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INTERVIEW SKILLSThe “types”
How to prepare
How to interview
What is an Interview?Meeting of applicant and employer to sell and to buy the
skill
Employer examines suitability of the candidate based
The focus is on knowledge, skills, experience, desired job-related behavior and career goals of applicant
Applicant examines the the company and its business – is it the employer I want to work for?
Types of Interview
Candidate
Panel: Line manager,
Another manager, HR manager, etc.
“Convenience” Interviews
1. Telephonic interview
2. Teleconferencing
3. Skype interview
4. Public convenience venues (e.g. coffee shop or restaurant)
When and how to prepareSTEP 1: ON INVITATION
Request the details of interview on the spot
When? Where? (check the place/ get a map) and At what time?
Names and job titles of interviewers? How many interviews? Will there be assessments? What is appropriate dress code? What documents to bring?
When and how to prepareSTEP 2: DAYS BEFORE
Review the job advert, skills required and your CV
Research the company - (history, services/ products, structure, offices/ locations, competitors, number of employees, career progression, business culture, successful employees, etc.)
Read on the subject of your job – latest developments, technology, legislation, etc.
Practise how you will answer commonly asked questions
When and how to prepareSTEP 3: ON THE DAY (part1)
NO, NO, NO!!!!
When and how to prepareSTEP 3: ON THE DAY (part1)
Dress appropriately Arrive 30 to15 minutes early Behaviour at security entrance and reception area Only accept (or ask for) water Stay alert, you don’t know who is watching you You may browse the magazines, wall frames
When and how to prepareSTEP 3: ON THE DAY (part2)
Respect their “territory” – when to sit
The magic of handshake and eye contact
Get to know the names
“Interact” by giving examples
Take notes
Clarify
What the interviewer is looking for
Grooming and dress code – comfort; respect of you and others
Interpersonal skills – fluent, listening skills, paying attention, answering questions clearly and thoroughly
Confidence – body language and speech Honesty – “I don’t know the answer;” “I don’t have
experience in that;” “I don’t have knowledge of that, however…”
What the interviewer is looking for
Be sincere – mean what you say. Be clear and specific, not vague. Stay calm, do not fidget Use simple language - no superficial, glossy, remarks. Bombastic words can be a turn-off or source of
amusement. Never use the irritating expressions – ‘you know’, ‘and
what not’, ‘uhm’, ‘I was like’…
What the interviewer is looking for
Interest in the job and the interview Enthusiasm for the opportunity the company is offering Emphasise your strong points and how they make you
suitable Highlight your achievements Not taking all the glory from current or former colleagues Not bad-mouthing current/ previous employer or
university Good knowledge of the company, its market or industry Calmness when dealing with difficult questions
What the interviewer is NOT looking for
‘Yes’ and ‘No’ answers only - not explaining, not elaborating, not giving examples
Asking or bringing up controversial topics
Making negative remarks about someone or company, even if it’s competitor
Making jokes when not invited to: rather take the jokes from interviewer; be moderate about your sense of humour; quickly get back to the question/ topic.
What the interviewer is NOT looking for
Reading from your CV when you answer questions
Discussing personal/ family issues Expecting interviewer to feel sorry for you Debating the merit of your answer Displaying party politics and/ or ideology Inquiring about the salary, benefits, etc. It
is too early for that.
11 difficult questions1. Tell us about yourself; How would others
describe you?2. Why do you think you are suitable for this job?3. What is your strength? What is your weakness?4. Why did you not do well on this subject?5. Why did you leave your previous employer?6. How much would you like to earn?7. How do you deal with difficult people/
situations?8. Briefly describe your ideal job. 9. What motivates you?10. Where do you see yourself in five years time?11. What do you know about this company?
Concluding on a positive noteAsk a minimum of three (3) questions
Embarrassing/ Awkward questions v/s Complimentary/ limelight questions.
Thank the interviewer for calling you for the interview. “I appreciate your time.”
“I am looking forward to hearing from you.”
