Transcript Slide 1
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 • 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? STAR APPROACH : Will help structure your answers SiTuation Describe the situation or the task that you had to accomplish. Give an example of a specific event or situation, of what you have done in the past. Give enough detail for the interviewer to understand. This situation can be from college, work experience or from your social life. Action you took Describe the action you took ……….keep the focus on you. Even if you are discussing a group project, describe what you did -- not the efforts of the team. Don't tell what you might do, tell what you did Results you achieved What happened? How did the event end? What did you accomplish? What did you learn? 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