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Crack Job Interviews

Contents

Preparation................................................... p.1The Interview............................................... p.1Structuring your Answers......................... p.3Feedback........................................................ p.4Disability........................................................ p.4Contact Us..................................................... p.4Useful Links................................................... p.5Telephone Interviews................................. p.6Video Interviews.......................................... p.7

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PREPARATION

• If you have been shortlisted for an interview, it is likely that the prospective employer feels you have the necessary skills, experience and/or qualifications to do the job. The hard part is demonstrating this at interview and ensuring that you perform better on the day than the other candidates. For this, preparation is before your interview is vital.

• Before your interview, make sure you re-read your application. This includes any supporting documents you may have included such as your CV and be sure to look over the details of the job before your interview. If the position has a Job Description / Person Specification, it is probable that the interview questions will be linked to these.

• Research the company by looking on their website and at their social media output.

• It is recommended to dress formally for an interview (even if the dress code in your industry tends to be informal).

• Ensure you arrive on time. Plan out your journey in advance so you are familiar with the route and make sure you have some water with you.

• In anticipation of the interview, think about why you want the job. Ensure you can articulate what attracts you to both the role and the company itself.Employers will expect that you have the following skills (even if they are not mentioned on the application):

• Before going for you interview, have a positive mind-set. It is normal to feel nervous, but reminding yourself of your achievements and skills will help to give confidence and reduce nerves.

• Generally speaking, employers will expect you to have the following skills (even if they are not mentioned in the vacancy):

time management, customer service, problem solving, creativity, adaptability, communication skills, leadership I.T skills, a self-motivated and professional approach to the role, and the ability to work well in a team It is useful to bear these skills in mind. Many of these skills may have been refined from your study at University, through work experience or from extra-curricular activities.

• Usually, employers, look for applicants who can demonstrate an understanding of both the job role and the company as a whole. You might want to think about: Who are their customers? What is their history? What main markets to do they work in? What are their opportunities/challenges? What are the core values/ethos of the organisation? e values / ethos of th

• Being polite and professional in the interview process is important. Assume that you are being interviewed from the moment you arrive. For example, if you are given some company literature to read while you are waiting to be interviewed, then it would be best to read it as opposed to being on your phone. Once in the building, make sure your phone is turned off. It is handy to wear a watch on the day of your interview.

• It may be that the person who greeted you when you entered the building (e.g. the receptionist) will be asked what impression they had of you. So with that in mind, imagine the interview starts as soon as you enter the building.

• Displaying effective body language can have a positive effect at interview. Ensuring good eye contact and a firm handshake when meeting the interviewer/s is very important.

• Maintaining eye-contact, smiling (and occasionally nodding) throughout the interview will help show you are engaged and that you want the job.

• Make sure you sit upright in the chair and try not to fidget too much with your hands or swing on your chair. If you naturally move your hands when you talk, that is fine.

THE INTERVIEW

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• A confident speaking voice can be achieved by not talking too quickly, and by making sure that you are speaking clearly and at an appropriate volume. When we are nervous we tend to rush, so it may

be worth trying to speak slightly slower than you usually would.

• During the interview, If you do not understand a question, it is fine to say, “Could you rephrase that please?” or if you did not hear what was asked, simply “Would you be able to repeat that please?”

• It is likely that you will be asked a few questions that you had not anticipated so you may have not have prepared anything to say. It may well be the interviewer is testing your ability to think on your feet. If you are unsure of what to say, it is advisable to pause before answering to allow yourself some time to think. You could even say something like “That’s a tricky one; I’m just going to give that some thought for a moment” before giving your answer. You can then give a concise response to the question

Likely questions ...

• The types of questions you will be asked and the length of interview can depend on the role, sector and style the interviewer adopts.

• It is essential that you listen to the question carefully and evidence your answers.

• Tell me about yourself. How would your friends describe you? Employers tend to ask these types of questions because they are interested in you as a person and want to see how you would fit in to their organisation.

• Give me an impression of what you have been doing in your most recent job role. If asked this question give a summary of your present/last job citing a couple of clear examples. It would also be beneficial pick out some skills/experiences that you have gained in that job that are relevant for the role you are being interviewed for.

• Tell me about a time you have delivered excellent customer service. What would you do if a customer complained to you about the service they received? A good approach to answering this would be to give a reply that covers listening to the customer, empathising and summarising the issue which will show to the customer you understand the situation. Explain what action you would take and why. Then articulate what the positive result was/would be.

• Communication skills are a vital part of this job. Give me an example of when you have shown outstanding communication skills. Throughout the interview, the interviewer will be able to see your communication skills; your ability to listen and respond to questions. Here, they will be looking for a specific example of when you have displayed strong communication skills.

• What are your strengths? Give an answer that shows your character and demonstrates skills/ strengths that will be needed in the position. Tell me about an achievement you are most proud of. Here, you can describe an achievement you are pleased with, but ensure you explain why you are proud of it.

• Describe a time you have either led or worked in a team successfully. They will be looking for evidence that you can work well with others and are a team player.

• What are your weaknesses? It is best to answer this by giving a weakness but choose one that isn’t a vital skill or quality that will be needed in the role. Pick a weakness that perhaps you had at the start of your career or in a previous job. Explain how you have overcome that weakness and what you learnt from it (this is what is meant by turning a weakness into a positive.)

• With all these questions, take your time and give a clear and easy to follow answer. It is fine to give more than one example or a lengthier answer to certain questions so long as what you are saying is relevant and coherent. Using facts and figures, and avoiding clichés and jargon will also help to give impressive interview answers.

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STRUCTURING YOUR ANSWERS• You cannot rely on your interviewer having read your application form/CV thoroughly so it is important that you describe and re-emphasise key experiences, skills and achievements in clear examples. When asked to give an example, it is helpful to use a structure in your answers, which can be achieved by following the mnemonic CARContextActionResultThis can be used both on application forms and at interview. If the interviewer starts a question with “Tell me about a time when…” or “Can you give me an example of..” using CAR is a really effective way to arrange your answer. These types of questions tend to be called ‘competency-based questions’, designed to test your skills and competencies and explore your experience. Here is an example of how to use CAR:

Q. Can you give me an example of when you have handled conflict at work?

A. I was working as a waiter in a busy restaurant and had been working there for about a year. A customer was very unhappy with one of the new members of staff, also a waiter, who had got their order wrong. The customer was with friends celebrating a special occasion. I recognised the customer and knew that they had dined at the restaurant before. I could see that the situation was escalating. I asked the new member of staff if they needed some help with this situation and they said they did. I apologised to the customer and spoke in a calm and clear manner, explaining how I would rectify the situation. I then went to the Head Chef to get the correct dishes made as soon as possible. I also offered the customer some free drinks. The result was that my actions diffused the situation and the customer was happy. At the end of my shift, I spoke to my manager and suggested that the new members of staff be supported by being given the same induction I was given. The manager agreed this was a good idea.

Try and use a variety of examples throughout your interview, as opposed to using the same one or two examples. Avoid using abbreviations or acronyms and try not to speak in long, unstructured sentences. Really focus on what you did, how and why you did it and what the outcome was.

• STAR is another mnemonic that can be used to structure answers. This stands for Situation, Task, Action, Result, and is a very similar process to CAR.

• Interviewers may clarify any areas of concern or question you about information not available on your initial application / CV.

• Employers will also be interested in you as a person – your strengths and qualities – as well as your experience and skills. For this, interviewers ask ‘strength-based questions’. They sound like: “How do you stay motivated?”, “What are your weaknesses?” The best approach to answering these questions is to give examples. These can come from extra- curricular activities or other aspects of your life. Try and give positive answers that give a genuine insight into the type of person you are. Typically, employers are looking to see your motivation, ability to reflect, capability in dealing with stress/failure and your commitment.

ADDITIONAL TIPS

• Be mindful that at interview, you may be asked to clarify an aspect of your application (e.g. a qualification) or ask you about information not included on your application form / CV.

• Most people find that they don’t have every single one of the skills or specific experience itemised in the application. Others feel that a certain part of their application is not particularly strong or find they are worried about the employer bringing something up that they are not all that confident in

• It is possible to overcome this by anticipating this and by turning apparent weaknesses into positives. Here’s an example of an IT position where experience of using a certain database is a desirable criteria. If asked about said database at interview, an answer might be: “It is true that I

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have not had direct experience of using this particular database. However, I feel a fair reflection of my I.T skills would be my sound knowledge of similar databases, my proficiency in Microsoft Office and my good understanding of various social media platforms. My degree course also requires me to use various IT programmes on a daily basis. (I would be very happy to undertake any training to become familiar with the database). ”

• Typically, you would steer away from asking questions about pay, annual leave entitlements or other employment terms during the interview, unless asked a question about it by the interviewer. These are things that can be ironed out in the event of you getting offered the job.

• It is good to ask at least one question at the end of the interview as it reinforces your interest in the role. It is also an opportunity to find out more about the role or company. You will usually be prompted to do so. Example questions to ask: What type of training opportunities do you offer? Are there opportunities for progression in the company?

• Try to avoid questions that put the employers on the spot like: What kind of person are you looking for in this role? What’s the plan for the company over the next 1, 3 and 5 years?

• It is normal to feel nervous before an interview but preparing answers in advance to expected questions ensures that you are not having to think on the spot for every answer.

• Clearly what you will be asked at interview will depend on the role and sector, but giving a variety of confident, clear and evidenced examples is the key.

• Practice the CAR technique so that you are able to structure your answers effectively.

FEEDBACK

• Hopefully if you prepare well and use the techniques and tips in this handbook, then you will be successful at interview. However, with competitive job markets, a really important aspect of being successful is getting feedback from the prospective employer in the event you aren’t offered the job.

• However, if you have had an interview and not been successful, it is likely that an employer will be able to provide you with some feedback. It may well be necessary for you to contact them to politely request some feedback.

• Reflecting on the feedback can help you to realise what went well and give you confidence. The feedback can also shine a light on aspects that you could work on.

• It may be that you disagree with the feedback given. You don’t have to take it all on-board, but thinking about what you can improve on will mean that you are better placed to be successful at future interviews.

DISABILITY

If you have a disability and would like to find out more information about disclosing this during the interview process, please do meet with one of our friendly and supportive Careers Consultants. Disclosing is an individual decision but, together, we can talk through how, when and why you might choose to disclose your disability to a prospective employer. See Contact Us section below.

CONTACT US

For more interview tips or to arrange a mock interview with a qualified and experienced Careers Consultant, email: careers@uwl.ac.uk or call us on 020 8231 2701. Alternatively, feel free to come to a Careers drop-in session: Mondays-Thursdays, 1-4pm at The Street, St Mary’s Road or at Paragon House (by appointment only, or email: careers@uwl.ac.uk

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USEFUL LINKS

https://www.prospects.ac.uk/careers-advice/interview-tipshttps://www.prospects.ac.uk/careers-advice/interview-tips/interview-questionshttps://nationalcareersservice.direct.gov.uk/get-a-job/top-10-interview-questions https://www.theguardian.com/careers/2017/may/15/how-to-avoid-the-most-common-job-interview-mistakehttps://targetjobs.co.uk/careers-advice/interview-questionshttps://www.prospects.ac.uk/careers-advice/interview-tips/strength-based-interviews

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TELEPHONE INTERVIEW AND VIDEO INTERVIEW TIPS

TELEPHONE INTERVIEWS

• Telephone interviews are sometimes used as part of an application process. This could be for a number of reasons: because the employer has many candidates and wishes to carry out an initial screening, because you are applying for a job that is based far away or perhaps the employer wants to gain some more information from you (before potentially inviting to you to the next stage of the process, for example a face-to-face interview).

• A telephone interview is a very effective way for an employer to evaluate a candidate’s telephone manner. This is particularly important if using the telephone or verbal communication are an essential requirement of the job itself. Telephone interviews can be time and cost effective for employers and can last around 25 minutes, but this time frame can vary.

• You may find that when an employer asks for a telephone interview, you arrange a specific time for this to take place.

• If so, make sure you are free to speak at the agreed time, choose a quiet place with a good phone signal where you will not be disturbed (a public place or somewhere where there is background noise is not ideal). Sitting at a chair/ at a desk may help you to feel like it is a professional call

• When answering the call, it is good to smile as you would do when meeting someone for the first time. Answer in a professional manner.

• If a specific time has not been set and you are not in a suitable, quiet place when you are called, then it is perfectly reasonable to explain to the employer that you would really like to speak but that, for example, you are currently on public transport and so not able to speak at the moment. Then suggest a time and day you will be available such as 3pm that day or 10 am the following morning.

• Before the call, make sure you have details of the job and your CV to hand. Have a pen and paper ready so that you can write down notes such as details about the next stage of the application. It is useful to make a reminder of the interviewer’s name, this will show you have listened and help to make the conversation personable

• You may wish to mention at the start of the call that you have good signal but that if for any reason the call gets cut off, could they kindly call straight back.

• Given this is a telephone interview, you will be able to refer to notes throughout, however, it might sound stilted if you read from them word for word. Preparing answers to questions you think you will asked is advisable as you can then refer to them.

• Research the company like you would for a face to face interview.

• Sound enthusiastic, they cannot see you but will be able to tell if you are distracted. Since the employer is not be able to see you nodding, you may wish to say once in a while, ‘OK’, ‘Yes’, ‘I understand’ etc.

• Given this is a telephone interview, you will be able to refer to notes you may have made in advance, however, it might sound unnatural if you read from them word for word.

• Research the company like you would for a face to face interview.

• Take your time when answering questions and speak clearly; ask the employer to repeat the question if you did not hear what they asked. Some people find that telephone interviews seem to go quite quickly so it is important you prepare well so that you get your skills, experience and qualifications across to the employer.

• Asking a question at the end of the telephone interview will show that you are interested in the position. Asking an additional question, e.g. about when the next stage will be is also sensible. As this will tell you when you are next likely to hear from them (this is the same for video interviews).

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VIDEO INTERVIEWS

• Various tools may be used for video interviews but popular ones are Skype/FaceTime.

• Video interviews enable employers to connect to candidates, no matter their location and can reduce the recruitment time.

• A video interview can be a live video call or one where you record something and upload it, meaning you are not actually speaking to anyone.

• If it is a live video call then considering the lighting is key. Background noise and technology challenges can occur (like with telephone interviews) so it useful to be mindful of that. Sometimes there can be a lag (delay) in video interviews because of the connection

• Treat the video interview like a real interview. This means you should dress appropriately (full smart outfit, not just the bit of you they can see) and try not to speak over the interviewer which can happen when there is a slight lag.

• Ensure the background (what the employer will see behind you) is not off-putting and is appropriate e.g. not a wall full of shelves and pictures, as this may be distracting. If you are having the interview in a location where there are other people, shut the door or make them aware you are having an interview so as not to disturb you.

• Prepare well, think about what examples you will give for the questions and how you will evidence them (this is the same for face to face and telephone interviews).

• Practice your connectivity in advance to ensure you have a strong connection for the video interview.

• Put your computer on a flat surface / ensure that whatever device you are using is not jolting up and down during the interview.

• Look at the camera as this is the equivalent of good eye contact in a face to face interview, do not read from notes or fiddle with papers, this would not be advisable.

• Ideally you would be talking in a normal speaking voice, however at the beginning, you could ask the employer whether they can hear you clearly. You would then know what kind of volume to speak at.

• You may see a picture of yourself on the screen so you might want to turn this off if you find it distracting or at the very least be aware it will be there.

• Other windows/websites should be closed to avoid distraction e.g. pop ups appearing or new emails coming through.

• Although it is a slightly unnatural situation, try and be yourself.

• The employer wants to get an impression of you as a person as well as your suitability to the role and your understanding of the company/industry.

The following links have useful information on telephone and video interview skills:

• https://www.prospects.ac.uk/careers-advice/interview-tips/tips-for-telephone-interviews• https://social.hays.com/2017/09/19/top-tips-telephone-interview/• http://blog.gradconsult.co.uk/janes-video-interview-tips• https://targetjobs.co.uk/careers-advice/interview-types/323749-expert-performance-tips-for-skype-and-

video-interviews• https://www.prospects.ac.uk/careers-advice/interview-tips/5-steps-to-a-successful-video-interview

University of West London Careers Service October 2018, Edmund Lewis