The Winning Interview by Michelle Fischer , Creative Leadership April 2009

1. The Winning Interviewby Michelle Fischer, Creative LeadershipApril 2009 "To say that the class of 2009 won't have it easy after graduation is an understatement. Competition for jobs will be the most intense for many years.” Richard Lambert, CBI Director General

2. Aims • What interviews are • Why they are used • How you can get the most out of them.

3. Recruitment 2009 – The Facts • Nearly 2/3rds of employers plan to freeze wages this year and almost half predict they will cut jobs. • There are already 33% less Job Vacancies than last year • AGR is predicting job vacancies to drop by 5.4% in 2009 • There are 2.10 million unemployed. The highest since 1997. • Some graduates have been offered £10K not to come to work this year (Norton Rose)

4. Ouch!!!

5. Effective Interview Preparation has never been more critical!!! “You have brains in your head. You have feet in your shoes. You can steer yourself in any direction you choose.” Dr Seuss

6. Interviews • What are interviews?

7. Interviews • Why are interviews used?

8. Types of Interview • Telephone interview • Situational Interview • Competency Based interview • Assessment Centre • Panel interview…

9. The Common Denominator??

10. The Common Denominator is… • Can you do the job? • Will you do the job? • How will you fit in?

11. Ability, Potential and Fit… Can you do the job? • The how, why, when, what of your application form/CV • Situational questions – “what would you do if…?” • Tests/presentations

12. Ability, Potential and Fit… Will you do the job? • What do you know about the company? • How does the job fit with your goals? • Why do you want this job? • Describe a time when you felt motivated

13. Ability, Potential and Fit… Will you fit in? • Tell me more about yourself • What’s your preferred style of working? • How do your interact with other people? • What are your strengths and weaknesses?

14. Preparation is King

15. Preparing for your interview? • Why prepare? • What to prepare? • How to prepare? • The organisation? • The job? • Yourself?

16. Step 1: Consider • How specifically are you different? • Why should an employer employ you? • What can you offer that others can’t? • What will make employers pay attention to what you’ve got to say? • What will make you memorable?

17. Be aware of who you are and why that’s significant

18. Step 2: Questions • Identify the likely questions • Communication • Team work • Initiative • Innovation • Consider your strengths and skills • Identify specific experience in the past where you can demonstrate this. Describe the experience • Use the STAR model

19. The S-T-A-R Model • Situation • Task • Action • Result

20. Example Questions Opening Questions • Tell me about yourself? • Could you summarise your career? • Describe the last three jobs you’ve had? • Keep it short • First impressions count • What do they want to know about you? • Prepare a list of 5 – 6 items to mention

21. Example Questions Can you do the job questions • What are your strengths? • What have been the major achievements in your life so far? • Why should we offer you the job? • Focus on your strengths and skills • Be concise and give relevant examples • Put yourself in the interviewers shoes. • Tailor your answers to the job opportunity

22. Example Questions Will you do the job questions • Why do you want this job? • What are your career aspirations? • What motivates you? • Would you accept this job if it should be offered to you? • Understand what has motivated you in the past • Be positive even if not totally convinced • Consider the reason they’re asking the question • Be honest!

23. Example Questions Nasty Questions • What would you say are your weaknesses? • What training do you think you need? • How do you deal with stress? • Choose a past behaviour or scenario unrelated to the job • Explain how you overcame it • Confirm it’s no longer a problem • Remain silent – don’t give a list of reasons not to be employed!

24. Step 3: Prepare Yourself • Prepare thoroughly – you, questions, the interviewer, job, company • Re-read your CV/Application form – take a copy with you • Arrive early – go and have a tea/coffee nearby • The interview begins as soon as you walk in the building • Turn off your phone • STAR • Enjoy yourself!

25. During the Interview • Have a firm and positive handshake • Sit down when invited and where indicated • Don’t slouch. Sit well back in the chair • Maintain eye contact • Use your interviewers name • Give clear, full answers to the questions asked • Do not lie or exaggerate • Have questions prepared • Thank the interviewer for their time • Smile!

26. Interview No-Nos! Don’t; • Read from your CV • Take Notes • Criticise previous employers • Be aggressive • Smoke • Drink alcohol beforehand • Answer a question you thought was asked • Be too honest or negative

27. After the interview • Make notes of what happened and your impressions of the organisation • Reflect on what went well • Write down the difficult questions asked and practice these next time • Feedback to your agency • Send a thank you email to your interviewer if appropriate • Follow up on any promises • Ask for feedback

28. Summary • Preparation is critical! • Use silence • Listen carefully and practice answering questions • Be smart and well groomed • Think about why the questions being asked • It’s normal to be nervous • Make notes afterwards • Ask for feedback and be gracious when you receive it

29. Any Questions?