How to shine at Job Interviews Michael Higgins Career Coach and Author RCN Bulletin Jobs Fair Birmingham, 3 rd and 4 th March © This Is My Path Limited 2016

Plan for the session In advance of the interview Just prior to the interview The interview itself After the interview © This Is My Path Limited 2016

In advance of the interview Job and person specifications Nail the most common interview questions – Tell me about yourself – Tell me about a time when… Organise a mock interview Rationale for career moves and gaps Ending questions Format of interview Research the organisation © This Is My Path Limited 2016

Articulate the evidence Use STAR Tell me about a time when… [you had to raise a concern to your line manager]  SITUATION context 10%  TASK what you needed to do 10%  ACTIVITY what you actually did 70%  RESULT how it ended up 10% © This Is My Path Limited 2016

Over to you… Tell me about yourself Can you describe a time when you successfully dealt with a difficult patient? © This Is My Path Limited 2016

Before the interview Plan your outfit and grooming things like haircut. Location, route, timing, backup plan Plan to arrive 40 mins before in a nearby coffee shop. Take your interview pack: – Job description, person spec, CVx2, map, contact details in case of delay © This Is My Path Limited 2016

During the interview Remember: two way process Pause and think Body language and consistency Let your personality show Ask questions at the end – “And how do you find working here?” – “Typically where do people progress to after this role?” Clarify next steps, agree contact time © This Is My Path Limited 2016

After the interview Back to the coffee shop – record Qs n As. Next day, follow up note Not heard? Follow up Ask for feedback Expand network © This Is My Path Limited 2016

In Summary PREPARE well in advance of the interview PLAN logistics for the day PERFORM in the interview itself PURSUE follow up after the interview © This Is My Path Limited 2016

Further Resources Careers articles at STAR guidance for CVs at under “Resources” plus a guidance document. Career Change: “Pit Stop. A Career Workbook for Busy People” Questions? © This Is My Path Limited 2016