Interview Skills

Career Management Skills

Career Management Skills The focus will be on you! You’ll have to talk about yourself... Organise yourself, prepare yourself and sell yourself Be yourself and make sure they remember you Let them know why you should get the job

Career Management Skills You’ll have to be able to identify and talk about your strengths! You’ll have to back these up with evidence... Why are you the best candidate for the job? Focus on the positives and what you are good at

Career Management Skills You are expanding your horizons just by being here You are opening new doors You are increasing your interview experience If successful you will be increasing your work experience, improving your skills, getting new references, and increasing your opportunities for the future

Career Management Skills Just being here is developing your professional networks Get into the practice of behaving professionally and appropriately If you are successful this could be your boss! The interviewer will most likely be someone that you will have to work with – so maintain good relationships!

Purpose of an Interview Explain your c.v. / application information Demonstrate you have the skills and attitude to do the job Make a good impression

Prepare – Straight Away: Receive invitation for interview Check time and date of interview Respond if necessary to let the employer know that you are coming to the interview

Prepare – Do Your Research: Find the location of the interview and plan your journey Re-read the job advert and/or job description

Prepare – Do Your Research: Research the job and company Prepare questions and answers for interview

Prepare – The Night Before: Prepare your interview clothes Organise what you need to take with you e.g. certificates Practice your answers to likely questions

Prepare – Manage your time: Set your alarm and get to sleep early Get up in plenty of time Set off and arrive a few minutes early

First Impressions - TENS

First Impressions - TENS T = touch E = eye contact N = name S = smile

Interview Styles 1:1

Interview Styles Panel

Interview Styles Group

Interview Styles Assessment Centre

Interview Questions Some basic interview questions: Tell me about yourself Why have you applied for this job? What can you bring to this company?

Competency Based Interviews Use the STAR technique to form your answer: S T A R Situation Briefly set the scene Task Describe what was required Action What did you do and why? Result What was the outcome?

Competency Based Interviews Using the STAR technique to form your answer: Tell me about a time when you worked well as part of a team to get a particular task completed Situation

Competency Based Interviews Using the STAR technique to form your answer: Tell me about a time when you worked well as part of a team to get a particular task completed Task

Competency Based Interviews Using the STAR technique to form your answer: Tell me about a time when you worked well as part of a team to get a particular task completed Action

Competency Based Interviews Using the STAR technique to form your answer: Tell me about a time when you worked well as part of a team to get a particular task completed Result

Interview Mistakes Don’t be negative Don’t show a lack of confidence Don’t show a lack of preparation Don’t use “we”. Use “I” when giving examples Don’t leave your personality at the door

Questions What training will I receive? What challenges will I face in my first 3 months in the role? When will I hear if I have been successful?

Any questions? Ayr SDS Centre