Preparing for a Job Interview Abeer AlKhaldi Careers Development Officer

What is a Job Interview? Formal meetings to evaluate the potential in candidates and see whether they are suitable for the offered position or not. GET IT RIGHT!!

Types of Interviews: One-to-one Interview Panel Interview Competency Interview

The selectors want to know: That you CAN DO the job (Skills) That you WANT the job (Motivation) That you FIT the organization (Values)

A few practical tips: First impressions 55% on body language 38% on tone of voice 7% on what you say Talk and listen/watch 50/50 ratio, maximum 2 minutes at a time Never be afraid of a pause

Practice Interview Questions: Look for the most common interview questions . Interview questions fall under four main categories: Questions about you Questions about your work experience and knowledge Questions about why you want this job? Competency based questions.

General advice: Think about why the question has been asked Ask for clarification if necessary Answer the question with relevant and specific evidence of your achievements Keep to the point Focus on positive examples and comments.

1.Questions About You: What? “You based” Information. Why? They want to know more about you. So “MARKET YOURSELF”. EXAMPLES: Can you tell me a little bit about yourself? How would you describe yourself? Where do you want to be in five years time? What are your strengths? What are your weaknesses?

2.Questions About Your Work Experience And Knowledge: What? The interviewer is trying to find more about you. Why? To dig a little deeper and see if you posses the skills needed to DO this job EXAMPLES: How do you think you will fit into our company?

3. Questions About Why You Want This Job? What? They must like you and want to see if you like them too! Why? To see if you are serious about this job. EXAMPLES: Are you applying for any other jobs? Why do you want to work for us? What can you bring to the company?

Competency-Based Interview Questions: What? Tricky questions that will get you really thinking . Why? To see if you can back up what you’ve been saying on your CV

WHAT IS A COMPETENCY INTERVIEW? Normal interviews, won’t have a specific script to follow. Instead, the interviewer will ask questions relevant to the job. Get an overall impression about you as a person. Competency questions are following a script created by psychologist. Why?

What Competencies Are Sought After? Depending on the post you are applying for. For instance: A senior manager - Influence & Negotiate Personal assistant - Communication & Organizational Competency.

Analytical competencies: These assess: Decision-making abilities Uncover innovation Problem-solving Practical Learning Attention to details Example: Tell me about a time when you identified a new approach to a problem?

Interpersonal Competencies: These assess social competence Focuses on team work and how collaborative a candidate is. Example: Describe a situation where you got people work together?

Motivational Competencies: These assess your level of drive Examine your energy Result orientation Quality focus Example: When did you work the hardest and feel the greatest sense of achievement?

HOW DO I PREIPARE? You need to research all the likely questions around competencies related to the job you are applying for Go through your own employment and personal history and FIND EXAMPES that show you’ve got the relevant skills and abilities. USING: STAR Technique: Situation Time Action Result

Example Questions on a Competency Interview: Describe a situation in which you led a team? What has been your greatest achievement? How do you cope in hardships/difficulties?

Body Language in an Interview: Do’s: Make eye contact Use your hands Smile Mirror Don'ts: Slouch Touch your face & play with your hair Move about

Don’t Forget to Ask Your Own Questions: I’m very interested in this job and think I’d be successful here. Do you think I’m a good fit for the role? If I was offered the job what preparation could I do? What do you particularly enjoy about working for this company? Is support available for people who want to gain extra skills? I’m really impressed with your company and I’m confident I could do a great job. When can I expect to hear back from you?

Make Sure To Send A Thank You Letter: Why to send it? Plain good manners Your opportunity to leave a positive impression and once again put your name in front of other candidates. To highlight that your skills and experience are good match for this position.

Abeer AlKhaldi Careers Development Officer THANK YOU! Abeer AlKhaldi Careers Development Officer