This document provides tips and techniques for preparing for and excelling at job interviews. It discusses researching the company and role, preparing answers to common interview questions using the STAR method, managing nerves and overcoming confidence issues. Competency-based interviews are explained, with examples of competency questions and how to structure responses. Employers seek qualities like initiative, teamwork and flexibility. Proper preparation including researching the company, practicing answers, and presenting the right image are emphasized to help you get hired.

1. You’re Hired!

2. You’re Hired! Practical Tips And Techniques for The Confident Interview Thursday 10 th June - Biall Brighton 2010

3. Me

4. Introduction Interview preparation Image and non verbal communication Understanding what employers are looking for Overview of interview styles Competency based interviews Handling difficult questions Overcoming confidence issues How to manage nerves and stress

5. You

6. Preparation Take the time and trouble to prepare for the interview Prepare your background research: – look at the company website Corporate history and press releases Download reports and reviews Video presentations and reports Request corporate literature Phone the company for information Search for relevant articles, Google, newspapers etc Research their competitors Write down and remember 5 key aspects of the company Research the interview panel

7. Preparation Take the time and trouble to prepare for the interview Study your: CV, the job description and person specification Think about the questions you are likely to be asked Predict some of the challenging interview questions Prepare your own responses Think about some questions you would like to ask

8. Preparation Why are you interested in working for our organisation? What do you know about us? Why are you interested in this role? What can you bring to the role? Why are you looking to pursue a career in this industry?

9. Preparation Why are you looking to move on/did you leave your last role? Where do you see yourself in five years time? What is your greatest weakness?

10. Preparation Your achievements Take a few sheets of paper and write down all the positive aspects of your career so far Start anywhere and write anything that comes into your head Highlight 5 key achievements, 5 key challenges, 5 aspirations

11. Mind Mapping Used to generate, visualize, structure and classify ideas Used by educators, engineers, psychologists amongst others Can be used as an aid to problem solving, decision making and writing Encourage a brainstorming approach to planning and organising The laws of mind mapping were originally devised by Tony Buzon Usually drawn freehand as well as a number of software packages available

12. Mind Mapping Large piece of paper in landscape orientation Start in the centre with a central image or keyword = representing a goal or idea Branch off with other keywords using different colours to highlight different branches Let the map create it’s own shape Use lines to connect out Branch out with a second train of thought Continue in this style with a 3 rd or 4 th level

13. Your Image

14. Your Image Create the correct impact and image Dress for where you want to be not where you currently are First impressions do count Gentleman – business suit and shirt and tie Ladies business suit or smart trousers/skirt and blouse/top Try on your outfit before the interview Supports your image as a business person Look like somebody who takes the interview process seriously

15. Final Preparation The evening before the interview ... The day of the interview ... Travelling to and arriving at the interview ... During the interview ... Concluding the interview ...

16. What Are Employers Looking For? Horns or Halo Effect

17. What Are Employers Looking For? Initiative Team work Organisation Deadlines Prioritising Dealing with people Flexibility Technical ability Commitment

18. Interview Styles Screening On-site One-on-one Panel interviews Competency based

19. Competency Interview Based on the principle that previous behaviour is the best indicator of how people will behave in the future. Can be split into key competency areas e.g. Communication – verbal, listening, written Managerial – conflict management, creativity, delegation Interpersonal – team work, decision making, adaptability

20. Competency Interview Take time to structure your responses to competency questions: The STAR format – an effective way of organising your thoughts S ituation – describe a situation or problem you have encountered T ask – outline the task that was required to resolve the issue or problem A ction- describe the action you took to overcome the issue or problem R esult – highlight the outcomes achieved

21. Competency Questions Tell us about a time when you had to deal with a conflict in your team or as part of your role? Describe a situation in which you were a member of a team. What did you do to positively contribute to it? Tell us about the biggest change that you have had to deal with. How did you manage it? Describe a situation when you had to win someone over, who was reluctant or unresponsive.

22. Tackling Difficult Questions Tell me about yourself? What are your future plans? I think you are overqualified for this role – don’t you? You’ve been out of work for some time – why is that? Why did you leave a particular role?

23. Overcoming Confidence Issues Appearance Ability and Performance Positive Self Affirmations Visualization Take Action and Ownership Stress Management

24. Moving Forwards

25. Relax

26. Resources You’re Hired! Interview Tips and Techniques For A Brilliant Interview – Judi James The Interview Book – James Innes Self-Confidence – Paul McGee Super Coach – Michael Neill Influence the Psychology of Persuasion – Robert B Cialdini www.maximisepotential.co.uk

27. Weekes Gray Keri Gray 39 Frog Lane Wigan WN6 7DS 01942 235 123 [email_address] www.weekesgray.com www.w