure you avoid the "anti-climax ending" of not
having any questions to ask. It can undo the hard work you've done,
giving great answers to all their questions.
It can make you look uncreative and disinterested - not a great final
impression.
Make your questions relevant, genuine and intelligent. Don't ask about
something that doesn't interest you; it'll show in your body language.
Here are some suggestions to help inspire you:







What are the three things you most want to know about the job?
About the team?
About the company?
What does your interviewer like most about working there?
What would they change?
Maybe your company research highlighted some questions about
the current competitive environment or working practices?
Or maybe you want to know what the interviewer thinks about an
aspect of a topic you have already discussed.
TOP TIP
Don't ask about salary.
You should have checked before applying for the job that the salary range
was acceptable to you.
Don't let yourself down by appearing mercenary at the end of the
interview.
The time to talk money is after the job offer.
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PSYCHOMETRIC TESTS
Psychometric or psychological tests measure aptitude, ability, attainment or
intelligence and individual differences in personality.
The tests are usually designed and developed by occupational
psychologists and the scores are tested against a normal population of
similar people i.e a graduate against other graduates.
PSYCHOMETRIC TESTS ARE NOT ACADEMIC TESTS.
Tests are normally carried out under examination conditions and a test
administrator will hand out booklets and answer sheets.
TESTS USED IN THE SELECTION PROCESS




Ability Tests
Personality questionnaires
Verbal reasoning
Numeric reasoning
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ABILITY TESTS
These assess a selection of abilities across a range of staff from school
leavers to senior management.
They fall into two groups
 Aptitude
 Attainment
Aptitude Tests Measure






Verbal ability
Numerical ability
Clerical and computing skills
Spatial ability
Diagrammatic and mechanical reasoning
Manual dexterity
Ability tests use multiple choice questions they have definite right or
wrong answers.
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`
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WORD TESTS
These tests measure vocabulary, spelling and grammatical skills.
EXERCISE
Look at the 5 questions on the sheet and answer them
1.
Big means the same as
(a) tall
(b) large
(c) fat
(d) heavy
2.
Re-arrange the letters to spell the name of an animal
Roseh
3.
Spot the odd word out
(a) chair
(b) bench
(c) table
(d) sofa
4.
Which is the odd word out
(a) never
(b) sometimes
(c) always
(d) possibly
5.
Rigid means the same as
(a) tough
(b) stiff
(c) pointed
(d) frightened
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NUMBERS TEST
Choose the correct answer from those given
1.
1, 4, 7, 10, 13 which number comes next
(a) 14
(b) 17
(c) 16
(d) 18
2.
2, ?, 8, 16 what is the missing number
3.
312 + 329 = ?
(a) 551
(b) 561
(c) 451
(d) 661
4.
568 divided by 4 =
(a) 132
(b) 122
(c) 117
(d) 142
5.
64 is to 8 as 16 is to?
(a) 3
(b) 4
(c) 6
(d) 36
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PERSONALITY QUESTIONNAIRES
These are designed to assess aspects of personality relevant to work i.e
work attitudes, team worker, values, flexibility etc.
The two most commonly used are 16PF and OPQ.
16PF measures 16 personality characteristics that influence the way an
individual behaves
OPQ measures 30 dimensions of personality in 3 ways – relationships
with people, thinking style and feeling/emotions.
EXAMPLE
“I get slightly embarrassed if I suddenly become the focus of attention in
a social group”
Answer
(a)
(b)
(c)
yes
in between
no
I am the sort of person who
(a)
has a wide range of friends
(b)
enjoys organising people
(c)
relaxes easily
(d)
seeks variety
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WHAT IS AN INTERVIEW?
INTERVIEWING IS LIKE A STAGE SHOW
Like acting it requires solid preparation with the goal of delivering a
flawless performance that just rolls off your tongue and gets the
employer applauding as you outshine all the other auditioners
Interviewing is a widely used method for selecting employees.
It usually consists of an interviewer(s) and candidate.
The employer is usually able to extract information regarding the
candidates skills, experience, strengths and achievements.
The interviewer also exchanges info on the company and the post which
they have applied for.
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TYPES OF INTERVIEW
In small groups brainstorm:
 Types of interviews i.e panel interviews
 Identify the benefit of each type of interview
 Identify the concerns of each type of interview
Benefits and concerns can be from the employers or employees point of
view.
Each person to state 1 key element that they have remembered from an
interview they had in the past.
It may be a funny or embarrassing experience or a key learning point
from that interview.
List these elements on your flipchart
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TYPES OF INTERVIEW
INTERVIEWS WITH EMPLOYERS
Telephone Interviewing
is often used as a means of
selecting/deselecting for the next
stage i.e face to face interview.
One to one interviews
Face to face discussion with Line
Mgr or Personnel Mgr
Sequential Interview
usually carried out by a more
(2nd Interview) senior manager or
Personnel Mgr
Panel Interviews
usually interviewed by 2/3
interviewers (personnel mgr and 2 l
ine mgrs)
Group Interviews
Usually used by large organisations
where there is a heavy investment in
training and involves a series of
exercises and tests
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Creating the right first impression
Start as you mean to go on Your interviewer will probably see you before they hear you, so knowing
what to wear in an interview can put you ten points ahead of the
opposition before you’ve even opened your mouth. Start your
courtesy at the door. Even before you get to the interview room or meet
your interviewers, be well-mannered and positive with the reception staff
and anyone else you encounter on the way to your interview.
You could be working with them in a few weeks’ time. This is also a
great opportunity to make sure your voice isn’t about to crack or dry up
on you – try to relax a bit, and build up some confidence before your
interview starts. You will have no idea of the structure of the company or
who has influence in the decision making process so treat everyone with
equal courtesy.
The receptionist may be married to your interviewer and could have a
major influence on your future. Your body language and handshake are
vital in creating the right impression. Make sure you’re not avoiding eye
contact, glancing nervously from side-to-side, playing with your tie or
fiddling with the zip on your bag. Building up the right impression
Interviews are often scary, sometimes intimidating and always stressful.
This is a theatrical performance - they are the audience, you are the
performer, and you’re on your own. But don’t be freaked out by it all.
Remember why you’re here, be clear about what you want to say and
what you want to ask, and keep your cool. Preparing properly for your interview should put you at ease as you’ll
have confidence that you know enough about yourself, the role and the
company to answer the common interview questions Positivity personified
In the first few minutes, be as positive about everything as you can. Even
if you’ve had a horrible journey, try not to let your frustration show.
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Don’t forget to smile from time to time, and show interest in what you are
being asked. When quizzed about your current role, don’t be tempted to ‘diss’ your
employer, however much you might be looking forward to leaving.
Show them you’re here because you see it as a positive career move, not
because you’re running from a job you’re not happy in. Showing a
positive attitude is the single most valuable first impression you can
make. If you are excited and up for it, your potential employer will
probably be considering you for the job within two minutes of you
walking through the door. The right attitude really can have that much
impact
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EFFECTIVE PREPARATION
It begins even before you say your first word. They’ll be sizing you up as
you walk across the room to shake hands. Be conscious of how you look
and what you’re doing, and try not to overlook the verbal and non-verbal
signals you’re sending out in the rush to parade your carefully prepared
answers before them.
Pace yourself
Speak deliberately more slowly than you would normally. There’s a trick
here. You’ll be revved up as you go in, so you will naturally speak more
quickly than normal. If you concentrate on pronouncing your words
individually, you’ll actually be speaking at a normal speed. Think of
good speakers you’ve experienced throughout your education. You’ll
remember the ones who were more focused and engaging. That’s not to
say they were the funniest or loudest or most entertaining. But they were
almost certainly the most animated. Focus. You’re not here to entertain
– so leave the jokes at the door – but you are here to look like you want
the job. Concentrate on that and let your commitment and energy shine
through. Non-verbal signals
A firm but not crushing handshake is the one to go for. The wet fish
technique is a guaranteed turn off. Also, try to ensure your hands are dry
and warm – as natural as possible. If you tend to perspire under stress,
try to run your hands under cold water before going in and if stress makes
your skin cold, do the opposite.
Don’t slouch in your chair, whether in reception or the interview room.
Slouching says “I don’t care” and should be reserved for lazy Sundays on
the sofa. Walk and sit up straight. If you’re worried about your posture,
sit naturally in front of a mirror at home and see how you look. Practice
sitting in a more vertical position and make a mental note of how it feels,
so you can replicate it in the interview.
Always look the questioner in the eye, but not in a way that could have
you sectioned. Be confident, and don’t stare past your questioner or at
the floor. Avoid glancing nervously around the room as this is the classic
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sign of someone with something to hide. If there is more than one
interviewer, make sure you look at each of them when answering
questions, and keep your eyes on their face, not straying to other parts of
their body (if you know what I mean!). To find out what to do with your hands, watch yourself in a mirror of the
office window when you’re on the phone. You’ll use some of the same
gestures when you’re talking. It’s fine to gesture with your hands, but
don’t overdo it so you look like you’re directing traffic. Don’t fidget and don’t play around with your hair, pen, nails, chair, jiggle
your knees, tap your leg or anything else. It drives people crazy and will
distract them from what you’re saying.
Be aware of how you are sitting, moving and the general impression
you’re giving out. So smile occasionally; it will make you all feel better.
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LOOKING THE PART
Part of preparing for a job interview is making sure you are going to
come across as a good addition to their company. Appearances shouldn’t
matter, but the plain fact is that you are often judged before you’ve even
uttered a word.
Direct approaches (specifically phoning to check the dress code) or
indirect approaches (standing outside the office a few days before your
interview to check the people coming and going) are both valid ways of
determining the general rules. Aim to dress one level up from what you would expect to be wearing if
you got the job. It hints at your desire to progress and succeed within
their company. If in doubt, always go for a classic plain business suit.
Both male and female versions come in all shapes and sizes and can be
picked up relatively cheaply. Combined with a clean shirt and preferably
a tie, you’re unlikely to feel out of place. Essentially, if you feel comfortably, you’ll act comfortably which is vital
in a pressure interview situation. Dressing the part is never something
that will get you the job, regardless of how clean your shirt or shiny your
shoes. However, it could put the employer off if you fail to follow some
basic rules: • Not too casual - If you get the vibe that casual is OK then stay on the
smart side of casual. Ripped jeans, threadbare t-shirts and scruffy trainers
should all be left at home. A smart pair of jeans and an open necked shirt
is the bare minimum that is expected. • No headwear – Under no circumstances wear a cap, beanie or hoodie
to an interview – you’ll look like you’ve got something to hide. There
are obvious religious and medical exceptions to this rule. • Get the right fit – If you’ve had to borrow an ill-fitting suit for an
interview, or just generally like to wear your clothes a little too loose or
tight, try and find something a little more regular. © Apropos Productions Ltd. www.aproposltd.com
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• No flashing – Although it may work in certain industries, cleavage
and midriffs should be covered up for job interviews. You should be
relying on your other assets to secure you the role. • Wacky ties – As hilarious as you think they are, your interviewer is
unlikely to see you as a new fun addition to the team, instead seeing
someone who’s not serious about the job. • Don’t accessorise too much – remember you want your interviewer to
be concentrating on what you’re saying, not the obscure purple broach
you’re wearing. • Subtle make up – You could use make-up to emphasise your eyes
and mouth, but should steer clear of anything too outrageous. • Strong odours – Too much perfume or too little deodorant can both
be big turn offs, as can cigarette smells so make sure you smell nice, but
neutral. • Facial hair – The old phrase “Never trust anyone with a beard” is less
adhered to nowadays so feel free to go in with your usual fur. However,
do make sure it’s well trimmed and clean. • Piercings and tattoos – Another feature that is increasingly common,
and one unlikely to deter an employer. If you can’t remove them, keep
any studs small and cover any offensive or obscene body art.
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4 tips for coping with NERVES!
1
BE PREPARED
Have you ever been in a situation where you knew you hadn’t prepared
enough? Most candidates go to a job interview and hope to “wing it”.
This strategy – or lack of – rarely does anyone justice, and cuts your
chances of a job offer.
So what should you prepare?

Research the company.
Find out about their vision, products, culture and the kind of people who
work there. Then use that information, with the job description, to
provide examples of why you’re a suitable candidate.

Think about the obvious questions.
If you were the interviewer, how would you test whether somebody had
the skills, characteristics and experience you’re looking for? Prepare
answers to the more obvious questions. There’s no way you can prepare
for every question they throw at you, but if you’ve thought through strong
responses to the more obvious questions, it will be easier to come up with
compelling answers to anything you’re asked on the day.
2
ACT CONFIDENT
Even if you’re not feeling confident, act confident.
Your mindset and the way you hold your body will affect your interview
nerves and will impact your performance. Pretend if you have to. Do
whatever you need to do to feel confident, without appearing arrogant.
Try it now. If you were really nervous, how would you be sitting?
Would you slouch and look at the ground? Get in that position. What do
you notice?
Then change your position to how you would sit if you were confident
and believed you could get the job. Perhaps you’d sit more upright and
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make good eye contact. Try it out now. How much more confident do
you feel?
3
RELAXATION
The most important thing you can do to relax before an interview is to
work out what stresses you. Are you the kind of person who can’t sleep
until you’ve checked your suit and travel directions for the 10th time? If
yes, make a check-list and tick everything off before you go to bed that
night. Then forget about it.
Review your CV, your company research and answers to the typical
questions - then put them away, long before bedtime.
Do whatever you would normally do to relax, whether that’s reading a
good book or taking a bath to maximise your chances of getting a good
night’s sleep.
4
SMILE!
The most important thing you can do to relax before an interview is
smile!
It might sound odd, but smiling releases endorphins, which are the body’s
natural antidote to stress. So if you get to that interview and notice your
nerves creeping up on you, take a deep breath in, breathe out slowly and
smile.
You’ll feel the difference and give yourself a head start over the other
candidates.
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Interview Killers: 10 Mistakes to avoid!
The best way to avoid the most common and dangerous job
interview mistakes is to think ahead and decide not to make
them. Read on for a whistle-stop tour of the top ten interview
clangers!
1
Lying
Although it’s tempting, it doesn’t work. By all means gloss over unflattering things.
But out-right fibbing never pays.
As Mark Twain said: "If you tell the truth, you never have to remember anything."
Think about it. They will catch you out later.
2
Slating your current company or boss
Fed up with your current job and would give anything to leave because they've treated
you badly? Your job interview is NOT the time to seek revenge.
The interviewer will be listening to your answers and thinking about what it would be
like to work with you.
Ask yourself: do you like working with people who constantly criticise others? Isn't it
a bit wearing? The trouble is that the interviewer draws massive conclusions from
your answers.
So your throwaway comment about your boss or employer may be interpreted to be
your "standard" way of thinking. It makes you look bad, not your employer.
3
Being Rude
If you find you were accidentally rude, then apologise calmly and genuinely. Then
leave it behind you and get on with the rest of the interview. If you dwell on it, it will
affect your performance.
What's "rude"? Well, that depends on your audience. As a rule of thumb, avoid
cracking jokes about potentially sensitive topics and beware of being too "pally" with
the interviewer: polite and friendly is enough. After all, you're not in the pub with
them. So stay professional.
Remember that everyone you meet could be involved in the selection process. So
blanking the receptionist or talking down to the junior members of staff could cost
you the job.
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4
Complaining
Ok, so your train journey might have been a nightmare and maybe you thought the
tube would never arrive, or the tailbacks on the motorway were endless. But your
interviewer doesn't want to know that!
Complaining, even in jest, is not a recommended icebreaker. It may be completely
harmless, or it might simply make the interviewer switch off. Don't let complaining
set the tone for the interview!
5
Talking about people you don't get on with at work
These days, it's common to be asked how you deal with conflict. Companies realise
the importance of interpersonal relationships in the working environment.
So if they ask you about difficult people or situations, make sure you hold back from
character assassination and blaming others for problems because it won't do you any
favours!
If you accidentally do "break" this rule, apologise and explain what you "really"
meant.
6
Not being prepared
Re-read the relevant version of your CV and the job advert, just before the interview.
You'd be surprised how many people can't remember what they wrote on their CV.
And if you remember what type of person the job advert was looking for, it's easier to
demonstrate that you have those qualities.
Make sure you've brought with you anything you were asked for. It's fine to bring a
note-pad and pen, but make sure they're tidy. It's even ok to bring notes with you;
particularly if you have any questions you want to ask. It shows you're taking the job
application seriously. Ill-prepared candidates rarely get job offers.
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7
Appearing to be too nervous, or too confident
If you appear too nervous they'll think you're not confident enough to do the job.
However, appearing too confident will make them think you won't fit into the team.
If interview nerves are an issue for you, it's worth getting practical help from a
professional, such as an interview coach.
8
Making a weak first impression
Unfortunately, no matter how hard the interviewer tries, a lot of "don't want to hire
them" decisions are made in the first few minutes of contact. If you make a strong
first impression, the interviewer will be more inclined to overlook "imperfections" in
your answers
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9
Not having researched the company
As a general rule, the more famous the brand, the more they will expect you to have
done your homework. Researching the company shows you're serious about the job.
Example from a real interview for a major food brand
Candidate: "Hello Mr. Interviewer. Yes, I'd love to work for your company. I think
your brand is great and I really believe I could make a contribution to your marketing
strategy."
Interviewer: "So what do you think about our current merchandising, compared to our
competition?" Candidate: "Oh... Errr.... Well, I haven't had time to check it out, really."
Likelihood of getting the job? Low.
10
Putting your foot in it and not noticing
This can be the most unnerving of all job interview blunders.
Yes, we know, you didn't mean to put your foot in it. But it doesn't really matter what
you intended. What counts is how the other person reacts.
So what can you do?
Be prepared to say "sorry, that's not what I meant!" This requires you to pay attention
to the interviewer, rather than your own thoughts and feelings. Once you've
apologised, leave it there, take a deep breath to help you relax and move on with the
job interview.
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Interview: A Structured Approach
Keep your hair on! Don’t panic…prepare!
This is how an interview is usually run:
W
Welcome
I
Introductions
G
Gain Information (they speak)
G
Give Information (you speak)
REPEAT, REPEAT, REPEAT…
S
Sell & Close (both sides)
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How to answer a question like a STAR!
When selling yourself and having to give clear examples of how you
perform – do it the old fashioned way! Think of answering your
questions like a STAR!
Managers want to hear EXACTLY how good you are and you need to
convince them by giving good clear examples.
Think of the following model to help improve how you answer questions
in an interview situation.
Situation:
set the scene. What happened?
Tasks:
what needed to be done?
Actions:
what actually did occur: who did
what and how?
Results :
how did it succeed and/or the
great lessons that were learned?
Take a moment NOW to think of a few great career examples where you have
demonstrated your core business CAPABILITES!
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