Prepare your job interview by king diamond 2014/04/25 09:37
There are several different types of interview/questioning techniques: -
The straightforward chronological interview, where you are asked questions around your CV / Application form
Criterion referenced interviews, where you will be asked to give examples of how you meet their criteria e.g., examples of teamwork, negotiating, leadership
The off-the-wall questions where you might be asked some bizarre questions. This is to see if you can think on the spot and how creative/logical you are.
The pressurised interview where your views will be challenged (or even ridiculed) and you might feel like you are being goaded into an argument. If this happens to you do not lose your cool, it is to test how you react under extreme pressure and to see if you can hold your own without starting a fight or being reduced to tears.
Preparation is essential if you want to do well. Have a look at the checklist:
Stage 1 - Preparation
Re-read your resume.
Prepare questions to ask and to be asked
Work out clothes to wear
Rehearse interview
Anticipate the obvious questions during the interview
Work out a strategy for dealing with stress
Read vacancy details, employer's literature - what they are and what they want
Know where the interview will take place
Stage 2 - First Impressions Count
Arrive in good time
Make a good entrance
Body language - handshake, posture, eye contact
Smile
Stage 3 - The Interview
Be yourself
Be honest
Be prepared to talk - but not too much
Don't be afraid to ask for clarification
Illustrate your answers with examples
Be ready to sell yourself
Be interesting
Stage 4 - The Final Stage
Know when the interview is over - read employer's body language
Thank him/her for his/her time
Learn from the experience - ask for feedback if necessary
Questions You May Wish To Ask
The Organisation
Major current projects
Future developments
Work
What you would be doing
How long for
Typical projects/timescales
Variety of work
Training
Training offered/possible
Help with professional qualifications
Colleagues
Who would you work with?
Location
Where would you be based?
How much travel/mobility
Prospects/Salary
Likely progression
Where are previous graduates
General Way of Life
Accommodation, amenities, limits on free time etc
Questions You Can Prepare For
Tell us about yourself
Why did you choose your degree and what have you gained from it?
What has been your most important achievement in life so far? Why?
What are your strengths and weaknesses?
Why have you applied for this job?
What do you have to offer us?
What are the current issues in this sector of work?
What experience do you have of working in a team and what role did you play in that team?
Describe a project you have successfully completed.
How would your friends describe you?
Describe a situation you have found difficult. How did you overcome it?
What questions would you like to ask us?
If you would like help with interviews come to the Careers Service to talk to an adviser. We have a video available called, "Why Ask Me That?" which shows you how to do well at interviews. We also have a range of books on interview techniques for you to look at.
There are several different types of interview/questioning techniques: -
The straightforward chronological interview, where you are asked questions around your CV / Application form
Criterion referenced interviews, where you will be asked to give examples of how you meet their criteria e.g., examples of teamwork, negotiating, leadership
The off-the-wall questions where you might be asked some bizarre questions. This is to see if you can think on the spot and how creative/logical you are.
The pressurised interview where your views will be challenged (or even ridiculed) and you might feel like you are being goaded into an argument. If this happens to you do not lose your cool, it is to test how you react under extreme pressure and to see if you can hold your own without starting a fight or being reduced to tears.
Preparation is essential if you want to do well. Have a look at the checklist:
Stage 1 - Preparation
Re-read your resume.
Prepare questions to ask and to be asked
Work out clothes to wear
Rehearse interview
Anticipate the obvious questions during the interview
Work out a strategy for dealing with stress
Read vacancy details, employer's literature - what they are and what they want
Know where the interview will take place
Stage 2 - First Impressions Count
Arrive in good time
Make a good entrance
Body language - handshake, posture, eye contact
Smile
Stage 3 - The Interview
Be yourself
Be honest
Be prepared to talk - but not too much
Don't be afraid to ask for clarification
Illustrate your answers with examples
Be ready to sell yourself
Be interesting
Stage 4 - The Final Stage
Know when the interview is over - read employer's body language
Thank him/her for his/her time
Learn from the experience - ask for feedback if necessary
Questions You May Wish To Ask
The Organisation
Major current projects
Future developments
Work
What you would be doing
How long for
Typical projects/timescales
Variety of work
Training
Training offered/possible
Help with professional qualifications
Colleagues
Who would you work with?
Location
Where would you be based?
How much travel/mobility
Prospects/Salary
Likely progression
Where are previous graduates
General Way of Life
Accommodation, amenities, limits on free time etc
Questions You Can Prepare For
Tell us about yourself
Why did you choose your degree and what have you gained from it?
What has been your most important achievement in life so far? Why?
What are your strengths and weaknesses?
Why have you applied for this job?
What do you have to offer us?
What are the current issues in this sector of work?
What experience do you have of working in a team and what role did you play in that team?
Describe a project you have successfully completed.
How would your friends describe you?
Describe a situation you have found difficult. How did you overcome it?
What questions would you like to ask us?
If you would like help with interviews come to the Careers Service to talk to an adviser. We have a video available called, "Why Ask Me That?" which shows you how to do well at interviews. We also have a range of books on interview techniques for you to look at.
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