INTERVIEW TIPS
So you have an interview...
Well done, the employer has obviously liked what they have seen so far and wants to know more.
Here’s how to perform well at interview. Before the interview study the company’s
website, or even better telephone to see what type of interview will be used, who will be interviewing you and what competencies will be assessed. Take this opportunity to create a good impression. If you still have access to your careers service
then try to book a mock interview, if not then run through practice questions with a friend. To avoid any last minute panic plan your route
to the interview in advance, aiming to get there 15 – 30 minutes before. Have contact details for the organisation in hard copy and stored in your mobile. Take a fresh copy of your CV/application form and any supporting information with you. Treat the interview as a business meeting
and dress appropriately. When you meet your interviewer(s) use a fi rm handshake, make eye contact and smile, this will help to create a good impression. Throughout the process many organisations
may use criteria or competency-based interviews/ selection, these are structured interviews and selection processes matched against key criterias such as communication/ problem solving etc.
They want to know what YOU did.
You worked in a team – but what was your contribution? If you remember: Situation – describe the project/ background Tasks – what specifi c task did you have to perform
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GradJobs.co.uk | Directory 2011/12
Actions – what actions did you take to achieve the task/project? Results – what was the result? & Improve – what did you learn? What would you do differently next time?
Many candidates tend to use STR and miss
out the Actions – you should mention briefl y the Situation and Tasks and concentrate on the Actions that YOU did and mention the results achieved. Also what did you learn from that situation? What would you do differently next time? Remember – yes you worked as a team – but use the I. My words – “I did this”, “my role in the group was ….’’ In an interview people tend to talk faster so slow
down and speak up – it’s ok to ask for clarifi cation or pause before answering a question in order to gather your thoughts. Remember you may be watched as you approach
and leave the building. Avoid ringing friends telling them how the interview went until you are well away from the building – and defi nitely not on a train – you never know who is listening!! Take notes on what went well at the interview,
types of questions asked etc. This information is invaluable if (or when) you are called back for a second interview and will help you to continuously improve on your technique. For this reason it is also important to get feedback from interviews where you were not successful.
Good luck!
Suzie Duncombe (Specialist in Graduate Assessment & careers advice)
Email:
suzieduncombe@talentedminds.co.uk
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