INTERVIEW TIPS

The interview is your second chance to show that you are best applicant. So …..
• Be well prepared
• Be confident but don’t exaggerate
• Make sure you know how to get to the location of the interview
• Make sure you know where to park
• Make sure you leave enough time for unforseen circumstances
• Who Interviews
• Panel normally, composition depending on the seniority of the job
• Maybe one-on-one
• Assessment Methods
• Questions
• Role Plays
• Tests or demonstrations
Why Should I care?
So you can be prepared!
There would be nothing more terrifying expecting a cosy chat and finding a cast of thousands waiting to ask you questions!
Why Interview?
The aim of the interview is to assess how well you meet the selection criteria. So …


• Read the selection criteria
• Ask yourself “What will the employer be looking for?” “What sort of questions will I be asked?”
• Think about how you can describe your skills and experience to meet the selection criteria
Being Prepared
• Write a list of all the issues to think you may be asked about
• Think of how you would answer a question on these topics
• If you don’t know the answer to one of these “questions”, now is the time to find it!
Being Even Better Prepared
• Practice answering questions
• Ask your partner, friend, colleague, dog, cat, the mirror to ask you the questions (mock interviews)
• Verbalise the answers you would give
• Seek feedback and practice again
The Opening Question
Be prepared to answer an opening question such as:
“Tell the panel why you think you should be appointed to this position.”
Know why you WANT the position!
At the Interview
• Every one will be nervous, even the selection panel members!
• Best way to overcome nerves, is to be well prepared (and take deep breaths!)
The Interview
• Duration - from 20 minutes to an hour
• Listen to the questions; ask for the question to be repeated if necessary
• Take your time to answer the questions
• Don’t talk too much
• Don’t say too little; Avoid “yes” and “no” answers
The Questions
• Normally, all members of the panel will ask questions
• Types of Questions
• the hypothetical
• specific about a task or experience (targeted selection)
• role play
• a mixture
Answering Questions
• Answer as fully as possible, elaborating from your experience (even closed questions)
• Answer hypothetical questions from your own experience
• If asked discriminatory questions (and you shouldn’t) answer but ask why it is relevant
• If you can’t answer a question, admit it
Pressure Questions
• Don’t panic if the panel disagrees with your answer or seems to be putting you under pressure. It may be deliberate!
• Try to demonstrate that you can handle the situation. Explain why you believe you are correct.
Sue’s Handy Hints
• Show some interest in the prospective employer during the interview by mentioning something about the organisation/job (read the annual report; visit beforehand; speak to existing staff)
• Draw on “life experiences” if you can’t think of a work example to demonstrate your skills and knowledge
• Demonstrate that you can acquire the knowledge/experience if you don’t have it now
Other Interview Tips
• Dress appropriately and comfortably
• Be on time
• Look at the interviewers; smile; be confident in yourself
• It is OK to take notes with you if that will help you; but you won’t normally be asked for copies of references, qualifications etc.
Other Interview Tips
• Volunteer information: sell yourself at every opportunity
• Admit your deficiencies if need be, but try to put them in a positive light
• Know your strong points and emphasise these
The Internal Interview
• Don’t assume everyone will know you; treat the interview as if you are an outsider
• Don’t feel disadvantaged; everyone is being assessed against the selection criteria
Do You ask Questions?
• Yes. You should be given an opportunity to ask questions
• This may be the opportunity to show that you have done some homework about the prospective employer

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