2.2.3 Vocational Skills: Job Seeking, Interview Skills, Independent Level
Module 2: Vocational Skills – Job Seeking
2.2.3 Interview Skills
(Independent Level)
Explanation
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An interview can be a stressful experience. So how can you prepare yourself to ensure
the best possible outcome, which is to be offered the job?
You will probably already have considered the job description and person specification
and matched your skills, experience and knowledge to what is asked on the application
form.
The right mind-set will help you enormously in the interview process.
Being prepared, positive thinking and visualisation all help to get your brain ready to act
in a way that leads to success.
Remember the employer is already interested in you by inviting you to an interview so
realise that you have mastered the first hurdle successfully.
(Some information taken from www.myworldofwork.co.uk, further information can be found
using the link.)
What to do?
Find out as much information about the company as you can:
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Research the company on the internet if possible.
Get leaflets and marketing material, find out what sort of departments there is in the
company. Who is the Chief Executive?
Has the company any initiatives that help the local community? If so, talk about this at
the interview to show your knowledge and interest of the company.
Think about how best to highlight your strengths to show you are the best candidate for
the job.
How will you present yourself in terms of how you look and dress for the interview?
How will you get to the interview? Are you going on the bus or by car?
First impressions are very important.
Your listening skills are just as important as your verbal communication.
Practice talking and listening with a friend so that you take time to listen to a question
and respond appropriately.
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2.2.3 Vocational Skills: Job Seeking, Interview Skills, Independent Level
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If you do not understand something in the interview it is better to ask for
clarification/an explanation.
Activity 1.1 – Feelings about interviews
Within a group situation / one to one, discuss your experiences of taking part in an interview.
This may be a job interview, with a healthcare professional, government official, bank manager,
and job centre staff.
1. How do you feel about being interviewed?
2. Do you conduct yourself as an equal?
3. What do you think makes a good interview?
4. What do you think makes a not so good interview?
Activity 1.2 - First impressions count! So ensure you:
1. Make eye contact with the interviewer
2. Smile – even if you’re nervous
3. Shake hands (if offered) this is the accepted way of greeting someone at an interview in
the Ireland
4. Use the interviewer’s name if he/she gives it to you during the interview.
Think of and research other tips that might help you in the interview room and also things that
you should NOT do in an interview such as:
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Do not be LATE for your interview
Do not complain about a previous boss
Do not answer a call from your mobile phone during the interview
Do not chew gum
Activity 2.1 - Questions
Interview questions will be related to the job and industry.
Make a list of common questions you think you may be asked, such as:
1. Tell me about yourself
2. What were the main responsibilities in your last job?
3. Why do you want to work for this company?
4. What interests you about our product / services?
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2.2.3 Vocational Skills: Job Seeking, Interview Skills, Independent Level
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What can you contribute to our company?
What aspects of your experience do you see as being most relevant?
What do you consider to be your strengths?
What do you consider to be areas for development of your skills in the company?
You might also be asked questions like ‘what would you do if…………..? How would you deal
with…………..?
1. Start your answer with a way that you would contain the situation – don’t make it
worse!
2. Describe how you would make the situation better.
3. Make sure your solution is realistic.
Now make a list of questions that you could ask the employer, such as:
1. Is there the opportunity for development / training?
2. Is this a new role?
3. What size is the team I may be working with?
4. Who would I be responsible to?
5. How many people are doing the same work?
1Research
lots of interview questions. The more questions you are aware of the more you will
be prepared and likely to succeed.
For further information:
 http://www.jobs.ie/JobSeeker/InterviewAdviceAndTips.aspx
 http://gradireland.com/careers-advice/interviews-and-tests/interview-questions
 https://www.jobbuddy.ie/Page/Interview-Tips-and-Tricks
Activity 2.2 – Different types of interviews
There are a number of ways interviews can be conducted. By researching the following you will
gain understanding of how different interviews work and not be taken by surprise when you go
for an interview.
1. Competency-based – competencies are the qualities, knowledge, skills needed to
succeed in a particular job.
2. Technical – technical interviews are generally used to assess candidates for technical or
specialist job roles e.g. Engineering, Science.
3. Face-to-face – this is where you will meet the interviewer.
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Information taken from www.wikijobs.co.uk
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2.2.3 Vocational Skills: Job Seeking, Interview Skills, Independent Level
4. Telephone – Informal – is when a company will ring you unannounced, perhaps to
clarify something on your application. Formal – these are often used in the selection
process for jobs such as: telesales, customer services.
5. Panel – this is where there is more than one interviewer.
Activity 3.1- Interview nerves
How do you overcome your nerves?
1. How does your body react when feeling nervous? Most people experience the
following: your mouth feels dry, the palms of your hands are sweaty and your heart is
thumping.
2. Discuss with others how they overcame their nerves when they attended an interview.
3. Research top 10 tips for handling interview nerves.
The best way to combat your nerves is to make sure you are well prepared. You’ll then feel
confident and far more likely to be successful.
Activity 3.2 – Pre interview preparation
You have been asked to attend for an interview at a company that you have applied to. It will
be in 7 days’ time. The company is located in the city centre and you have been asked to be
there for 9am. You can expect to be there for an hour.
How will you prepare?
Make a list of everything you should consider.
1. Have you confirmed with the company that you will be attending?
2. Have you done your research on the company?
3. Have you got copies of your CV, application form, personal specification, job description,
job advertisement if there is one? You can be reading these on your journey if using the
bus, whilst you’re waiting to go into your interview.
4. Have you planned some answers to common questions?
5. Do you have some questions to ask the interviewers?
6. Are your clothes suitable, comfortable for an interview, you may not need to wear a
suit? Be clean, tidy and presentable.
7. Have you planned your journey?
By being properly prepared and presenting yourself well you will stand out from other
candidates and this will help to control your nerves.
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2.2.3 Vocational Skills: Job Seeking, Interview Skills, Independent Level
3 main things the interviewer is looking for:
1. Someone who can do the job – who has the skills, is competent and willing to
undertake training.
2. Someone who wants to do the job - is motivated.
3. Someone who will fit in – with the team, the company culture and its values.
(Some information was taken from www.nationalcareersservice.direct.gov.uk, further
information can be found using the link.)
‘YOU CAN BE THAT PERSON’
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