Helen Stringer Careers Services Manager Effective interviews Helen Stringer Careers Services Manager

This session will cover: Preparation and planning Interview technique Interview fears → One size….doesn’t fit all!

Interviews…. Questions ‘Freezing’ Nerves

Research, research, research! Department’s research profile REF Familiarise yourself with dept/course structure Modules/staffing/PGRs/International University strategy Mission statement (e.g. Warwick 2015) New initiatives Wider HE landscape Prevailing issues/policy Guardian (HE & Mortarboard)/THES

Beforehand… Read all the information! Make informal enquiries Job/person spec Logistics; format Make informal enquiries Your own contacts Call the academic contact (not HR) Establish research strategy/direction Teaching …..Interested & engaged, not arrogant and pushy

Questions, questions Try to anticipate and prepare Re-visit job/person spec – any gaps? RESEARCH TEACHING ADMIN REF….? Philosophy Symposia/seminars Convergence Pedagogy Committees Collaboration New approaches Professional bodies Interdisciplinarity Courses/modules Funding?

How to answer… Listen carefully to the question Seek clarification if necessary Have evidence to support your statements Talk about personal contribution Convey your enthusiasm/interest in the role Avoid yes/no answers Don’t waffle How you distinguish yourself from the field?

Why do you want this job So: institution/department Fits with your research trajectory Pull towards, not push from Make connections Match words with tone!

Structure your answers Why do you want this job? Reinforce your suitability Address the job spec/criteria Show you have researched the position Be enthusiastic “I am the right candidate for this post as I have the relevant experience in X, have excellent skills in Y and I would be able to contribute to the development of…”

Challenging questions?

Strengths/weaknesses Don’t say you are a ‘perfectionist’ It’s cliched You may be viewed as a difficult colleague Don’t lie – if you have to create a persona to ‘match’ the job spec you won’t enjoy the job Genuine strength but steer towards job spec Weaknesses: something you are mindful of

During the interview Consider your body language Stay calm & focussed Be succinct, but willing to elaborate Try to be affable, not confrontational Avoid negative comments, criticism Maintain good eye contact (with all panel members) Remember: the interviewer is not just considering you as a future lecturer/researcher but also a colleague

Phone/Skype Prepare as you would for a face to face Act naturally and professionally Camera angle/phone connection Tech considerations (e.g. bandwith) Minimise distractions Eye contact/expression

Presentation time Or….

Presentation tips Don’t use a script Don’t talk to the laptop/whiteboard Have notes/prompts Include the audience By dynamic, not manic (go easy on the caffeine!) Timing

Positive language Try to incorporate: Aim to avoid: ... developed… ... which led to… ... implemented… ... the benefit was… … resulting in… … I’m confident I can… … I’m not sure that… … I wasn’t good at… … It was X’s fault that… … I might be able to… … I don’t know if…. ….I probably could…

The final word… In the interview, candidates stand out when they are clear, sharp, concise and focused in their answers to questions. They listen and respond - good communicators as well as being bright (Professor Jackie Labbe)