Royal Air Force Careers Interview Skills

Objectives Preparing for an Interview Interview Skills Last Impressions Potential Interview Questions Summary

What is an Interview? A somewhat formal discussion between a hirer and an applicant or candidate, typically in person, in which information is exchanged, with the intention of establishing the applicant's suitability for a position.

Preparation Do your homework Job description, specification & advert Essential criteria List skills and qualities needed Relate these to your experiences Know your own CV/portfolio Learn about the company/organisation Company website (and related sector/organisations) Social media Newspapers, magazines etc. Speak to people within the company Leaflets, brochures etc. Find out about the interview Will you be given a tour? Will you have to give a presentation? Will you have to sit a test (written/practical)?

Preparation (cont) Think about the questions you might be asked Related to the role Think of personal examples Experiences you have demonstrated skills/qualities Prepare and practice answers/presentation Think of questions you would like answered Route Planning Know where you are going How are you going to get there? How long will it take you? Practice run (if required) Day of the interview Make sure you are rested Get up early and make sure you are awake Dress smartly and/or appropriately Confirm you know your route Arrive 5 – 15 minutes early DON’T BE LATE

Interview – What You Should Do Introduce yourself (reception) Pause – thinking time Introduce yourself to interviewer Ask to repeat or rephrase Shake hands firmly (eye contact) Speak clearly Smile (appropriately) Remain calm Maintain eye contact (interviewer) Sell yourself Wait to be offered a seat Ask questions Maintain good posture Act naturally Maintain good body language Be confident – stay positive Listen to what is being asked Show interest & enthusiasm Try to answer questions Demonstrate you want the job

Interview – What You Shouldn’t Do Be late Talk over interviewer Dress inappropriately Put your hands on the desk Fail to introduce yourself Fidget or play with pen/tie/coins etc. Be moody or grumpy Be a know-it-all Shy away from eye contact Answer Yes or No Slouch Emphasise weaknesses Smoke Criticise former employers/colleagues Swear Draw attention to negative attributes Put your feet up Discuss personal issues Chew gum Do not tell lies

Personal & Professional Qualities Communication Skills Organisational skills Appropriately confident Completer finisher Listening Courage Co-operative Connected Teamwork Respect Practical skills Accredited Leadership Sense of humour Influencer Positive thinker Hardworking/work ethic Good attitude Customer focused Realistic Calm under pressure Robust Business aware Trained Motivated/motivator Enjoy a challenge Flexible Networked Self-starting Trustworthy Creative Appropriate appearance Shows initiative Caring/empathy Uses initiative Achiever Good listener Loyal Self-aware Enthusiastic Qualified Supportive Strategic thinker Managerial Experienced Punctual Rounded Objective Planner Honest/integrity Thinks outside the box Persistent Reliable Polite Committed Enjoys a challenging

End of Interview - Last Impression Ask any job related questions you have prepared/thought of Ask how you will be contacted and when with a decision Confirm contact details (if required) If offered the job immediately - discuss salary/benefits/hours Thank the person for the interview – parting shot Send the interviewer a thank-you letter or email Don’t be frightened to call if you haven’t heard anything Ask for feedback if rejected

Possible Interview Topics Personal history & background Educational record Employment history Spare time activities Personal qualities Personal achievements/experiences Evidence of achievements/experiences Motivation How others see you Knowledge of organisation & job

Possible Interview Questions What do you know about job/company/sector? What have you done to prepare for this interview? How would you or others describe you? What is the biggest problem you have had to overcome? What are your strengths & weaknesses? What is the toughest decision you have had to make? What are your career goals? Examples of teamwork, leadership, flexibility, initiative, diversity Tell me about a situation when…. Tell me about a time when…. Give me an example of…. Describe an occasion when…. Why should we employ you?

Interview Questions Exercise

How are you Assessed? 7% 10% 25% 38% 40% 55% 25%

Remember Sell yourself - you are unique First and last impressions do count Be positive, enthusiastic, confident and yourself Everyone gets nervous about interviews, even the panel members Treat every interview as a learning curve Confidence comes with preparation and planning - be prepared Sell yourself - you are unique

Any Questions?