Interview Tips
On average, interviews last approximately 45
minutes…
from first impression to final good bye - it ALL
counts!
A. PREPARATION…
Think like the employer…
·
Can this candidate do the job?
The
interviewer will be looking at your ability, qualifications, experience &
skills
·
Do they want to do the job?
Your knowledge of the organisation/department,
job knowledge, motivation & enthusiasm
·
Will they fit in?
Your values, attitude and personality
The 3 KNOWS
1) KNOW yourself
Read your CV, cover letter & application form.
Ensure you are able to discuss your career history in depth.
Consider what kind
of person they are looking for and anticipate the type of questions they may
ask, such as Why do you want this job?
Prepare mock answers beforehand, for
e.g. Passion, drive,
history, future
Include detailed & preferably recent examples of YOUR experiences…
What
makes YOU different??
What
are YOUR unique selling points?
2) KNOW the company
Do your homework &
impress you interviewer
Research the company – who are their
competitors?
Know the sector and talk to others in
the field if possible
Look at the job
requirements and state how you fulfil them.
3) KNOW where to go
Plan your journey; allow
ample time to avoid arriving in a panic
The 3 NO’S
1) Do NOT be late
It’s not fashionable to
be late – you will just start your interview on a negative note and will have
to waste energy playing catch up on scoring brownie points!
2) Do NOT wear anything shocking
Have clothes ready the
night before… Dress to impress (but remain professional).
Don’t wear anything
shocking, you want to be remembered for your ability and not for your rainbow
tie.
3) Do NOT yawn
Get an early night so
you are well rested and not yawning throughout the interview. It is bad manners
and yawning is contagious… the interviewer yawning during your answers is not
what you want them to remember about you!
B. AT THE
INTERVIEW
TYPES OF QUESTIONS
·
Can you do the job?
–
Competency based questions
–
Hypothetical (situational) questions
–
Technical questions
–
Surprise questions
· Do you want to do the job?
–
Biographical questions
–
Motivational questions
· Will you fit in?
–
Personality and interest based questions
1) Talk in FIRST person… Sell YOURSELF
What can YOU bring to the company?
Often people will slip into a type of conversation called
“second person” when they are really talking about themselves. Use “I” instead
of “you/your” as this simple word shifts the story from being about us to
being about the person listening. You run the risk of losing the interviewer’s interest
in the story–because they feel spoken at rather
than spoken to.
For
e.g: Ian: “Fiona, how are you
coming along on your chapter of the proposal?”
Fiona: “I’m doing fine. But you know how it is, you have to
practically pull teeth to get anything from the engineering department.”
Ian: “What do you mean?”
Fiona: “Well, you tell them what you need and you tell them why
and when you need it. But they just don’t seem to understand.”
While this shift in language may not seem like a big deal,
becoming a skilled communicator is.
If you talk in second or third person, your prospective employer will be
waiting for that ‘other’ person to walk through the door.
2) STORYTELLING… Be specific & give
examples
Elaborate on answers as
a simple Yes or No is not impressive.
Treat the interviewer’s
questions as if you were in an exam
- Repeat the question
- Use full sentences and
avoid bullet point answers
- Use examples &
explain your reasons
For e.g: What are
your key strengths?
Bad answer: Determined… Passionate…A winner
Good answer:
My key strengths include my determined
attitude and passion for my work; most importantly I strive to win.
Think “STAR” when giving an example Getting the weighting
right
Situation - Outline of what you
faced - 15% Setting
Task - What you decided to do the scene
Action - Detailed description of
the process - 70% What you did
Result - The outcome - 15% Result
For e.g: “Describe
a time when you demonstrated creative thinking”
Simple answer:
“It was last summer, summer
2008. It was the GM group. I helped them with their
website. We made it a lot better than it was and
people really liked it. They’re still
using it.”
Using STAR:
S: I worked at the GM group in Summer 2008 and
T: assisted in the development of their new
website.
A: I
conducted an audit of similar sites and presented my findings to the development
team, recommending the use of ‘pop-ups’ to advertise forthcoming events.
Mindful of industry scepticism regarding their use, I researched available data
and prepared visual design ideas.
Despite their initial concerns, I persuaded them to allocate funds for
an initial trial period.
R: Click-through
rates were encouraging & the pop-ups are now a permanent addition to the
website.
Be specific… Give
examples… You are the STAR of the story so remember that!
3) The Answer… It’s not always WHAT you say –
but HOW you say it!
"I've learned that people will forget what you
said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you
made them feel" (Maya Angelou)
WHAT YOU SAY = 7%
VOICE & TONE = 38%
ENERGY & BODY LANGUAGE = 55%
i) Body language
Michael Jackson,
the king of Pop, would still get sweaty palms before a performance - even in
his 40’s… but could you ever tell? In fact, it is believed that people actually
perform better if they are a bit nervous. Be prepared… know you will feel
nervous & turn your nerves into a positive!
Be confident, enthusiastic and ensure your body language is always
upbeat.
Wear a smile; Sit forward; Shoulders back – do not slouch
Don’t be defeated by your nerves – just use a good deodorant!
ii) Voice & Tone
Remember those boring lecturers back at university?
It can be painful listening to a person speaking in a monotone. Vary your
tone throughout the answer & keep the interviewer entertained. There’s a
reason a song chorus grabs the listeners attention by varying pitch, volume etc
in comparison to the verse!
Try increasing your energy towards the end of every answer.
Be enthusiastic,
motivated, interested and ambitious….highlight your skills and think of the
interview as an opportunity to show what you know and how you want to add value
to their business.
iii) What you say
Very rarely is there a right or wrong answer in an interview.
It’s not always ‘what’ you say but ‘how’ you say it… Avoid rambling on in your answers and get to
the point quickly.
3) IMPROVISE… Rise to the Challenge
Appear confident and
answer questions with conviction, but remember, too much confidence can make
one seem arrogant. Be adaptable… if your interviewer is referring to sales
figures as ‘billings’, you do the same. This creates synergy and builds a
stronger relationship
Interviewer’s questions &
actions are there to test you.
They may probe or re-ask
questions. Interrupt you whilst speaking or ask you to repeat your answers.
They may look away or just continue to write notes…
Do not be put off by any
of these actions -rise to the challenge by answering positively and
confidently.
You can never prepare
fully for what interviewers may ask. Do not attempt answering questions you
cannot. If you are asked a negative question
•
Explain the situation truthfully
•
Do not make excuses or whine
•
What have you learnt from the experience?
•
Finish Positively – no experience is bad
•
Be prepared to think on
the spot and improvise where necessary, do not give up and always try your
best.
4) Killer Ending
Just as you end with a sprint finish in a long distance race, when
answering a question, save your best efforts for last. Always end your answers
with a memorable ending - not “that’s all for now” or “errrm, that’s all I can
think of”.
Answer each question
positively –
End with your strongest
point. If possible, try to think of your ending or main point before you even
start answering – build up to this and increase your tone towards the end, make
a bold statement, use your BEST, most relevant point towards the end.This will
keep the interviewers attention and help them remember your answer.
5) Your chance to ask Questions
Often interviewee’s are
given the chance to ask questions. Utilise this opportunity to gain further
knowledge about the company. Here, the research you did will come into great
use to impress the interviewers with what you know about them. Prepare
questions in advance and use this time wisely. Use this opportunity to gain
feedback from them about you and if you have what it takes….if you do not get
this job at least you will know what you need to improve for future interviews.
Don’t just ask questions for the sake of it
You could say “I did have questions, however, they
have been covered throughout the interview process, Thank you”
If there are any concerns
address them right away, do not leave them with any reservations in their mind.
Try to overcome these right away.
Leave a lasting impression so the interviewer
remembers you!
Thank them for giving you this opportunity…
Shake hands if it’s easy/appropriate… SMILE!
Leave that interview feeling proud as you are
a winner regardless of the outcome.
C. AFTER THE
INTERVIEW
When considering a new
opportunity, it is useful to have been on to several interviews before making
your final. Accepting your first offer is like going to a restaurant and
blindly ordering the chef’s special without looking at the à la carte menu…
it’s a risk – choose what’s best for YOU!
--- Interview Check list ---
- Have you confirmed you interview?
- Have you read through the job description?
- Have you found where the interview is and how you will get there?
- Have you got the contact number of the place of interview?
- Made copies of resume and read through it?
- Prepared questions to ask interviewer?
- Have you prepared your clothes?
- Have you researched the company and who your interview is with?
- Have you been through the Apply4U interview tips and questions?
- Have you practised what you could say?
- Have you slept properly and eaten?
Interview questions from http://www.interviewquestions4u.co.uk/
Prepare for answers to the questions and practice your responses with a friend / family member. When you enter an interview put a smile on your face. Keep interview conversational but don’t sound rehearsed. Remain relaxed, calm and avoid fidgeting in your seat.
Listed below are some questions you will probably be asked.
Q) Why do you want this job?
The interviewer wants to know that you have researched the company and know what they do. Focus on what you can do for them. Show knowledge on areas such a
- what the organisations product or service is
- history, image & goal of potential employer
- latest turnover figures etc.
Good example answer:
"Apply4Uhas a solid reputation for the quality work & results. I’d like to be part of that success and add value to the team."
Q) What qualities do you think will be required for this job?
Mention transferable skills relevant to the job description advertised.
Communication, Leadership, Supervisory, Interpersonal, Problem Solving, Analytical skills.
Good example answer:
Communication, Leadership, Supervisory, Interpersonal, Problem Solving, Analytical skills."
Q) What can you contribute?
Interviewer will want to know how you can benefit the company. Talk about your accomplishments in the past and relate experience of what you can do for them in the future. Relate your abilities to employer’s goals.
Good example answer:
"I work effectively to meet goal s & deadlines. Challenges are faced everyday in my current role and I am not the type to shy away. We were recently faced with losing 3 of our 5 major accounts and I knew the only way to keep going was to replace them like for like, therefore I worked on closing new business with 2 other major firms which are know growing in value month on month "
Q) Why do you want to work for this company?
The interviewer wants to know that you are seriously interested in the job. Be prepared with knowledge about the company. Let the interviewer know how you can be an asset to the company.
Good example answer:
"My findings found that Apply4U are an innovative company look to expand its sales within the IT sales arena. My previous experience and sales skills can be used to find niches in the market place.”
“I’m always looking to challenge myself and I feel that my can do attitude will be a major asset to your company”
Q) What do you know about this company?
Research the company. Interviewer will ask this question to test your knowledge about the company. (Give them a run down of their product/services, sales figures, news, company figures. size of company/operations, ethics, goals etc.) Research the company first…
Good example answer:
"I’ve read that your organisation has 6 offices and plan to open more.” Show you are interested and let a conversation around this topic begin.
Q) Tell me about yourself?
A frequently asked question in interviews… Talk about things you have done and jobs you have held that relate to the position you are interviewing for. (e.g. examples of skills and achievements to date) Keep it short. Sometimes the interviewer will specify what you should say. Never lie
Q) Why did you leave your last job?
Never speak negative about previous employers, co-workers or the organisation. Stay positive and be confident with your answer. Focus on the benefits, opportunities & development.
BE CLEAR & PRECISE – Don’t over complicate your reason. The interview just wants to know the honest answer.
Your interviewer will want to know:
a)what you have done in you previous job
a)what your hoping to gain from moving to another company.
Q) How ambitious are you?
Show your enthusiasm for the job. Short term goal should be in getting the job and long term goal is to progress higher. Don’t give the impression that you are after the interviewer’s job.
Q) Why are you looking for in a new job?
Stay positive and be confident with your answer.
Good example answer:
"I have experience bringing new business for high profile companies’. ‘I’m looking for an opportunity to do something else. Talk about your career and accomplishments.
Q) Tell me about your last job?
Try to relate your previous job experience to current job description. Don’t lie or exaggerate Interviewer wants to hear detailed answers (e.g. sales skills – examples how you have done the job already)
Good example answer:
"I spent 3 years on telephone sales, mainly business to business and recently I have looked after a team of 10 working on differing sales types…. Ranging from… I achieved….
Q) What are your key strengths and weaknesses?
Mention strengths that are relevant to the job your being interviewed for (assets that employer desires for the position). Employers look for good: communication, team working, IT, Problem solving etc skills. Recruiters want to know why you think it is strength and where it has been demonstrated.
Turn your weakness into positive statement: strength). Interviewer will want to know that you have learnt from your weakness.
Interviewer will want to know:
What risks are they taking in hiring you?
Interviewer will want to know how you deal with this stress question
They do not want to hear that you weakness cannot be corrected
Interviewer does not want to hear of a personal trait (e.g. being messy at home) that is not related to the job
Be honest about your weakness & turn the negative (weakness) into a positive. (I.e. Interviewer wants to see that you are aware of your weakness & doing something about it.
Good example answer:
"I can be over enthusiastic and work quickly and I have learnt to work at other peoples pace.’
I used to have bad time management skills now I have learnt to priorities my projects/workload every time ‘
‘During busy times I can become unorganized & now before I leave work I make sure that I organise itineraries for next day
Q) Why do you want job in recruitment?
Interviewer will want to know:
If it’s a career change they will want to know Why you have chosen Recruitment as a chosen career
If you have experience in recruitment, interviewer will want to know why you have chosen their sector (i.e. media recruitment, recruitment agency etc.)
Good example answer:
If it’s a career change stress what skills are transferable to recruitment job objectives
stress what skills are transferable to recruitment job objectives
“I love recruitment as I enjoy meeting & getting to know different people. Recruitment is a varied career & I don’t believe there are many careers as rewarding….”
Q) Why do you want job in sales?
Interviewer looks for your eagerness and attitude. Keep positive attitude. A sales person is in a position to make things happen. Recruiter intends to hire people who possess their core competencies and have a desire to sell. Process of sales is problem solving for potential buyer or enhancing business.
Good example answer:
I enjoy challenges and interacting with people. Selling is a challenge and each day is different from the other…
Q) What were your greatest success / achievement?
The interviewer wants to gain an insight into your previous role or role’s. Try to keep your answers focused on your work. Keep discussion to work related issues.
A problem you had overcome
history, image & goal of potential employer
Ideas that were implemented
Good example answer:
I set up a sales accounting system that reduces costs by 30%
I improved sales by 45% throughout Europe & America by restructuring the sales team … Tell them how….
Q) What motivates you?
Interviewer wants to understand what inspires you in work situation. Try and relate answers to work experience rather than personal (E.g. career progression,opportunity to learn more skills, work ambience, competitiveness, working in a team, etc)
Good example answer:
‘I have always worked in sales/recruitment and was motivated to hit targets ahead of schedule’
I always ensured that Apply4U’s clients got the best customer service’
I’ve have always worked within sales and hitting
Q) Are you competitive?
Interviewer will want see how you handle this question. Your answer depends upon the requirements of the job advertisement & company goals. Interviewer will want to see an indication that you can work within a team & not just not just for yourself.
If you say very highly competitive (interviewer perceive you as highly aggressive)
If you say not very competitive (interviewer may perceive you as weak & not proactive)
Put a positive spin in how you answer the question
Q)Are you a leader?
A leader or team leader generally sets targets and margins and possesses good conversational skills. Interviewer wants to gain in insight to your experience in leading projects or managing people.
Good example answer:
‘I managed a team of 3 and devise d a motivating day once a week every Monday morning to keep everything in order & to increase energy levels.
Q)What problems did you encounter in your last job?
Keep it brief. Talk about job experiences that you may have solved.
Good example answer:
I’ve experienced a problem with the sales accounting system and I managed to resolve this by devising an account system that increased production
Q)What are your career goals?
Your answer should relate to professional goals not personal goals. Short term goals would be getting the job and long term goals would relate to progression within the company.
Good example answer:
My long term goal would be to grow with the company where I continue to learn with added responsibilities and contribute as much value as I can to companies aspirations.
Q)How would you describe yourself?
The answer should relate to the job in which you are being interviewed for. The interviewer is looking to see how you can benefit and add value to the company. Centre your answer on what you have to offer and why you would be a good for the job.
Good example answer:
My ideas have led me into introducing and implement new procedures such as a new accounting system for the sales department that increased production for the company. I can use these ideas to improve production within the company.
My enthusiasm and energy influences those around me…
Q)How could you improve yourself?
Try not to be too negative. Interviewer wants to know that you are always looking to improve yourself.
Q) What level of salary are you looking for now?
You can ask to discuss this later on after discussion of job responsibilities. You don’t want to be seen as greedy & emphasis you’re potential. Final remuneration package could include (pension, company car, private health care insurance etc.)
Other Interviewer Questions
-
Are you considering any other positions at the moment?
-
Do you consider yourself successful?
-
How do you handle criticism?
-
What is the biggest challenge you have faced so far?
-
Can you act on your own initiative?
-
What do you think of the last company you worked for?
-
Why are you leaving your current employers?
-
What interests you about our product (or service)?
-
Why should we employ you?
-
Can you work under pressure?
-
What problems did you encounter in your last job?
-
Why did you choose a career in …?
-
Why are you changing careers?
-
What would your ideal job be?
-
Are you considering any other positions at the moment?
-
How would you describe yourself?
-
How would others describe you?
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Are you considering any other positions at the moment?
-
How would you describe yourself?
-
How would others describe you?
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What were your greatest success / achievement?
-
How did you achieve it?
-
What has been your biggest failure?
-
What is the biggest challenge you have faced so far?
-
What motivates you?
-
Do you know how to motivate other people?
-
Can Are you competitive?
-
Where do you see yourself in 10 years time?
-
Do you How do you handle stressful situations?
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What have you learnt from your previous job?
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Why should we hire you over all other candidates?
-
What What have you done since the last job?
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What qualifications do you have?