CURTIN CAREERS, EMPLOYMENT & LEADERSHIP Selection … · • A selection panel considers each application against the selection criteria. • The most competitive applicants are invited

Selection Criteria & Interview Techniques – HDR Students

CURTIN CAREERS, EMPLOYMENT & LEADERSHIP

Dr Kathleen Franklyn, Career Development ConsultantHDR students, all faculties

Learning outcomes‐This workshop will enable you to:

SELECTION CRITERIA• Knowledge on how selection criteria are used by employers for

academic, and other roles. • Understand the purpose of common types of selection criteria• Understand how to structure responses to selection criteria

INTERVIEWS• Explain the purpose of different interviewing styles• Discuss a variety of interview techniques and strategies that you

can use to prepare for interviews • Understand the purpose of common types of interview questions• Describe some techniques that you might use to answer different

types of interview questions

Your Job Search Is Like a Marketing Plan

Graphic from: https://www.targetmarketingmag.com/post/6‐ways‐job‐search‐like‐marketing‐plan/all/ (beviepro.com)3

Selection Criteria STAR / SAO

Interview examples STAR / SAO

Today

.

COVER LETTER:• Formal introduction to your application• Express interest in a career opportunity• Highlights your relevant skills and abilities that would suit the

employers’ needs and the position’s requirements• Captures the employer interest• Convinces the employer to give you an interview!

RESUME:• Support document to provide background, context and abbreviated

examples of your employability

SELECTION CRITERIA:• Specific detailed examples to support your employability (interview

detail …. STAR/SAO)

Cover Letter vs Resume vs Selection Criteria

Selection criteria

Often the most important part of your job application!

Additional resources:• Australian Government “Cracking the Code – How to apply for jobs in the

Australian Public Service” https://www.apsc.gov.au/sites/g/files/net5296/f/crackingthecode.pdf(p12, 13)

• “How to write and talk to selection criteria: improving your chances of winning a job”, by Dr Ann Villiers (Book/ebook) https://www.selectioncriteria.com.au/

• Selection Criteria – Curtin resource https://life.curtin.edu.au/local/docs/UL_G_CC_selection_critieria_final_080211.pdf

• Addressing Selection Criteria – Flinders University resourcehttp://www.flinders.edu.au/careers‐files/CELC/Publications/Careers%20Advice%20&%20Guides/Addressing%20Selection%20Criteria.pdf

What are Selection Criteria?

skills, experience, attributes, knowledge, education / qualifications

• List of the skills, experience, attributes, knowledge, education / qualificationswhich an organisation decides is necessary to perform a particular position. Plus yes/no criteria e.g. drivers licence, police checks etc

• All job adverts contain selection criteria. Sometimes split into ‘essential’ and ‘desirable’ criteria – address them all to be more competitive

– Used by Government, charities, universities etc in addition to a Resume and Cover Letter

Why are they so important?• Your responses will be scored against other applicants. The highest scorers getting

to the interview stage. It is YOUR responsibility to demonstrate how you meet each of the selection criteria. Much more in‐depth than a Resume

• Good applicants will be overlooked for a position if their selection criteria responses are poorly written or don’t demonstrate your capability to do the job

TIP:• Allow yourself plenty of time to write your selection criteria responses: 10+ hrs!

Selection Process

Assessment of written applications• A selection panel considers each application against the selection

criteria.• The most competitive applicants are invited to undergo a further

selection process (ie. Interview).

Interviews• Interview panels will usually consist of 3 people.• All interview questions will relate to the selection criteria for the

advertised position. Every interviewee will be asked the same questions.

• All applicants are notified in writing of the panel’s decision after the recommendation is endorsed.

SELECTION CRITERIA are KEY ‐‐‐ for selection, and for interview preparation

Examples of Selection Criteria

Aside from qualifications and experience that may be specific to a particular job, there are several selection criteria that are common to many University positions. These include:

http://www.jobs.uwa.edu.au/applying/written/addressing

analysis and researchaccuracy and attention to detaildecision makingindependenceinitiativeinterpersonal/verbal communicationwritten communication skills

leadershipnegotiationpresentation/public speakingproblem‐solvingsupervisory/managementteamworkproficiency in a range of computing skills

knowledge/experience of specific software or equipmentknowledge/experience of University organisation, policies or proceduresorganisational/planning/prioritising/time management/ability to meet deadlines


How to tackle Knowledge criteria

• Explain that you do have the knowledge and where you got the knowledge from (i.e. work experience, course etc).

• Explain what this knowledge is used for and why it is important to the role.

• If you do not have the knowledge, outline an action plan to illustrate how you will gain this knowledge, plus your willingness to acquire this through further training etc.

• Explain how you will keep the knowledge up todate.


How to tackle Yes/No criteria

• State that you either do or do not meet the ‘Yes or No’ criterion. • If you do not have this criterion, state that you do not currently

possess it and ideally that you have an action plan to meet this criterion.

EXAMPLE

Current "C" class driver’s licence. • I currently hold a C class drivers licence and have also completed

an advanced driving course with RAC (certificate enclosed).


How to tackle Skills, Abilities &Experience criteria:

• Many jobs require applicants to have prior experience with particular clients or processes; plus they are keen for you to demonstrate transferable skills e.g. communication skills, etc.

• Respond to these with a strong opening statement to convince selectors to read further “I have acquired and refined strong written communication skills over the course of my academic studies and professional experience by…”.

• Support this with detailed examples = relevant, recent & specific• Demonstrate how you have applied these skills in the workplace, using STAR /

SAO framework:

Situation ‐ context, your position & responsibilitiesTask ‐ the problem or opportunityAction ‐ your personal action / contribution / resources & evaluationResult ‐ achievements, outcome, feedback & learning.

Quantify where possible

“Past behaviour is a predictor of future behaviour”.


SAO Approach• Situation ‐ where and when did you do it?

• Action ‐ what did you do and how did you do it?

• Outcome ‐ what was the result of your actions? What would you do differently next time? S

AO


Use the following sources of evidence:

• Direct research, laboratory, investigation examples• Degree related part time or casual work• Involvement in leadership and student club activities• Community or volunteer work of any significance• Emergency services involvement• Conference or professional development participation• Other training or short courses you have undertaken which

might demonstrate relevant knowledge, skills/experience to the target job

Selection Criteria Sample: Ability To Apply Academic Knowledge And Concepts To Practical Situations

https://www.careerfaqs.com.au/careers/resumes‐and‐cover‐letters‐tips/selection‐criteria‐sample‐ability‐to‐apply‐academic‐knowledge‐and‐concepts‐to‐practical‐situations

Critique

Selection Criteria Sample: Demonstrated analytical and research skills

https://www.careerfaqs.com.au/careers/resumes‐and‐cover‐letters‐tips/selection‐criteria‐sample‐demonstrated‐analytical‐and‐research‐skills

• At university, I successfully completed many research projects that required high‐level analytical skills. I also undertook special project work with Professor Cavendish that required extensive literature research and analysis of organisational management theories.

• This special project was an opportunity to develop my quantitative research skills by analysing statistical data. I also utilised my qualitative research skills by interviewing proponents of different theories. I completed the research within the specified timeframe and presented the results according to university standards.

My contribution was formally recognised by the faculty at a sociological seminar and I was subsequently asked to co‐author an academic paper with Professor Cavendish that was accepted for publication in Organisational Monthly.

Critique

KEEPING YOUR APPLICATIONS POSITIVE – USE ACTION VERBS

It’s important that applications are written with a positive tone. Use words like those listed below to demonstrate achievement:• Accelerated Allocated Advised Attained Assessed Balanced

Budgeted Built Coordinated• Collaborated Concluded Co‐operated Developed Delegated Devised

Directed Displayed Drafted• Edited Encouraged Estimated Expedited Facilitated Fashioned

Finalised Fulfilled Generated• Identified Implemented Initiated Influenced Interpreted Launched

Marketed Moderated Motivated• Negotiated Organised Persuaded Performed Produced

Recommended Recorded Reported Represented• Researched Reviewed Revived Strengthened Submitted Sustained

Upgraded Validated

Selection criteria resource

https://life.curtin.edu.au/local/docs/UL_G_CC_selection_critieria_final_080211.pdf

Recruiters assess your selection criteria using a marking key similar to the one below: 1 = Failed to meet the selection criterion (i.e. unable to assess due to lack of information) 2 = Partially meets the selection criterion 3 = Meets the selection criterion 4 = Partially exceeds the selection criterion 5 = Exceeds the selection criterion If you score 1 or 2 for any of the selection criteria it is unlikely you will secure an interview.

http://www.flinders.edu.au/careers‐files/CELC/Publications/Careers%20Advice%20&%20Guides/Addressing%20Selection%20Criteria.pdf

How to address –Brainstorm ideas/responses

TO Match The Criteria To Your Skills Set ‐ Read each criterion carefully and highlight or underline the skills it is asking for ‐ there may be more than one (see the example below) and you will need to respond to each component of the criterion.

Brainstorm specific examples that show how you meet the criterion. • Refer to a variety of experiences, for example: Placements/work

experience, Sporting clubs/team activities, Previous employment Recreational activities, Volunteer work, Community activities, Fundraisers Awards, Publications, Professional Development.

• Look for evidence of transferable skills and abilities. • While you may not have carried out a particular duty, you may have

performed similar work but in a different context (for example, working in customer service may give you transferable communication skills that relate to liaising with corporate clients).


Example – Demonstrated ability to network effectively

My networking skills are excellent. I have formed and recruited a number of committees such as a group of computer members on a volunteer basis to develop a consumer awareness guide for the purchase of computer hardware. I have established many good relationships with those within the welfare sector. I have made numerous fruitful relationships with people outside of the organisations I have worked for. I seek to understand the reality and situations of people I need to liaise with involve or seek input from. Recently I met with a logistics company several times to establish an understanding and to seek to establish a more effective way of distributing our brochures. This strategy has proved effective. Moreover my success in effective networking is demonstrated by inclusive outcomes such as the establishment of information booths in various welfare agencies.

What do you think of this statement?

Example – Demonstrated ability to network effectivelyIn my current role as Health Advisor with XYZ Department, building cooperative and lasting relationships with stakeholders in the welfare sector is essential to maintaining credibility and confidence in the department’s advice. Establishing links within the department and with suppliers is also critical to providing the best service to our welfare clients. (indicates why effectiveness is important, and what effective networking is)

My ability to network with suppliers, within the department and with welfare sector stakeholders and build cooperative working relationships has been demonstrated by:

∙ Persuading several welfare agencies to provide departmental information booths in their foyers. This result was achieved after building confidence in our ability to provide information, which took nine months to establish.

∙ Forming and recruiting members for a departmental computer group to develop a consumer awareness guide for the purchase of computer hardware. Five people volunteered their time and we produced a two‐page guide which received excellent feedback from users.

∙ Building a relationship with a logistics company that agreed, after meeting with them several times, to distribute our brochures.

(the examples indicate that relationships took time to establish and there was an outcome, which indicates effectiveness.)

And now?

ACTIVITY – each group to create STAR addressing the Selection Criteria

Teamwork Skills


Communication Skills (oral & written)

Problem Solving & Innovation

INSTRUCTIONS:

3 min self‐reflection – dot point out example

Briefly Share with group

Select Example to share to Main group(Flesh out further if required)

ACTIVITY – Selection CriteriaTeamwork skills

Definition: Ability or potential to contribute effectively to a work team to achieve team goals. Ability to share information and work cooperatively with other team members where necessary. An understanding of team dynamics and factors that can affect team performance.

• Areas to draw on: Group work, supervision, leadership, goal setting, communication, listening, problem solving, participation, negotiation, maintenance, motivation, continual improvement, training, understanding and valuing of difference, using strengths of members, balancing weaknesses, sports, theatre, committee work, multidisciplinary team while on a placement, group assignments/presentations, organising an event, choir/ensemble.


Definition: The ability to express yourself clearly and logically both orally and in writing. Ability to communicate effectively with a wide range of individuals.

Areas To Draw on: • Oral

Public speaking, debating, tutorial discussions, presentations, asking questions, responding at public lectures or conferences, explaining solutions to convince audiences, facilitating discussions, customer service experience, placements.

• Written Research papers, written reports, essays, assignments, a thesis, story writing ‐if you have had work published it is important to cite this, case notes, business correspondence, minutes, or editing a newsletter/student magazine. Consider the variety of report formats ‐ statistical, scientific/laboratory, business, use of graphs, presenting information in tables, or essay style. If you have been on a human services placement ‐ program plans, assessment reports, lesson plans


ACTIVITY – Selection CriteriaCommunication skills (oral & written)

Definition: Ability to analyse and synthesise information presented in a variety of forms (e.g., verbal and quantitative) to assist in problem solving.

– Ability to identify key issues, trends and interrelationships between issues. – Ability to place information in a broader context and identify likely implications. – Ability to generate new ideas and creative approaches to issues and practices.

Areas to draw on: • Problem Solving

The capacity to understand and solve complex problems and provide analysis to use in informed decision making, the ability to research and analyse convincingly, identification of key issues, counter arguments, setting out ideas, ability to identify and collect information, use of internet, journals, books, research papers, reading and listening.

• Innovation skills Diversity of approach, open mindedness, the capacity to introduce new ideas and approaches into existing working practices, demonstration of original and lateral thinking, ability to adapt to change, going the extra step, making a difference, thinking on your feet, implementation of new ideas and activities, ability to adopt or devise new skills


ACTIVITY – Selection CriteriaProblem Solving & Innovation skills

SELECTION CRITERIA FAQS

How many examples should I use? Depending on the criterion, it might be more appropriate to describe one major role or situation in some detail (for example, conflict resolution) using the STAR Method. Alternatively, you could provide a range of examples in which you have demonstrated the skills sought on a regular basis (for example, time management/organisational skills).

How long should each Selection Criterion response be? Always check if the employer has provided any instructions in their ‘Guidelines for Applications’ document – common guidelines can range from 2/3 page, 3/4 page, no more than 1/2 page, to 2‐3 paragraphs! For Graduate recruitment online applications a word or character limit may be required: word limits can range from 150 words to 500 words.

What if I don’t have any evidence for a particular criterion? If you don’t directly meet the criterion, you can state your willingness to learn new things, your motivation, enthusiasm for challenges, initiative, etc; and you may want to provide examples of how you have done this previously. You could comment on the skills you can draw on from similar contexts. Convince the employer that you possess the potential to meet the criteria.


Interviews

What concerns you about Job Interviews?

‐ What is it?‐ What can you do to

overcome this?

Identify 1 thing that you find most challenging about interviews …

Think / Pair / Share27

Purpose of an Interview?

CAN FIT WILL

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Interviewer’s Objective?

• Can you do the job? – They look at your skills, abilities and qualifications.

• Will you do the job? – They assess your interest, attitude and motivation.

• How will you Fit into the organisation? – They assess your personality to ensure you will fit their workplace culture

To find the BEST and RIGHT person for the job.

After determining who is best qualified, people hire the person they like the most.

So, get the interviewers tolike you the most.

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Types of Interviews

• Telephone / Skype / Screening

• Casual / Mentor meetings

• Panel (most common) / One on One

• Group / Assessment Centre

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Academic interviews may also involve a departmental tour, a presentation plus Q&A, “informal” meet and greet with staff. Much more focused on your KNOWLEDGE & SKILLS

Telephone interviews

• Prepare in the same way as a face to face interview• Review the job advert and read over your original application for the role you are

being interviewed for• Consider what interests you about this job. What are your related skills and

strengths? What are your values and how do they match the company’s values?• Find yourself a quiet spot for the interview and have your paperwork, water, pen

& paper to hand• Switch off any noisy devices• Speak clearly and ask for clarification if necessary. Don’t rush your responses• Good posture and smile – yes, really!• Consider dressing smartly – helps you feel professional

First Impressions Count

It takes just one‐tenth of a second for us to judge someone and make a first impression. Once formed, first impressions tend to be stable and are difficult to change.

• Greet the interviewer• Smile and shake hands

• Speak confidently• Use confident body language

• Confident stance• Avoid fidgeting

• Maintain eye contact

Remember: 55% of communication is body language, 38% is the tone of voice, and 7% is the actual words spoken.

33VIDEO (4.5 min) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VV1cMmCKxmY

Before the Interview

“If you know the enemy and know yourself, you need not fear the result of a hundred battles.”

‐ Sun Tzu, The Art of War

Group Activity – Part 1

Imagine you’ve been invited for an interview for the:Postdoc (Research Associate – Ecotoxicology)ORIndustry (HDR Programs Officer/Business Development Officer) role

Now, brainstorm, in small groups:

How to PREPARE for this job interview

Feedback

Interview Preparation STEPS

1. Research the organisation 2. Research the position3. Know yourself4. Prepare answers to anticipated questions5. Research how to get to the interview6. Plan what you are going to wear7. Prepare questions to ask the interviewers8. Compile relevant documents to take with you e.g. a Resume 9. Re‐visit the application you used for the role you’re being

interviewed for

1. Research the organisation 2. Research the position3. Know yourself4. Prepare answers to anticipated questions5. Research how to get to the interview6. Plan what you are going to wear7. Prepare questions to ask the interviewers8. Compile relevant documents to take with you e.g. a

Resume 9. Re‐visit the application you used for the role you’re

being interviewed for

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Research the organisation

• Services & specialisations • Size & location/s • Links to other organisations • History & reputation • Structure and roles • Mission & culture • Competitors • Funding, growth & viability • Legislation or policy frameworks• Recent developments / challenges in this field

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Research the position

• Key responsibilities • Current priorities • Expectations of position • Strategic direction • Reporting lines • Performance assessment • Quality standards

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Know yourself

• What are my strengths?

• What motivates me? What do I value? What challenges me? What I am passionate about? What would I like to learn?

• What have I gained from work experience and how has this influenced me? Does a particular way of working, core value, colleagues or field of food science stand out?

• How do the above align with your target employer?

• Why are you interested in this particular role and organisation?

Further help:• Who am I?

Online module: https://challenge.curtin.edu.au/home/hop/car/4

• The Career Wise Researcher: https://www.vitae.ac.uk/vitae-publications/guides-briefings-and-information/the-career-wise-researcher-vitae-2013.pdf (registration required, free resource)

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Group Activity – Part 2

Imagine you’ve been invited for an interview for thePostdoc (Research Associate – Ecotoxicology)ORIndustry (HDR Programs Officer/Business Development Officer) role

Now, brainstorm, in small groups:

QUESTIONS you might be asked at this job interview

Feedback

INTRODUCTORY QuestionsIntroductory Questions are all about understanding who you are and what you have done. They are testing predominately fit. These questions are opportunities to create links and build relationships

Examples:Tell me about yourself?Talk about your story and how you came to this moment, give an overview of relevant background and values that are important to you (and match the company)

Eg: Mention 1 personal facts about you (e.g. moved to Perth 3 years ago) & 2 technical facts (e.g. I have recently completed a xxxx PhD at Curtin University and have 12 months experience working as a ……)

Why do you want to work here?Express interest in what that company does, talk about how it relates to your skills and background as well as what they do differently from their competitors. 41

Tell me about yourself ?

Example: Begin by talking about past experiences and proven success:• "I have been in the customer service industry for the past five years. My most recent experience has been handling incoming calls in the high tech industry. One reason I particularly enjoy this business, and the challenges that go along with it, is the opportunity to connect with people. In my last job, I formed some significant customer relationships resulting in a 30 percent increase in sales in a matter of months."

Next, mention your strengths and abilities:• "My real strength is my attention to detail. I pride myself on my reputation for following through and meeting deadlines. When I commit to doing something, I make sure it gets done, and on time."

Conclude with a statement about your current situation or role that you are being interviewed for:• "What I am looking for now is a company that values customer relations, where I can join a strong team and have a positive impact on customer retention and sales.“

Source: https://www.monster.com/career‐advice/article/interview‐tell‐me‐about‐yourself

Success comes down to three things: focus, scriptand practice.

Rapport building ‐ But what are they really asking?

• Tell me about yourself as a professional.• What do YOU think is important for the job?• How are you going to fit in with the company and provide value?• Can you answer an “unstructured” question on the fly?

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Awareness of the organisation• Why do you want to work for us?• What do you know about our organisation?• Why does this industry / job / organisation interest you?• What are your specific interests within the field of xxxx?

Tip:. • Do careful research into the target employer. • Be specific with your reasons for this organisation (as opposed to a competitor

organisation). • Consider the type of work they do, its culture, its ethical or environmental

practices, something newsworthy that impressed you etc. Show how your personal values align with the organisation so they can see how you might fit in.

• For academia – demonstrate how your research interests align or compliment the department

• Avoid mentioning salary, status or other workplace perks!

INTRODUCTORY Questions (cont)

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Why do you want to work for us?Example response:

The first thing that caught my eye when I saw the position posted was definitely that it was at EFG Advisers. I know that you build a lot of your tools in‐house, the team is small, and you run a variety of long‐ and short‐term strategies in the U.S. equities markets using a quantitative approach. (ENTHUSIASM)

But the part that really drew me to this position was the chance to combine both the programming skills I gained from being a senior software engineer and my knack for quantitative analysis in a position that actively lets me engage with my growing interest in investing and portfolio management. (ALIGN YOUR SKILLS & EXPERIENCE TO THE ROLE)

I’ve been interested in switching to finance for a while now and have been actively managing my own personal portfolio for a few years. Joining a quant shop makes sense to me because I think it’s one of the few places where I’ll still be able to use my technical skills and spend my day thinking about finance. I’m really excited to learn more and see how I’ll be able to contribute the firm. (CONNECT TO YOUR CAREER TRAJECTORY)

Source: https://www.themuse.com/advice/3‐steps‐for‐answering‐why‐do‐you‐want‐this‐job

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MOTIVATIONAL / Insight QuestionsThese questions are designed to discover more about your self reflection, potential, goals and primary motivations.

Examples:

Where do you see yourself in 5 – 10 years?• You will want to demonstrate loyalty to the role as well as insight

in to your career progression and potential.

What is your greatest weakness?• This question is testing your ability to self reflect, learn and

develop your skills.

Briefly outline what you see as your main research directions over the next …… years• Clearly present how your current research programme would translate

to the target employer 45

Activity 3: Insight Questions

Take two minutes to prepare a response to:

What is an area you feel you need to develop in?

1. In pairs, take turns being the interviewer and ask the interviewee answering the above question.

2. Interviewers, give feedback to the interviewee on body language and content.

Article ‐ The 7 Important Common Interview Questions and Answers https://www.educba.com/common‐interview‐questions‐answers/46

BEHAVIORAL questions

• Most popular type of interview questions. You need to respond with specific examples from your experiences.

• Usually based around employability skills such as communication, teamwork, problem solving, initiative etcYou need to state your claim e.g. Proven record of successful teaching experience within a tertiary environment: “I have … years experience teaching ….undergraduate students in … and have achieved very positive course evaluations in this regard”

• Use STAR approach to formulate your answer to back up this claim from a context that is relevant to the target job

Example Questions:• Good organisational skills are needed for the post – what can you say to show us

that you have these skills?• Tell me about a time when you use your initiative to improve something in the

workplace• How would you manage a conflict in the workplace?• Tell me about when you have had to work in a team to accomplish a project?• How would you approach a situation that required you to disagree with a client?

“Past behaviour is a predictor of future behaviour”.

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Behavioural QuestionsHere are the 10 skills employers say they seek, in order of importance:

1. Ability to work in a team structure2. Ability to make decisions and solve problems (tie to role)3. Ability to communicate verbally with people inside and

outside an organisation4. Ability to plan, organise and prioritise work5. Ability to obtain and process information6. Ability to analyse quantitative data7. Technical knowledge related to the job8. Proficiency with computer software programs9. Ability to create and/or edit written reports10. Ability to sell and influence others

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STAR Approach (Situation, Task, Action, Result)Question: Proven record of successful teaching experience within a tertiary environment:

Answer:

What was the Situation? • “As a tutor for ….

What was the Task?• “Students were demonstrating difficulty understanding…

What Action(s) did you take? • “I took a creative approach to helping them understand by…

(build in soft and hard skills where possible)

What was the Result? • “Students responded well & commented on my effectiveness in the course evaluations”

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Sample questions for academic interviews

Here are a few examples of the types of questions you may face in an academic interview. Obviously, they are fairly general. In real‐life interviews, they would be tailored to the relevant job criteria.1. What were the key achievements of your research project/PhD?2. Outline the project you would undertake if you were awarded research funding3. Who are the key researchers in your area? How does your work compare with theirs?4. In this institution, we are keen to develop collaborations between departments. What

opportunities for multi‐disciplinary work does your research offer?5. What plans do you have for publication of your current research?6. How do you get on with other members of your current research group? (evidence of constructive

professional relationships)7. The university is keen to serve the wider community and economy. Does your planned research

have any potential in these areas?8. If your current funding application is unsuccessful, what alternatives do you have in mind?

(looking for knowledge of the funding infrastructure)9. What support would you expect from the institution? (eg training, research networks, help with

funding applications)10. How have you managed your research project?11. What advice would you give to a new researcher about supervising students?12. If you were starting your project again today, what would you do differently?13. Describe a research problem you have faced. What did you learn?14. What experience do you have of teaching and what areas of teaching do you want to work in?

Use the following sources ofevidence:

• PhD / Degree related work experience• Practicum / fieldwork placements; Laboratory work• Other employment • Community or volunteer work of any significance • Involvement in leadership and student club activities• Conference or professional development participation• Other training or short courses you have undertaken which

might demonstrate relevant knowledge, skills/experience to the target job

• Overseas experiences• Family responsibilities or caring duties

Activity 4: Behavioural Questions

Questions:

At times, this position will involve handling large volumes of material and undertaking more than one task at a time. Can you give us an example of where you’ve had to handle competing priorities or deadlines? What methods would you/did you use to make sure that everything gets done properly and on time?

• Consider the question above. Take 1 min to jot down a couple of points that you would use in a response.

• In pairs, take turns being the interviewer and ask the interviewee to respond to the behavioural questions above.

• Interviewers, give feedback to the interviewee on body language and content

Situation Task Action Result52

TECHNICAL or Specialist Questions

Employers may be interested in your technical knowledge and skills and ask questions around related issues. Examples:

Examples (for the 2 jobs given in this workshop):

• What is your understanding of the Australian Safety and Quality Framework for Health Care?

• Please outline your experience of using academic referencing software (e.g. Endnote) and statistical analysis tools

• Describe your level of experience in using biomechanical and molecular techniques which would be relevant to this role

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OTHER QuestionsHypotheticals or scenarios• Hypothetical questions evaluate your problem solving skills• Difficult to prepare for, as you won’t get the scenario until you’re

in the interview • Try to anticipate possible scenarios beforehand • Take your time to come up with your recommendations /

response

Examples:

• What would you do if you thought your supervisor gave incorrect information in a staff meeting?

• How would you deal with an irate co‐worker?

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Difficult questions

• Take your time • Ask for clarification • Use the thinking time • Structure your response • Give an example • Don’t bluff

What can’t an employer ask?

• Are you married?• Are you planning to get married?• How old are you?• When are you planning on starting a family?• What if you partner gets a job relocation? Will you follow?• Do you have children?• What is your sexual orientation?• Are you currently seeing someone?• Have you ever had a back injury? (though may be part of pre‐

employment medical)

At the End of the Interview –Do you have any questions for us?

• Always have 2 ‐ 4 questions prepared• Avoid asking questions that are obvious or can be found on the website• Make sure you listen actively throughout the interview, in case your questions

are answered – highlight if this was the case!

Examples:• Training and development• Technical questions specific to the role• Social aspects of the company• Management style and team culture• I was reading about xxxxx on your website and wondered if you could tell me

more about this new project as it sounds really interesting

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After the interview:

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• Sigh of relief! Review the experience

• Always follow up on your interview if you are unsuccessful. Ask for feedback

• You may get some tips that you can try out at the next interview

Plus:

• It can be helpful to know why you were not chosen, rather than to imagine why not

FINAL TIPS• Even if you know the interviewer, don't assume

they know anything about your abilities

• Take your time in the interview

• Remember to breathe, and if you lose track of what you are saying, it’s okay to ask for the question again

• Demonstrate enthusiasm! Try and ENJOY the interview!

• Do not speak negatively of previous employers or colleagues

• Don’t be too casual (or too desperate)

• Be professional in all your dealings with the employer (for example, if you accept an offer elsewhere, cancel your interview)

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Help / Resources:• Job application resources: http://life.curtin.edu.au/careers/job‐application‐support.htm• Academic interviews https://www.vitae.ac.uk/researcher‐careers/pursuing‐an‐

academic‐career/applying‐for‐academic‐jobs/academic‐job‐interviews& http://www.academiccareer.manchester.ac.uk/interviews/

• Drop‐in service for careers questions, interview tips at the Careers, Employment & Leadership, Building 101, Level 2, Monday‐Friday 8.45am‐5.00pm (no appointment needed)

• Curtin specific Online Careers Modules: https://challenge.curtin.edu.au/ (oasis username and password needed) e.g. Stop googling, start networking; Interviews; Resumes; Cover letters etc

• Mock interviews are available – book through Careers, Employment & Leadership

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Documents

CURTIN CAREERS, EMPLOYMENT & LEADERSHIP Selection … · • A selection panel considers each application against the selection criteria. • The most competitive applicants are invited