Applications and Interviews

1. Amy Wiggins & Natalie Smith, Careers and Employability Service Applications and Interviews How to succeed

2. How to succeed at the application and interview process What we will be covering: • Applications • What employers look for • The STAR approach • Applicant Tracking Systems • Interview skills • Typical questions • How to handle difficult questions • Presentation • Body language

3. Applications

4. Application forms (online) • RTFQ! • Re-read and highlight the main points • Write your answer • Check you have covered each point • Include key words

5. Please let us know why a career at Deloitte appeals to you compared with other career options? (max 100 words in bullet point format).

6. STAR approach (online) For questions where you are asked to ‘explain a time when…’, it is useful to use the STAR approach: • Situation – set the scene • Task - what needed to be done/achieved? • Action - this should take up about 80% of the answer, what action did YOU take? • Result - this is the ‘proof’ that you succeeded, try and give evidence such as statistics if possible

7. Applicant Tracking Systems Most major recruiters rely on Applicant Tracking Systems to initially scan through CVs, covering letters and application forms. If you do not pass this stage, your application may never be seen. Case Study: Olu – Business and IT I applied for 120 placement schemes, the most disheartening thing about it was receiving rejections at 1am in the morning. My applications weren’t even getting to a human being! Allianz was my last shot, and for the first time I made my application relevant, I used key words and I practiced psychometric tests. Not only did I get the placement, but they asked me back after graduation, so I have now started on their graduate scheme.

8. Beating the system • Use their KEY WORDS from: • Job description • Person specification • Values and mission statement section • ‘What we look for’ section Example: Candidate must have strong communication skills and must be fluent in German (ensure highlighted words feature in your application)

9. Here comes the (computer) science bit… Concentrate! • Never send your CV as a PDF: Applicant tracking systems (ATS) lack a standard way to structure PDF documents, info can be mis-read • Don't include tables or graphics: ATS can't read graphics, and they misread tables • Call your work experience, "Work Experience": The computer might completely skip over your work experience if you haven’t labelled it as such • Don't start your work experience with dates: To ensure applicant tracking systems read and import your work experience properly, always start it with your employer's name, followed by your title, followed by the dates you held that title.

10. Top tips • Always put your answers in Word first, as not all application forms will spell check (and you can save your answers) • Use the word limit as a guide to how much you should write • Keep in mind the qualities the employer are looking for

11. Interviews

12. Does what I wear really matter? 37% of employers decided against hiring someone because of what they were wearing 80% of interviewers think it is inappropriate to wear red to an interview 99% of bosses interviewing female applicants say they would be inclined to mark them down if they wore dangly jewellery 95% find low-necked tops and no tights unsuitable interview attire (The Ladders)

13. The thing that annoys me the most in the interview process is when a candidate hasn’t bothered with their physical presentation. We want to see business dress – wear a suit. Make an effort, do your hair, don’t be scruffy! UoK Careers Fair – November ‘12 We look for how the candidate is presented. They need to be professional. We also value communication skills and confidence. The thing that annoys us most in the interview process are the ‘know it all’ candidates! Tom: Audit Supervisor Baker Tilly Alison, Vanessa, Caroline, Liz Canterbury Christ Church PGCE

15. Tips for women: http://www.channel4.com/4beauty/style/what-to-wear/what-to-wear-to-an-interview Tips for men: http://career-advice.monster.com/job-interview/interview-appearance/mens-interview-fashion-tips/article.aspx

16. Interviews – do your research • Be familiar with the employer website • Re-read employer information • Remind yourself why you find this employer attractive • Keep up to date with current affairs

17. Interview Questions Interview questions may be: • Hypothetical (what would you do if…) • Competency based (describe a situation where you…) • ‘Traditional’ interview questions (tell me about yourself) In your answers, keep in mind the skills the employer will be looking for. Be honest.

18. Prepare answers to obvious questions • Why are you applying to us? • Why have you chosen your degree? • What makes you suitable for this placement/job? • Why should we employ you? • What do you know about the company/industry/scheme? • Tell us about yourself • What are your strengths and weaknesses? • What do you do in your spare time? • What is your greatest achievement?

19. Prepare for Competency Questions Describe a situation where you had to ..... • show leadership • make a difficult decision • overcome a difficult obstacle • refuse to compromise • work with others to solve a problem What would you do differently?

20. Task 1 - the STAR approach • Take turns to be the interviewer/candidate • Interviewer – take notes identifying how the answer fits into the STAR approach (list the situation, task, action and result) • You have 5 minutes so make sure you split your time accordingly 5 minutes End

21. Hypothetical Questions – What would you do if ………? • What would you do if an irate customer complained about the length of time they had been waiting? • What would you do if you disagreed with something your manager was doing? • What would you do if a person became aggressive when talking to you?

22. Thinking on your feet • Used precisely because it's impossible to work out your answer beforehand • Tests your ability to think quickly, logically, produce practical solutions • Don't panic! Take a few seconds to think - this shows confidence • There may be many possible solutions.

23. Difficult Questions • Ask for some thinking time • Tell them you would need to research the answer • Ask if you can come back to that question later • “I’m afraid I don’t know” is better than waffle • Keep the answer short if you are operating at the edge of your comfort zone

24. Body Language • Shake hands warmly, but wait to be invited to sit down. • Smile • Try to relax - don’t sit on the edge of your chair, but don’t slouch. • Speak clearly and not too fast • Don’t fidget • Keep up good eye contact with the interviewer

25. Body language at interviews

26. Task 2 – Body Language • Get back into your pairs and take it in turns to be interviewer/candidate • Interviewer – take notes regarding the candidate’s body language using the assessment form • You have 5 minutes 5 minutes End

27. Prepare Some Questions to Ask • Will I have a mentor in the workplace? • How many people work in the team? • Is there room for progression? • How did you progress to your role?

28. Further information • www.kent.ac.uk/ces • www.prospects.ac.uk • medwaycareers@kent.ac.uk • www.facebook.com/ukmemployability • ATS: http://www.cio.com/article/701272/5_Insider_Secrets_for_Beating_Applicant_Tracking_Systems?page=2&taxonomyId=3123

29. Any Questions?