Interview Skills Effectively handling common interview questions Wei Li Wong Centre for Career Development CRICOS 00111D TOID 3059

Workshop Aims Interview preparation Techniques to enhance interview performance Handling common interview questions through practice and feedback How the Centre for Career Development can assist you

Purpose of the interview The employer’s objective: to attract and appoint the best applicant for the organisation. They want to assess: Can you do the job? Will you do the job? Will you fit in? Typical structure of an interview Rapport building / ice breaker discussion Overview of role and company Getting to know you and your story Behavioural questions: preset questions often based on the selection criteria. Your questions The close / the next steps

Interview skill tips Cultural differences Interviewers expect open & direct answers to questions Need to talk about your achievements with a positive, marketing focus Body language needs to be open Eye contact needs to be maintained Communication skills English may be your second language – focus on speaking slowly & clearly Focus on the benefits of your foreign language skills Some cultures emphasize modesty & humility

Types of interviews Panel Group Telephone Centre Assessment Centre 1:1 Panel Group 1:1 Group Assessment Telephone Centre Assessment Centre Grouphone Behavioural Behavioural Provide an overview of each type of interview including advantages and disadvantages. When talking about each type of interview, ask students to share their own experiences. One on one Panel Group Telephone Behavioural Assessment Centre

Preparing for an interview

What things do you need to consider to be an excellent interviewee? Get student s input

Now get into pairs…… You will be working with this person through this workshop. Group discussion

“Tell me about yourself” Does not mean tell me everything, but rather tell me about yourself in relation to this job Your answer should refer to your: Qualifications and skills as a result Employment/experience and skills as a result Personal characteristics Interest in the position and insight into the company Keep your answer to under two minutes This is a question you should be prepared to answer as opposed to attempting to ‘wing it’ Don’t assume that the interview will be able to connect all the dots. It is your job as the interviewee to make sure the interviewer understands how your experiences are transferable to the position they are seeking to fill

Your turn Tell me about yourself

Why do you want to work in this profession? You could talk about: Your interest and passion for the field Skills you have, such as problem solving, that relate to your profession If this has been a lifelong goal, talk about why Any relevant experience you have and what you enjoyed about it Why your course at university has cemented your motivation to work within this field, such as major projects

Why do you want to work in this profession? Your turn Why do you want to work in this profession?

Which is the best approach? What is your weakness? Different Approaches: Exaggerate a strength – be careful how you phrase it, as this approach can be irritating to the interviewer Pick a weakness which will have no impact on your job Discuss your weakness as an area for improvement Which is the best approach? http://www.forbes.com/video/4202095663001/

Behavioural Interview Questions EXAMPLES: Tell me about a time when you demonstrated initiative. What did you do? What was the outcome? Can you describe a situation in which you were required to demonstrate teamwork? Excellent communication skills? What did you do? What was the outcome? Can you provide an example of when you have been required to bring about an innovative solution to a problem? Behavioural job interview questions are based on the premise that past behaviour is the best predictor of future behaviour – and that's why they are so often asked by employers when assessing candidates during a job interview.

Preparation for behavioural answer – using STAR Situation – set the context for your story. • Task – what was required of you. • Activity – what you actually did. • Result – how well the situation played out.

Your turn Tell me about a time you solved a complex problem? What steps did you take? What was the result?

Tips The interviewer is trying to determine what you define as ‘complex' so try to choose an example that is challenging but not impossible to resolve. The interviewer wants to see that you have problem-solving skills, initiative and the ability to work around less-than desirable situations. Clearly explain how you identified the problem and reached a solution both professionally and quickly. Keep in mind they are interested in determining how your actions and decisions will affect the business, so always describe a conclusion that shows you acting in a positive way for the company.

Your turn Tell me about a time you had to work as part of a team and you had a team member who wasn’t helping or doing their share of the work. What did you do to fix the situation? What was the result?

Tips Talk about an example where you had the chance to solve the problem and you (or your group) used a method that worked Give examples of how you were a good team member, including being willing to listen and contribute, respecting and encouraging of others skills As a result, what are the skills you have gained? Perhaps an ability to reach agreements with others and/or identify team member’s strengths and divide tasks appropriately

Practicing your answers provides greater confidence The interviewers want to hear about you, from you and what makes you suitable for the position on offer – to do this successfully you need to have rehearsed If you haven’t thought about the message you want to get across you may inadvertently provide personal information rather than highlight your professional qualities. As a result discrimination may occur Employers want to hear relevant examples – so write out your examples prior to the interview and rehearse Video a practice interview and see yourself back Practice makes permanent Off beat questions test your ability to think quickly, your sense of humour and whether or not you will ‘fit’ into the organisation: Examples:

Have some ready for when you are asked: “Do you have any questions for us?” Remember, you’re interviewing and assessing them as well What would my typical day in this role consist of? What are the long-term goals of your company? Ask questions which make you look good and demonstrate your company research I understand that one of your clients was ABC, I’m curious to know how long that project took? Don’t ask about salary, holidays, bonuses * Why? You don’t want to give the impression you are only interested in your needs, not those of the employer Prepare questions Off beat questions test your ability to think quickly, your sense of humour and whether or not you will ‘fit’ into the organisation: Examples:

You will be assessed on both your verbal and non-verbal skills including: Clear and audible voice and tone Pronunciation and expression Eye contact Posture (sit up straight) Your overall body-language (don’t fidget) During the interview Off beat questions test your ability to think quickly, your sense of humour and whether or not you will ‘fit’ into the organisation: Examples:

Signs of dishonesty or lying Signs of irresponsibility or aggressiveness Signs of tardiness or inability to meet work commitments Lack of willingness to be managed Complaining or blaming things on others Lack of motivation Lack of enthusiasm for the company and its goals Warning signs an interviewer looks for Off beat questions test your ability to think quickly, your sense of humour and whether or not you will ‘fit’ into the organisation: Examples:

Learn from your mistakes Learn from your mistakes Debrief – talk to someone about the interview so that you can remind yourself of the questions and your answers, that way you’ll be better prepared for your next interview If you miss out on the job – ring and ask why Ask to be kept in mind if any other similar or suitable positions become available Don’t give up! Learn from your mistakes Learn from your mistakes

The Centre For Career Development Web: https://swin.careerhub.com.au Facebook: Swinburne Careers and Employment Twitter: @swincareers LinkedIn: Swinburne Centre for Career Development Group LEVEL 2, The George Building, Hawthorn Campus

Any further questions? Wei Li Wong Global Career Development Advisor Centre for Career Development