Interview Techniques
Employability and graduate Development01392 724493
[email protected]/employability
www.exeter.ac.uk/employability
Aims of this session
Preparation for interviewsTypical interview questionsNon-verbal communicationCoping with different styles of interview
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What is an interview?
Getting an interview means that you are ‘nearly there’
Interviewers want you to succeed – help them!
It is not an interrogation but a chance to expand on your application form/CV
How you come across is just as important as what you say
Be enthusiastic and interested
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Types of Interview
Information based/life history
Structured behaviour based (competency/strength)
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What may happen….A panel interviewA technical interviewA telephone interviewA case studyA group interview/discussionSeveral different interviews on the same dayAn unstructured interview
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“ The best thing about not planning is that failure comes as a complete surprise and is not preceded by a period of worry and depression “
Sir John Harvey-Jones
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Three important points for a successful interview:
Preparation......... Job ,Company, MotivationPreparation.. Impact ,appearance, body
language Preparation....... Questions, strengths
competenciesAny Weaknesses????Plus “The Magic Ingredient”
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RESEARCH :
Job ,Company, MotivationMarket/Sector/CompetitionPlus Commercial and Current Affairs
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First impressions…..What you wear is important!
Many people believe decisions are made on:55 % body language 38 % voice7 % words
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Body Language – ‘don’ts’Limp handshakeAvoiding eye contact Folding your arms Fidgeting Leaning forward and sitting on the seat edgeLooking out of the windowLooking unhappy , bored, disinterested
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Body Language – ‘dos’Firm handshakeOpen body language Smile Eye contact –with everyone Sense of humour-but be carefulRelaxed and professional manner
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Question typesInformation seeking questions –
knowledge of the organisation your motivations arising from your CV or application formwhy do want this job?
Behavioural questionscompetencestrength
Scenario or hypothetical questions
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Examples of competency based questionsGive me an example of when you influenced
the work of others
Describe a challenging project, activity or event which you have planned and taken through to its conclusion
Remember the STAR technique
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Structure your answers – the STAR format
SITUATION- “I was part of a sales team that was responsible for …..”
TARGET/TASK- “Customers were confused about the difference between ….”
ACTION – “ I questioned whether this would work and suggested that we try …..”
RESULT – “Positive feedback from customers showed that ..”
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Strength Based Interviews
Shorter questions designed to discover what you
enjoy rather than what you can do. E.g
“Do you prefer starting or finishing a task?” Back this up with an example of why you think this
“What do you enjoy most about your current role?”
Tip: Research the role and prepare strong examples of appropriate strengths & state why this is relevant to the role/organisation – employers will be looking for energy and enthusiasm in your answer
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Surprise questions
Who do you most admire and why?Is there a future for the European currency in
Greece?Give me five uses for the colour redHow would your best friends describe you?Tell us about a book you have just readWhy did I ask you this question ?If you were a type of sweet or confectionary
bar,what would you be?
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Let’s try a few questions ………
Questions
Are we heading for a double dip recession?Tell me about a time when you have used your
initiative to cope with changes ?What makes a successful day for you?Give me an example of when you have
performed effectively in a team?How did you decide to apply to our
organisation?Have you had to solve a complex problem and
how did you approach this?www.exeter.ac.uk/employability
Your questionsTraining Promotion?Development /job content The future of organisation Avoid
Questions answered in the literatureQuestions about conditions of service/pay
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Tips on the day
Help the interviewerEnjoy the interview
The magic ingredient:
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Sparkle
Remember
….you don’t get a second chance to create a first impression!
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Useful resourcesEGD vidcast (on web site)www.prospects.ac.uk – interview tips under the ‘Jobs
and Work’ sectionDVD – ‘Making an Impact’ – available at Reed MewsCareers and Employment GuideThe Interview Experience/mock interviews with
employers (check web for details and dates)www.bemyinterviewer.co.uk Appointment to see a Careers Consultant (Tel: 01392 724493)
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