Preparing for an Interview

1
Preparing for an Interview
2
Application Forms

• Practise on a copy
• Follow instructions
• Demonstrate how you meet the criteria
• Write clearly, spell correctly
• Stay relevant
• Use bullet points where possible
• Sign the form
• Ask someone to review

3
Preparing for an interview

• Research the employer/job
• Research the location
• Plan your time
• Plan your personal presentation
• Rehearse you responses
• Assemble any documentation necessary

4
PEOPLE THINGS DATA IDEAS
Skills Knowledge Experience
5
On the day

• Use your waiting time
• Walk in confidently - smile!
• Listen to introductions
• Arrive in good time
• Deal with nerves
• Coffee/water etc?

6
Personal Presentation

• Eye contact
• Firm handshake
• Controlled gesture
• Tidy legs and feet
• Look approving
• No fiddling
• Focus on the interviewers

7
Appropriate Verbal Behaviour

• Think before you speak
• Clear direct statements
• No verbal crutches
• Distinction between fact and opinion
• No self put-downs
• Know when to stop

8
Typical Questions

• Tell us about your career to date
• What can you bring to this post?
• Why do you want this?
• What are your main achievements?
• You lack experience in . . .
• What have you done to further your own personal
  development?

9
Typical Questions

• Questions on current issues in your field
• Opinion questions
• Strengths/weaknesses
• Any questions for us?
• Anything you would like to add?

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Criterion based questions

• Tell us about an event or a piece of work which
  demonstrates your planning skills
• Can you give us an example of how you have
  adapted to a significant change
• Describe a time when you experienced stress, and
  how you dealt with it

11
Examples of Behaviour

• What situation were you in? (Situation)
• What was expected of you? (Task)
• What did you do? (Action)
• What was the outcome? (Result)

12
After the Event

• Analyse your performance
• Note the unexpected
• Ask for feedback
• Dont despair