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Succeed at Interviews: CDC Lunchtime Sessions 2016
The document is a guide for succeeding in job interviews, focusing on preparation strategies, employer expectations, and effective interview techniques. It emphasizes the importance of researching self, the job, and the organization, as well as practicing answers to common interview questions. Key points include the STAR model for competency questions, appropriate interview behavior, and tips for showcasing enthusiasm and knowledge during the interview process.
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Succeed at Interviews: CDC Lunchtime Sessions 2016
- 1. Career Development CentreLunchtime Sessions 2016: Succeed at Interviews John McMenamin Careers Consultant Career Development Centre
- 2. Objectives 1. To explainhow interviews are conducted 2. To explore employers’ expectations 3. To be prepared for the kinds of questions you are likely to be asked 4. To be aware of what to do and what not to do at interview
- 3. Workshop Content 1. Whatyou need to do before an interview 2. What is a job interview? 3. What are employers looking for? 4. Interview behaviour 5. Interview questions 6. Interview tips
- 4. Three things youneed to do before an interview 1. Preparation 2. Preparation 3. Preparation
- 5. 1. Preparation 1. RESEARCHyourself 2. RESEARCH the job 3. RESEARCH the organisation 4. RESEARCH the sector
- 6. 2. Preparation Knowledge aboutyourself – Re-read your application – Strengths and weaknesses – Why you want the job? Knowledge about the job itself – What skills do you need? – How can you demonstrate these skills with examples from University, work, outside interests? Knowledge about the organisation & sector – Why do you want to work for that organisation? – What’s happening in the sector right now?
- 7. 3. Preparation – Whatwill the interview format be? – How will you get there? – Rehearse your answers (We can help you with this!) – Questions for the interviewer – shows interest and enthusiasm for the role + tells you more about the job – take a notepad with you – jot down questions as they occur to you
- 8. What is ajob interview?
- 9. Typical Interview Format –Introduction phase – The formal interview – Information about the organization – Summing up / questions about the job
- 10. Every job interviewis a ‘marketing’ exercise, so… – Be clear about what you want to communicate – Support what you say with evidence (more on this later)
- 11. What are lookingfor?
- 12. Employers: Three Questions –Can you do the job? Do you have the knowledge and skills? – Do you want to do the job? Do you have the motivation? – Will you fit in? Do you have relevant values and personal qualities?
- 13. Employers’ Wish List –Communication skills – Interpersonal skills – Customer service – Teamwork – Commercial awareness – Problem-solving skills – Enthusiasm – Motivation – Initiative – Leadership – Commitment – Organisational Skills – Others…..
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- 15. The Interview- FirstImpressions Dress – Appropriate business dress clean shoes! What to take – Certificates if needed, copies of CV/application Arrive on time – Plan the route – Leave extra journey time for problems Meeting the interviewers – Relax, but remember you are being observed Body language – Handshake, eye contact
- 17. Behavioural Characteristics – Remaincalm – Remember your body language – Tone of voice – Be yourself – First impressions count – Communication styles
- 18. Body Language Inhibited Sayinglittle Speaking very softly Meek tone of voice Allows interruptions Sitting lower than others Downcast eyes Hand wringing Assertive Smiling Eye contact Balanced posture Being on the same level Relaxed tone of voice Proximity Open gestures Aggressive Forceful gestures Harsh tone of voice Ignoring responses Speaking too much Standing over others Staring Interrupting
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- 20. 30 Second Advert ‘Tellme about yourself’ – Name/current status – Achievements – What you value/enjoy – Your interpersonal skills
- 21. Types of Questions 1.Motivational Questions 2. Technical Questions 3. Competency Questions
- 22. Motivational Questions Designed totest your motivation for the job and the organisation – Why do you want to work here? – How much do you know about our organisation? – Where do you see yourself in 5/10 years time?
- 23. Technical Questions – Theserelate to your ability to use the technology you have learnt from your course/work experience – “What systems and software are you competent in?” – “What do you know about working in a photographic laboratory?” – “What experience do you have of using the following… ?”
- 24. Competency Questions – Questionsbased on the general competencies all employers expect from graduates (team skills, communication, problem solving etc..) – eg “Can you tell us about a time when you...worked in a team/dealt with a difficult customer/met a deadline?” – Remember that the key is providing evidence based responses based on the STAR formula (Situation, Task, Action, Result)
- 25. Answering competency questions Tryusing the STAR model: – S – situation briefly outline where you were, what was your job? - T – task explain the task you encountered, what had to be done? – A – action what specific actions did you take to overcome the difficulty? – R – results what were the results and what did you learn?
- 26. Example of aSTAR response Describe a time when you have used an innovative approach to solving a problem: Situation Task Action Result When I was assistant manager of an IT training workshop at a college in Brighton, we had a student who couldn’t raise her hand to ask questions due to arthritis in her shoulders. She would get very frustrated when she had a problem and even more frustrated when she couldn’t get the attention of one of my staff to get the problem fixed. I went out and bought a set of decorative lights that attach to the sides of computer monitors which could be switched on and off by a button next to the keyboard. I informed her and my staff that if she had a problem, she should switch the light on and then my staff would be able to see that she had a problem and could deal with it accordingly. She was very satisfied with the solution and found the learning experience much easier and more rewarding.
- 27. Asking questions yourself –Demonstrates an interest in the job and the employer. No questions = no interest. – Prepare several questions to ask at the end – If all of your questions have been asked, say “I did have several questions but you have actually answered them all for me already” – show them the questions too!
- 28. Questions to askyour interviewer(s) – Why has the position become available? – What are the main objectives and responsibilities of the position? – How does the company expect these objectives to be met? – What are the measures used to judge how successful I am in the role? – What obstacles are commonly encountered in reaching these objectives? – What is the desired time frame for reaching the objectives? – What can I expect from you in terms of development and support? – What aspirations do you have for me at the company? – Where will the job fit into the team structure? – What is the main thing the organisation expects from its employees? – How do you build good relationships within teams? – What is the turnover of staff like throughout the company? – Are there any plans for expansion? – How would you describe the company culture and management style?
- 29. Interview Checklist – Switchmobile off – Look prepared – Be prepared – Eye contact – Answer questions using STAR model – Be prepared to ask questions yourself – Take a copy of your application (CV or application form)
- 30. 10 Tips fora good interview 1. Assume the interview starts the moment you enter the building 2. Listen to the question and answer it, ask for clarification if unsure what they are asking 3. Engage all interviewers in eye contact 4. Always back up everything you are saying with examples from your experience 5. Avoid taking notes in with you and certainly never read from them if you do
- 31. 10 Tips fora good interview 6. Always have questions ready for the end 7. Know what you’ve said in your application and be prepared to discuss the details 8. If they don’t tell you, ask when you will hear about the outcome of the interview 9. Thank the interviewer(s) by name 10. Smile!
- 32. Interview No-nos – Lackof knowledge of company – Lack of knowledge of field/industry – Lack of enthusiasm – Late to interview – Over-confident / casual – Discussing salary expectations / administrative questions – Talking too much / not listening – Fidgeting – Lack of confidence – Sweaty palms syndrome – Being negative about anything
- 33. Preparation is thekey to success! – Find out the selection criteria – Know what you are offering – Identify likely question areas – Research some (original) things about the organisation – Rehearse responses to potential questions – Practice and get feedback
- 34. Interview - butno job offer? – Did I prepare thoroughly? – Did I get feedback on my performance? – Am I right for the job/organisation? – Do I need advice?
- 35. Contact Career DevelopmentCentre www.westminster.ac.uk/careers engage.westminster.ac.uk T: 020 7911 5184 E: careers@westminster.ac.uk First floor, 101 New Cavendish Street (next to Cav St campus) Also at Harrow – Maria Hewlett building
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