The psychological guidance on getting ready for a job interview

The psychological guidance on getting ready for a job interview Presented by: Irene Antoniou (BSc, MSc Psychology, MSc Management in Organisations, PhD candidate) University of Cyprus November, 2013

Interview • Interview is a certain stage of the selection process.

Preparing yourself Action plan (prior to the interview) • Stage 1: a few days in advance • Stage 2: one day in advance • Stage 3: fifteen minutes in advance

Preparing yourself: stage 1 The 3 ‘D’ rule: • Data • Documentation • Dressing code

Data Make research about the company (web-site) (its history, main clients, products/services, competitors) !! Skills required Make search about the person you will meet (if applicable)(position, name, surname) Make search of the place you go (address, telephone number, and how to get there) Anticipate a possibility of a traffic jam or parking problems

Documentation • Be familiar with your CV, make a copy and take it with you • Any supportive evidence (certificates, awards) Additionally: A notebook, a USB memory stick, handouts for the panel interview (if required) Make a list of the possible interviewer's questions (identify your strengths) Practice!

Dressing code Be dressed: • Professionally • Comfortably Be sure of: • Neat hairstyle • Polished shoes • Moderate high heels • Limited jewelry • Light make-up, perfume • Manicured nails

Preparing yourself: stage 2 Reducing the level of stress • Get organised: • Prepare all your belongings in advance • Have a proper sleep (get an early night) • Have a proper meal

Preparing yourself: stage 3 Final Check: • Physical appearance • Your mobile phone is put into silent mode BE YOURSELF

Usual structure of the interview • Introduction (‘ice-breaking’) • Body (specific information request) • Closing stage (show your interest in the job, be sure that you know what the next step will be)

"7%-38%-55% rule" “Total Liking = 7% Verbal Liking + 38% Vocal Liking + 55% Facial Liking” (A. Mehrabian)

Etiquette Do’s Use appropriate language Listen carefully Answer questions directly Ask for clarification Be confident • A firm handshake • Make eye contact • Wait for the interviewer to offer a chair • Sit straight • Keep eye contact Source: Cooperative extension, University of California, vol 1, no. 3, 2000

Source: www.educorporatebridge.com Don’ts • Tapping feet • Lack of eye contact • Leaning back • Indecisive phrases

Following the interview Thank you letter: • Thank the interviewer for the time spent • Express interest in the job • Briefly highlight your qualifications • Indicate that you look forward to hearing from them soon • In case if they asked you to send additional documents, do so Proofread your follow up letter

Check list • Collect information about the company • Analyse the job description Choose an appropriate interview outfit • Think of what to take with you • Plan your way to get there • Tactics of stress management • Interview manners / non-verbal communication • Thank you letter within 24 hours

The psychological guidance on getting ready for a job interview