Eva Chan Careers and Employment

Ace the Interview Mathematics Eva Chan Careers and Employment

What would you do if you disagree with your boss in a meeting? Describe how you have coped with a new or difficult situation. Have you ever been responsible for the generation of a new idea? What do you see yourself doing in 5 years time?

Interview Questions Standard Situational Behavioural

Standard (Open-ended) Questions e.g. • What attracted you to apply to our organisation? • What are your strengths? And your weaknesses? • Tell me about yourself. Tip: • Consider what do employers want to know • Refer to the selection criteria

Try this…. Why did you choose the career for which you are preparing?

Situational Questions E.g. • How would you handle a difficult customer if your boss was away? • Here is a problem we faced recently ... How would you have dealt with this? Tip: • Understand how situational questions are developed • Make assumptions, explain WHAT and WHY

Try this…. What would you do if you have 2 competing deadlines to meet by next week? What steps would you take?

Behavioural Questions E.g. • Describe a complex problem you have solved recently. • Have you been in any situations where you were required to perform as part of a team? What was the situation, what part did you play? Tip: • Use the STAR approach • Choose examples that are recent, relevant and special

S R T A Answering Behavioural Questions ituation ask ction esult S T A R

Try this…. Tell me about a time when you had to work with a difficult person. What actions did you take?

What would you do if you disagree with your boss in a meeting? Describe how you have coped with a new or difficult situation. Have you ever been responsible for the generation of a new idea? What do you see yourself doing in 5 years time? What about technical questions?

Three-step process • Pre-Interview Preparation • The Interview Itself • Post – Interview Activity

Level 2, East Wing, Quadrangle Building. Ph: 9385 5429 www.careers.unsw.edu.au

Sample Behavioural Answer Where have you previously demonstrated high-level organisational skills? I’ve shown strong time-management abilities as a chef - for one function in Darling Harbour this year I synchronized desserts for 350 guests. Firstly I met with the three kitchen apprentices to discuss responsibilities. Once food service began, I ensured that all meals were presented calmly, on time and to a consistently high quality. Afterwards the Executive Chef came over and praised our team’s work – he has requested that my agency hire me for subsequent functions.

Sample Interview questions • What would you do if you disagree with your boss in a meeting? • Have you ever been responsible for the generation of a new idea or suggestion? Describe and explain. • What do you see yourself doing in 5 years time? • Describe how you have coped with a new or difficult situation. What about technical questions?

Eva Chan Careers and Employment