Interviewing Skills & Self Preparation during Interview Session Course Outline To help Participants learn Interviewing Skills with the right tips, techniques and advice on job interview preparation and polishing up techniques with strategies to enhance interview skills to overcome: the nerve-wracking anxiety of feeling uncomfortable ‘selling yourself’or fielding unexpected questions and to…. become confident at sharing your value with potential employers, presenting yourself effectively at interviews, and getting the job you want.

1. To help Participants learn Interviewing Skills with the right
tips, techniques and advice on job interview preparation and
polishing up techniques with strategies to enhance interview
skills to overcome:
Course Outline
the nerve-wracking
anxiety of feeling
uncomfortable ‘selling
yourself’or fielding
unexpected questions
and to….
:
become confident at sharing
your value with potential
employers, presenting yourself
effectively at interviews, and
getting the job you want.

2. Self Preparation during Interview
Session
Advice on job interview preparation,
polishing your technique and calming
your nerves… on
 What to expect
 Before the interview
 What to take
 How to make a good impression
 Tips for controlling your nerves
 Practice job interviews
 Phone & Video interviews
 Second interviews
Course Content
10 strategies to enhance your
interview skills
1. Practice Good Non verbal
Communication
2. Dress for the Job or Company
3. Listen
4. Don't Talk Too Much
5. Don't Be Too Familiar
6. Use Appropriate Language
7. Use Appropriate Language
8. Take Care to Answer the Questions
9. Ask Questions
10.Don't Appear Desperate
Interviewing Skills & Self Preparation
during Interview Session
Workshop on Interview
Questions asked in an Interview

3. Introduction
An interview gives a prospective employer the opportunity to
speak with you and consider your appropriateness for the job
in question.
Since most resume or job
application has met the prerequisite
for the desired job applied for, the
interview will usually focus on those
intangibles (such as your
personality and style) that will help
the employer decide whether or not
you will fit into the company culture

4. However, interviewing is a skill you can learn.
With the right tips and
techniques, you can become a
master at sharing your value
with potential employers,
presenting yourself effectively
at interviews, and getting the
job you want.

5. Even the smartest and most qualified job seekers need
to prepare for job interviews.
10 strategies to enhance your interview skills
Why, you ask?
Interviewing is a
learned skill, and
there are no second
chances to make a
great first
impression.

6.  That first non verbal
impression can be a
great beginning or quick
ending to your
interview.
1.Practice Good Non verbal Communication
10 strategies to enhance your interview skills
It's about demonstrating confidence: standing straight,
making eye contact and connecting with a
firm handshake.

7.  Know what to wear to an
interview and to be well-
groomed. Whether
you wear a suit or
something less formal
depends on the company
culture and the position you
are seeking.
10 strategies to enhance your interview skills
Today's casual dress codes do not give you permission to
dress as "they" do when you interview.
If possible, call to find out about the company dress code
before the interview.

8. If you are not hearing it,
you are missing a major
opportunity. Good
communication skills
include listening and
letting the person know
you heard what was said.
Observe your interviewer,
and match that style and
pace.
10 strategies to enhance your interview skills
From the very beginning of the interview, your
interviewer is giving you information, either directly or
indirectly.

9.  You may sometimes talking
yourself right out of the job.
Prepare for the interview by
reading through the job posting,
matching your skills with the
position's requirements and
relating only that information.
10 strategies to enhance your interview skills
Telling the interviewer more than he needs to know could
be a fatal mistake when you have not prepared ahead of
time

10.  Your level of familiarity should
mimic the interviewer's
demeanor. It is important to
bring energy and enthusiasm to
the interview and to ask
questions, but do not overstep
your place as a candidate
looking for a job.
10 strategies to enhance your interview skills
The interview is a professional meeting to talk business. This
is not about making a new friend.

11. Be aware of any
inappropriate slang
words or references to
age, race, religion,
politics or sexual
orientation-
10 strategies to enhance your interview skills
It's a given that you should use professional
language during the interview.
- these topics could send you out the door very quickly.

12. Attitude plays a key role in your interview success. There
is a fine balance between confidence, professionalism
and modesty.
10 strategies to enhance your interview skills
Even if you're putting on a
performance to
demonstrate your ability,
overconfidence is as bad,
if not worse, as being too
reserved.

13. If you fail to relate a
specific example, you
not only don't answer
the question, but you
also miss an opportunity
to prove your ability and
talk about your skills.
10 strategies to enhance your interview skills
When interviewers ask for an example of a time when you
did something, they are asking behavioral interview
questions, which are designed to elicit a sample of your
past behavior.

14. Asking questions also gives you
the opportunity to find out if this
is the right place for you. The
best questions come from
listening to what you're asked
during the interview and asking
for additional information.
10 strategies to enhance your interview skills
When asked if you have any questions, most candidates answer,
"No." Wrong answer. Part of knowing how to interview is being
ready to ask questions that demonstrate an interest in what goes
on in the company.

15. Reflect the three Cs during the
interview: cool, calm and
confidence.
You know you can do the job;
make sure the interviewer
believes you can, too.
10 strategies to enhance your interview skills
When you interview with the "please, please hire me"
approach, you appear desperate and less confident.

16. Tough Interview
Questions with
Smart answers
Smart Answers

17. What to take
Before the interview
 How to make a good
impression
 Tips for controlling your
nerves
Practice job interviews
 Phone & Video interviews
 Second interviews

18. Your interview invitation should detail everything
that you need, but generally you should take:
 your CV, letter of application
and interview invitation;
 a bottle of water;
your mobile phone.
 an A-Z street map, or the postcode of the organization so
that you can search Google Maps on your mobile phone;

19.  exam certificates, examples of
your work, and any further
evidence of your past successes;
 money;
 pen and notepad;
 photo ID (e.g. passport or
driving licence);
 details of the person that you must ask for upon arrival;
 the job description and job specification of the post you
are applying for

20.  anticipate potential
questions and prepare
answers accordingly;
 consider how you'll
explain problematic
aspects of your CV, such
as leaving an employer;
Interviews require much research and planning. Generally,
you should do the following when preparing for interview.

21.  contact your references,
alerting them that you'll be
interviewing and that they
may receive a call;
 fully understand the role that
you're applying for by
revisiting the job description,
identifying what skills,
interests and experiences the
employer is looking for;

22.  prepare questions to ask the
interviewer;
 read the organization's
website, social media profiles
and key literature (e.g.
business plan, financial
reports and corporate social
responsibility strategy), so
that you are prepared to
share your views and ideas;

23.  research the news, trends,
competitors, history and
opportunities of the
organization and its job
sector;
 review your CV and
application form.

24.  Choose your outfit the
night before, getting plenty
of sleep and avoiding
excessive alcohol
consumption. Plan your
journey, aiming to arrive
ten minutes early.
Completing a 'dry run', if possible, also combats nerves.
On the day, eat a good, healthy breakfast and avoid too
much meat.

25.  avoid talking about any
personal problems;
 be as enthusiastic as
possible;
Generally, you should answer questions clearly and
concisely; ask relevant, thought-provoking questions at
appropriate moments, as this can show that you're genuinely
interested in the role and really listening to the interviewer;

26.  be well-mannered with
any staff that you meet
before the interview;
 display positive body
language, speaking
clearly, smiling
frequently and retaining
eye-contact;
 don't badmouth any
previous employers;

27.  give a firm handshake to
your interviewer(s) before
and after;
 highlight your best attributes,
experiences and
achievements, based around
the skills that you've
identified as important to the
organization, and evidencing
them with practical
examples;

28.  inform your interviewer(s)
that you're available to
answer any follow-up
questions;
 let your personality shine;
 relax and sit naturally, but
without slouching in your
chair or leaning on the
desk;

29.  show your hands, as
this is a sign of honesty;
 wear smart business
attire with comfortable,
polished shoes.

30. Nerves can make you forget to do things as simple as listen.
This can result in you being thought of as unfriendly or
inattentive. Some ideas for combating nerves include:
 being aware of the interview's
structure, and the fact that they
often begin with easier
questions such as 'tell us about
your time at university';
 exercising before your
interview, as this burns off
negative energy and creates
feelings of wellbeing;

31.  pausing before answering a
difficult question to give
yourself thinking time, or
asking for clarification if, at
first, you're unsure what the
question means;
 putting everything into perspective, reminding
yourself that the worst thing that can happen is you
not getting the job;

32.  taking a toilet break
before the interview;
 taking deep breaths and
not speaking too
quickly;
 taking notes with you, writing down cues to
highlight examples that you want to draw
upon;

33.  thinking about positive
and happy experiences
before the interview
starts, and visualizing
yourself in complete
control during the
interview.

34.  ask for advice and feedback
after unsuccessful
interviews;
 practice and monitor your
skills by treating interview-
like scenarios such as
discussions with your tutor
as genuine interviews;
Your university careers and employability service is likely
to provide practice job interview sessions. Alternatively,
you could:

35.  record yourself in a mock
interview, playing it back to
check how you did;
 review the different types of
possible questions, writing
down your responses,
taking notes and creating
flash cards;
 script and practice answers to anticipated questions
with someone that you trust.

36. In this modern world of technology, it’s is common to find a
QR code, new app for the tablet/phone, or some other
incorporation of technology. Human Resource professionals
are now modernizing their practices too in searching for the
best recruits.
Numerous HR recruiting
officers are now using social
media or other online
resources to attract 21st
Century literacy candidates to
their company. This rings true
for interviews as well.

37. It is not uncommon these days to hear about someone
having a Skype (video) or phone interview rather than the
traditional face-to-face interview. When thinking about
being the interviewing via video or phone interview, would
preparation differ? Would there be a high level of comfort?
Many people answer no.
This mode of interviewing is
somewhat new and there is
important etiquette associated
with a successful interview to
set yourself apart from the
competition.

38. Between phone and video interviews there are some
different approaches to having a successful meeting with a
potential employer..
Separated below are tips
to consider when
preparing for and
participating in a video or
phone interview

39. Telephone Interview
- Initial employer call that eliminates candidates based on
essential criteria. Successful applicants are usually invited
to the one-to-one stage.
These are usually used for cost-
efficient preliminary screening
before the first one-to-one
interview. They're often
recorded and vary in length, but
average around 20-30 minutes.
You should prepare for a phone interview just as you
would for a regular interview and generally should:

40.  direct the interviewer to your
web portfolio or LinkedIn
profile if possible, to
demonstrate your work in
practice;
 find a quiet place for the
interview where you'll be
undisturbed;
 fully charge your mobile before the interview, and turn
call waiting off;

41.  get your main messages
across quickly, by writing
down your key attributes and
having these at hand during
the call;
 have a glass of water available;
 have a pen and notepad within reach;
 have internet access;
 keep your CV, application and job description in
clear view;

42.  Do not smoke, chew gum or
eat;
 Do not interrupt the
interviewer;
 take time to collect your
thoughts, and give relatively
short answers.
 smile, as this projects a positive image and changes
your tone of voice;
 speak slowly and clearly;

43. The ever elusive video interview is very new. The entirety
of the interview is conducted via Skype or some other
form of video connection.
One thing to keep in mind is
that this is still a real
interview.
There is a lot at hand and can
be concerning. Hopefully
these few steps can help put
you in the spotlight.

44. Video interviews are increasingly common, especially if
you're applying for overseas jobs.
 Finally, ensure that your
body language is positive;
look directly into the camera
and make eye contact, as
this'll make you appear calm
and confident.

45. Appearance
- As mentioned before, this is a real interview! Dress as
professional as you would for a face to face interview.
The typical rule of thumb is to
dress nicer than you would
daily for the position.
In example, if it is a labor
position, dress in business
casual.
If it is for an office position, be
on the safe side and dress
formal (suit).

46. Preparation-
Still identify the various parts of successful preparation
like you would for any interview.
Don’t have your
notes within camera
view!

47. Appear Location-
This is one of the most important steps in the video interview.
The backdrop of the interview reflects the applicant.
responses.
Do not sit on the couch and
throw the laptop up on your
lap for the interview.
It is best to be seated at a nice
table with little in the
background.
A cluttered camera view would be disturbing to the interviewer
and take away attention of what is really important, your

48. This will show the employer
the meaningfulness of
receiving the position as well
as an ability to be easily
approached with various job
responsibilities and projects.
Sincerity-
With a video interview there is a lot more ability to display
personality traits. Make sure to keep responses sincere.

49. Again, Relax-
Interviews are all about the applicant. Through a video
interview the applicant can be very defined and unique
through their appearance, location, and preparedness.
Distinguishing personal
traits should not only
impress the employer,
but also support a calm
and relaxed interview.

50. A second interview means that you've made it through
the initial screening and the interviewer is now looking
for evidence of:
 your fit in the role,
existing team and
organization;
 what separates you from
other candidates; and what
you can do for them.

51. Generally, you should:
 ask the company for any feedback beforehand,
reviewing your performance from the first interview.
 Note down and
address any questions
or situations that
caused you difficulty;

52.  find out what the
agenda will be and
whom you'll
interview with;
 find out as much as possible about the organization's
challenges, priorities, markets and competitors,
researching the company in even more detail than for
the first interview;

53.  find ways to demonstrate enthusiasm for the
organization's goals;
 give answers that are
consistent with what
the recruiter has
previously heard;

54.  prepare examples of how your achievements can apply
to the organization;
 talk with industry
insiders and ensure that
you're up to date with
recent developments by
reviewing trade
publications.

56. Be

57. Principal Consultant for Lean Management.
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