Interview Skills

Objectives

By the end of the session:

1. State the information you need to prepare for an interview

2. Research company information to take to your interview

3. Prepare to travel to your interview

4. List the key considerations when preparing for an interview

5. Describe and demonstrate key interview skills

6. Reflect on your performance

What Type of Interviews do you Know?

• Competency-based• Panel• Technical• Presentation• Face-to-face• Telephone• Group interviews

How do you Prepare?

• Research the company• Find out who the interviewer is, if possible• Research the role• Plan the route• Plan what you are going to wear• Re-read your CV• Practise most common questions• Have examples ready (competency-based)

Documents to Take to Interviews

• Passport or proof of residence• Birth certificate if requested• Copies of qualifications • Driving licence if relevant to role• National insurance details• References

What do you Wear for Interviews?

• First impressions count• Think about the chosen role• Formal/smart casual• Neutral colours• Not too many patterns• Cover up• Feel comfortable• Think about personal hygiene

Group Interviews - Tips• Politeness, allow each person to speak • Be friendly• Pay attention even when you are not speaking, you

will be expected to participate and show enthusiasm• Do not interrupt• Do not take over – you may want to show leadership

skills but you can do this in other ways • Show you are confident and willing to listen to other

points of view• Ask other people’s opinions – look out for quiet

people and try to bring them into the conversation

How do you Handle Interview Questions?

• Use positive language – avoid negative forms• Keep it short – 90 seconds maximum• Do not waffle• Use comfortable vocabulary• Ask to repeat if you need more time• Don’t be shy to clarify the question

Presentation Topics

• How would you prepare for a job interview?

• What key things should you do during an interview?

Interview Skills