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Module Code CC2E01NP: Employment Skills

Lecture for Week 7

2011-2012 Autumn

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What this session will cover• Interview Skills(and Psychometric Tests)

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Interview skills

By the end of this session, you will:

• Be aware of different types of interviews

• Know how to prepare for an interview

• Be aware of how to effectively present and promote

yourself in an interview

• Know how to use interview experience constructively

• Be aware of different types of psychometric tests you

might encounter and how to gain practice in them.

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Types of interview• Telephone

• One to one

• Panel

• Might include a practical test

• Ask about the selection process beforehand

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Telephone interviews• Screening interview prior to face to face interview

• Length of time may vary –from 10 minutes to 1 hour

• Plan for it –no distractions; get comfortable; be aware of

your voice, tone and pace.

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One to one interviews• May be a ‘sifting’ exercise to see if you progress to the

next stage

• Likely to explore your CV or application form -be

prepared for detailed questions

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Panel interviews• Common for graduate entry level jobs and in the public

and not-for-profit sectors

• Perhaps 3 or more people

• All will ask questions

• They may have different areas of interest

• May be part of an “assessment centre” day

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Before the interview

Preparation –the organisation

• Research the company/organisation –do you know what

they do?; what do they say about themselves?

• Current developments/news items/trends e.g. new

contracts, takeover bids, financial and industry awards,

government initiatives, economic pressures

• Demonstrate knowledge of the wider business and

commercial context

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Preparation -you• Recall any learning points from previous interviews

• Anticipate questions based on: your application form/CV; job

description; person specification; skills requirements, job and

sector knowledge

• Think about your answers and examples you could use as

evidence (script or bullet points...?)

• What 4 or 5 main points/strengths do you want to get across

about yourself

• Questions you want to ask

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Preparation –practical issues• Interview practice (careers consultants; friends)

• Practice your presentation within time allocation, if applicable

• Re-read your CV/application form and the job details

• Check interview arrangements (time, place, anything you

have to take along)

• Plan your route

• Plan your interview clothes

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During the interview Body Language

• Be ready to shake hands

• Make eye contact with all members of the panel

• Smile (at appropriate points!)

• Seating position -try to look and feel relaxed, self-

assured and alert

• No fidgeting!

• Leave a positive impression

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Answering Questions• Listen to questions carefully –what do they want to know/why are

they asking?

• Take a few seconds before you answer to give yourself time to

collect your thoughts

• If you are not clear about the question, ask for clarification

• Talk about your relevant skills and abilities –relate these to the job

• If you lose your thread, take a moment to clarify your thoughts

• Be aware of how long you talk for

• Ask if the interviewer needs additional information

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Scenario Questions –STARSTAR “Tell us about a time when...”

• Scene/scenario –what was the situation?• Tasks –what needed to be done?• Action –what did you do and why?• Result –what was the outcome?

• Plus, what you learned from the experience

(You Tube –interview techniques –STAR method)

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STAR questions• Skill specific e.g. tell us about a time when....

• .... You’ve solved a problem

• .... You’ve worked as part of a team

• .... You’ve worked under pressure

• .... you exceeded the expectations of a customer or

colleague.)

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What sort of questions can you prepare for?

• Tell us about yourself

• How would your friends describe you?

• Why are you interested in this job?

• What do you know about our organisation?

• What has been your biggest achievement to date?

• What are your main strengths?

• What is your greatest weakness?

• Where do you see yourself in 5 years time?

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What sort of questions can you prepare for? (Cont.)

• Why should we give you this job

• How are you suitable for this role

• What relevant skills do you have for this role?

• What made you study for a degree in .....?

• What have you gained from being at university?

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Do you have any questions?

• Are there opportunities for working in other departments/

for promotion?

• What training/support could I expect?

• What would the key objectives be in the first 6 months of

the job?

• When will I hear about this interview?

• Whatever the outcome, will you give me feedback?

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However….

• Do not ask questions just for the sake of it

• Do not ask questions if you should already know the

answer

• Do not ask about fringe benefits –that conversation can

take place when you have been offered the job

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After the Interview

Make notes of :

a) questions you were asked and your answers

b) five things you did well

c) three things you could have done better

d) one thing you have learned from the experience which

could be helpful in the future

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After the Interview (cont.)

• Reflect –if offered, would you take the job? If not, why

not?

• Keep all the job application materials together for future

reference

• Give yourself a treat!

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AGCAS‟ Interview Tips

Association of Graduate Careers Advisory Services

• Preparation is crucial

• Find out what skills the employer’s looking for

• Do some serious research on the company/organisation

• Be ready for questions they’re likely to ask

• Make a good impression

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AGCAS‟ Interview Tips (Cont.)

• Give yourself time to think

• Positive body language

• Expect different types of questions –technical, open,

motivation, scenario

• Try to expand but don’t talk too much

• Make it easy for the selector to see that you’re right for

the job

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Resources

• “Making an Impact : the Graduate Job Interview” Careers videos on-line at: https://intranet.londonmet.ac.uk/studentservices/careers

• www.prospects.ac.uk –select Careers Advice / Interview Tips

• www.targetjobs.co.uk –select Careers Advice / Interview Techniques

• You Tube –Rich Alexander Job Interview Boot camp; GraduateGame.com; Vault Video do’s and don’ts

• Careers Service -one to one interview practice

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Psychometric tests in job and internship selection

Types of tests• Test based i.e. right and wrong answers

-ability-verbal, numerical, diagrammatic• Questionnaire based -how a person feels or thinks

about something

-personality –aimed at securing a good match between a person’s characteristics and a job/career area

-career interests/motivation –how do I want to use my skills and abilities

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Psychometric tests

• Different organisations will have different arrangements

and different tests. So, read instructions/guidelines very

carefully!

• Might receive an e mail inviting you to do the test –keep

on top of your inbox

• Inform organisations if you have any special needs

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Psychometric tests (Cont.)

• Finite period of time in which it will be available to you

• Practice questions

• A strict time limit for doing the test itself

• If you progress through to later stages, you may have to

repeat the test at the organisation’s premises

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