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Interviews. If you get to the interview stage you basically meet the requirements for the job The purpose of the interview is to give the employer a chance to assess your suitability for the role and for you to demonstrate your abilities and personality The interview should be a two-way process
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If you get to the interview stage you basically meet the requirements for the job • The purpose of the interview is to give the employer a chance to assess your suitability for the role and for you to demonstrate your abilities and personality • The interview should be a two-way process • Interviews can take different forms eg face-to-face, panel, by telephone etc • Can also be ‘stand alone’ or form part of an assessment centre
Employers’ Ideal Graduate • Honours degree – pref. 2.1 or above • Technical/subject knowledge may be required • Relevant work experience and transferable skills • I.T. skills • Personal skills/aptitudes eg communications, teamworking, flexibility/adaptability, initiative/drive etc • How can you prove that you possess these skills?
Tell me about yourself Means: Can you present yourself as the best candidate for the job? Approach: • Read the job description • What are the key competencies required? • Prepare a list of your main selling points • Prioritise your list • Start with your best selling point • Introduce the remaining points throughout the interview
Why should we employ you? Means: Can you add value to the company? Approach: • Refer to the job description and your list of selling points. • Briefly summarise how your education, experience and skills match the job. • If given time, you may introduce additional selling points
Why did you apply for this job? Means: How motivated are you? Approach: • Do your homework. • Make sure they know you’ve done it. • List the attractions of the job • Interesting work • Aligns with your previous experience • Real responsibility • Reputation of the company etc. • State your desire to work for a company offering these incentives.
Can you give me an example of When you’ve worked as part of a team? Means: Can you work effectively with other people? Approach: • Thinks about teams you belong to. • How do you contribute to their effectiveness? • Provide an example of you supporting others in a team effort.
Can you give an example of when you’ve had to work under pressure? Means: Can you prioritise your work and do you have a work ethic? Approach: • Thinks about a time when you had deadlines to meet. • How did you prioritise your use of time? • Describe the outcome and how you maximised your effectiveness.
What do you do in your spare time? Means: Are you a well-rounded person and do your interests demonstrate other abilities? Approach: • Emphasise involvement and achievement. • Try to match the skills you have developed with those required by the job. • Be enthusiastic. • Keep it brief.
What are your strengths and weakness? Means: Are you self-aware and do you have a plan for your own development? Approach: • Link your strengths to the job. • Describe weaknesses in terms of personal development – how you have become stronger. • Mention briefly how you hope to develop further.
Scenario problem solving Means: Can you think on your feet and see the implications of your decisions? Approach: • Make sure you understand the problem • Ask for time to think about it. • Try to consider a number of alternative solutions
Where do you see yourself in 5 years time? Means: Have you a career objective that is achievable with this company? Approach: • Discuss your personal goals in terms of the job e.g. • Acquiring experience and responsibility • Developing your management skills • Continuous professional development – do not make this a condition!
Have you any questions? Means: They are providing you with an opportunity to clarify any issues that are important to you. Approach: • You are still being assessed so ask about eg: • training and development • performance assessment and prospects for promotion
First Impressions A first impression is often based on the first 30-90 seconds: • Smile • Respond in an animated, enthusiastic way • Be confident and maintain good eye contact
Body language Research has shown that: • 55% is based on appearance • 38% is based on tone of voice • 7% what is actually said