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Interview Techniques - University of Exeter · 2014-06-23 · Jenny Clark Careers Consultant...
Transcript of Interview Techniques - University of Exeter · 2014-06-23 · Jenny Clark Careers Consultant...
Jenny Clark
Careers Consultant
Tel:01326 253735
Email: [email protected]
Interview Techniques
Preparing to Graduate
www.exeter.ac.uk/careers
• The structure and content of a typical interview
• How to prepare for interviews
• Thoughts on how to perform well in an interview
What You Will Learn Today
www.exeter.ac.uk/careers
For the employer: • To see if you match the profile for the job For the candidate: • To sell yourself • To see if you like the job/organisation
Purpose of an interview
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• One to One
• Panel Interview
• Telephone Interview http://www.exeter.ac.uk/careers/exeter/resources/videos/interviews/
• Skype Interview
What is an Interview?
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Information based
Competency based
Strength Based Interviews http://www.exeter.ac.uk/media/universityofexeter/careersandemployability/pdfs/resources/StrengthsbasedInterviewingHandout.pdf
Unstructured Interviews
Technical Interviews
Types of interview
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• Introduction
• Settling in questions
• Main body of interview • Your questions
Structure of an interview
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Information seeking questions –
• Why do you want this job?
• What do you have to offer?
• Why do you want to work for us?
Question types
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Are you a good listener?
What energises you?
How do you handle working with someone you do not like?
Do you prefer detail or the bigger picture?
What makes you less likely to succeed?
What gets done on your “to do” list – what never gets done?
Strength Based Questions
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• Team building
• Problem solving
• Taking the initiative
• Planning/organisation
• Communication
• Commercial awareness
Typical competencies
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An employer will look for evidence of these competencies
Use examples from:
• Your studies
• Your fieldwork
• Extra curricular activities
• Employment
• Voluntary work
• Gap year
Evidence?
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Competence or behavioural questions
• I would like you to tell me about a time when
you have had to work to strict deadlines
• I would like you to tell me about a time when
you have had to communicate a complex
subject to an audience
Types of Interview Questions
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• Describe a time when you have worked in a
team on a challenging project, activity or
event.
Remember the STAR technique
Example of Competency Based Questions
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SITUATION: “I was part of the organising committee
for the departmental summer ball ”
TASK: “To produce marketing materials to publicise
the event….”
ACTION: “ I produced a marketing plan, allocated
roles in the team …..”
RESULT – “The material was instantly recognised by
students and numbers at the event were up by 50% on
last year….”
Structure your answers –
Remember the STAR format
www.exeter.ac.uk/careers
For more information about interviews
Watch excellent KMPG video and others http://www.exeter.ac.uk/careers/exeter/resources/videos/interviews/#d.en.170013
www.exeter.ac.uk/careers
Curve ball questions Hypothetical questions
Who did you most admire and why?
Give me five uses for the colour red
How would your best friends describe you?
When have you failed at something?
What is your biggest weakness?
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• Training • Promotion? • Development of the job • The future of organisation Avoid • Questions answered in the literature • Questions about conditions of service/pay
Your questions
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• Research the company / organisation
• Find out about the interview format
• Re-read through your application remind yourself of messages conveyed.
• Knowledge about the job itself – www.prospects.ac.uk . What will be your day to day activities/ refer to job description
• Current affairs / Commercial awareness
• Prepare your own questions
Preparation for the Interview
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Most people are nervous – nerves help you perform well !
Make sure you know where to go for the interview
Take copy of interview letter with name, copy of your CV / application form
notes or Key points
Number to call in case you are running late
Take a bottle of water, notepad, documents etc.
Help the interviewer – expand answers
Smile!
More Prep!
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• Firm handshake
• Open body language
• Smile
• Eye contact – with everyone
• Sense of humour- but be careful
• Relaxed and professional manner
Body Language – ‘dos’
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http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=b56eAUCTLok
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Further information Careers Zone website some more information and videos
http://www.exeter.ac.uk/careers/jobapplications/interviews/
Prospects - www.prospects.ac.uk
Target jobs directory / online employer insights
http://targetjobs.co.uk/careers-advice/interview-techniques
• Careers Zone – reference books
• 1:1 appointments (Not mock) campus employers
• Interview experience – Exeter Award
• Don’t forget you can remain in touch with careers after graduating
www.exeter.ac.uk/careers
Come and visit us in Career Zone in the Exchange to
discuss interview techniques further
The Career Zone
www.exeter.ac.uk/careers
The Compass Phone: (01392 724493) Email: [email protected] Web: http://www.exeter.ac.uk/careers/ Opening hours: Term time: 9.00am-5.00pm (Monday - Friday) Vacations: 9.00am-5.00pm (Monday-Friday)
www.exeter.ac.uk/careers
Good Luck !