INTERVIEW SKILLS

1. INTERVIEW SKILLS Bruce Woodcock University of Kent Careers Advisory Service You can download a copy of this presentation at www.kent.ac.uk/careers/slides.htm

2. HOW NOT TO INTERVIEW Candidate wore an i-Pod explaining that she could listen to the interviewer and music at the same time. Announced she hadn't had lunch and proceeded to eat burger and chips during the interview. Bald candidate excused himself and returned to the interview a few minutes later wearing a wig. Interrupted interview to phone her therapist for advice on how to answer specific questions. Dozed off during the interview. Said he never finished high school because he was kidnapped and kept in a wardrobe.

4. Research the employer and the job Prepare answers to obvious questions Think of your unique selling points Think of how you would answer questions about your weaknesses Prepare some questions to ask Dress smartly Leave plenty of time to get there PREPARATION - THE KEY TO SUCCESS

5. May not be able to find out much about small companies - research the industry and ask questions. www.kent.ac.uk/careers/sk/commercialawareness.htm RESEARCHING THE EMPLOYER AND THE JOB

6. 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 BODY LANGUAGE

7. Why are you applying to us? Why have you chosen IT/law etc.? What makes you suitable for this job? What other jobs are you applying for? Where do you see yourself in five years? Why did you choose your degree course? What have you got out of University? What do you do in your spare time? What do you get out of it? PREPARE ANSWERS TO OBVIOUS QUESTIONS

8. COMPETENCY-BASED 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

9. COMPETENCY-BASED QUESTIONS Start by briefly outlining the situation Keep the focus on your specific tasks or responsibilities Say what action you took, then try to summarise what you achieved Give concrete results when possible. If you cannot be totally positive about the experience, say what you learned from it. Situation/Tasks/Action/Result www.kent.ac.uk/careers/compet/skillquest.htm

10. "How would you deal with an irate customer?� Interviewer picks up an object from the desk. "Sell me this pen". BA pilot - asked what he would do if he met the captain wearing a dress in the hotel bar. HYPOTHETICAL QUESTIONS

11. Used because it's impossible to work out your answer beforehand. Test your ability to think quickly, logically, produce practical solutions. Don't panic! Take a few seconds to think - this shows confidence. Just try to think of one or two sensible things to say to start off. There may be many possible solutions. HYPOTHETICAL QUESTIONS

12. What is your Zodiac sign? Do I have to dress for the next interview? I know this is off the subject, but will you marry me? Will the company pay to relocate my horse? When is pay day? Would it be a problem if I'm angry most of the time? Why am I here? REAL QUESTIONS FROM CANDIDATES

13. DON�T ASK about holidays, pensions and parking facilities. DO ASK about training, career development and the work itself. PREPARE QUESTIONS TO ASK

14. How is performance at work assessed? What is a typical career path in this job? Can you give me more details of your training programme? What is the ��work culture��? i.e. informal, formal, do people work autonomously, does everyone come in early, stay late? What are the challenges that your organisation is facing? What is your personal experience of working for this organisation? PREPARE QUESTIONS TO ASK

15. FOLLOWING UP The interviewer will probably let you know when you�ll know the result. If they haven't made this clear, ask! The next stage may be a second interview or selection centre. After the interview, make notes on the questions asked and what you could have done better.

16. INTERVIEW REPORTS A selection of reports completed by students after they have been to interview. Give details of questions asked, tests administered and tips for candidates. Fill in our interview report to help other candidates know what to expect. www.kent.ac.uk/careers/ivreps/ivrepsmenu.htm

17. On-line videos INTERVIEWS ON-LINE APPLICATIONS SELECTION CENTRES now streamed on-line www.kent.ac.uk/careers/IntVid.htm All last about 25 minutes and are excellent!

18. PRACTICE INTERVIEWS ONLINE Teaching, accountancy, banking, journalism, marketing, retail personnel, Civil Service, postgrad. study, scientific research, IT and law www.kent.ac.uk/careers/interviews/mockivs.htm Answers to 150 interview questions www.kent.ac.uk/careers/interviews/ivquest.htm Telephone interviews http://www.kent.ac.uk/careers/ivphone.htm

19. Duty Careers Adviser A Duty Careers Adviser is available to help with queries between 10.30 am - 12.30 p.m. and 2.00 - 5.00 p.m. every day. No appointment needed - just drop in.

20. INTERVIEW SKILLS Bruce Woodcock University of Kent Careers Advisory Service You can download a copy of this presentation at www.kent.ac.uk/careers/slides.htm

21. Coping with the recession Still lots of jobs out there � 300 on our vacancy database Make sure your CV is top quality Need to be more flexible in terms of choice of job and location � don�t wait around for your ideal job. Consider further study, work abroad (TEFL) or voluntary work to improve skills. Ask us for help if you get stuck! Other hints and tips at www.kent.ac.uk/careers/servicesforgraduates.htm

22. Vacancy Emails Form IMPORTANT INFORMATION FOR FINAL YEAR STUDENTS AND POSTGRADUATES WHO GRADUATE IN SUMMER. If you graduate in summer please complete our Vacancy Email Form http://www.kent.ac.uk/careers/contact.html if you haven't already done so. This will then ENTITLE YOU TO GET CAREERS HELP FOR UP TO THREE YEARS AFTER YOU LEAVE KENT including weekly vacancy emails, use of the information room, and consultations with careers advisers.