Module Code CC2E01NP: Employment Skills Lecture for Week Autumn

What this session will cover Interview Skills(and Psychometric Tests)

Interview skills By the end of this session, you will: Be aware of different types of interviews Know how to prepare for an interview Be aware of how to effectively present and promote yourself in an interview Know how to use interview experience constructively Be aware of different types of psychometric tests you might encounter and how to gain practice in them.

Types of interview Telephone One to one Panel Might include a practical test Ask about the selection process beforehand

Telephone interviews Screening interview prior to face to face interview Length of time may vary –from 10 minutes to 1 hour Plan for it –no distractions; get comfortable; be aware of your voice, tone and pace.

One to one interviews May be a ‘sifting’ exercise to see if you progress to the next stage Likely to explore your CV or application form -be prepared for detailed questions

Panel interviews Common for graduate entry level jobs and in the public and not-for-profit sectors Perhaps 3 or more people All will ask questions They may have different areas of interest May be part of an “assessment centre” day

Before the interview Preparation –the organisation Research the company/organisation –do you know what they do?; what do they say about themselves? Current developments/news items/trends e.g. new contracts, takeover bids, financial and industry awards, government initiatives, economic pressures Demonstrate knowledge of the wider business and commercial context

Preparation -you Recall any learning points from previous interviews Anticipate questions based on: your application form/CV; job description; person specification; skills requirements, job and sector knowledge Think about your answers and examples you could use as evidence (script or bullet points...?) What 4 or 5 main points/strengths do you want to get across about yourself Questions you want to ask

Preparation –practical issues Interview practice (careers consultants; friends) Practice your presentation within time allocation, if applicable Re-read your CV/application form and the job details Check interview arrangements (time, place, anything you have to take along) Plan your route Plan your interview clothes

During the interview Body Language Be ready to shake hands Make eye contact with all members of the panel Smile (at appropriate points!) Seating position -try to look and feel relaxed, self- assured and alert No fidgeting! Leave a positive impression

Answering Questions Listen to questions carefully –what do they want to know/why are they asking? Take a few seconds before you answer to give yourself time to collect your thoughts If you are not clear about the question, ask for clarification Talk about your relevant skills and abilities –relate these to the job If you lose your thread, take a moment to clarify your thoughts Be aware of how long you talk for Ask if the interviewer needs additional information

Scenario Questions –STAR STAR “Tell us about a time when...” Scene/scenario –what was the situation? Tasks –what needed to be done? Action –what did you do and why? Result –what was the outcome? Plus, what you learned from the experience (You Tube –interview techniques –STAR method)

STAR questions Skill specific e.g. tell us about a time when You’ve solved a problem.... You’ve worked as part of a team.... You’ve worked under pressure.... you exceeded the expectations of a customer or colleague.)

What sort of questions can you prepare for? Tell us about yourself How would your friends describe you? Why are you interested in this job? What do you know about our organisation? What has been your biggest achievement to date? What are your main strengths? What is your greatest weakness? Where do you see yourself in 5 years time?

What sort of questions can you prepare for? (Cont.) Why should we give you this job How are you suitable for this role What relevant skills do you have for this role? What made you study for a degree in.....? What have you gained from being at university?

Do you have any questions? Are there opportunities for working in other departments/ for promotion? What training/support could I expect? What would the key objectives be in the first 6 months of the job? When will I hear about this interview? Whatever the outcome, will you give me feedback?

However…. Do not ask questions just for the sake of it Do not ask questions if you should already know the answer Do not ask about fringe benefits –that conversation can take place when you have been offered the job

After the Interview Make notes of : a) questions you were asked and your answers b) five things you did well c) three things you could have done better d) one thing you have learned from the experience which could be helpful in the future

After the Interview (cont.) Reflect –if offered, would you take the job? If not, why not? Keep all the job application materials together for future reference Give yourself a treat!

AGCAS ‟ Interview Tips Association of Graduate Careers Advisory Services Preparation is crucial Find out what skills the employer’s looking for Do some serious research on the company/organisation Be ready for questions they’re likely to ask Make a good impression

AGCAS ‟ Interview Tips (Cont.) Give yourself time to think Positive body language Expect different types of questions –technical, open, motivation, scenario Try to expand but don’t talk too much Make it easy for the selector to see that you’re right for the job

Resources “Making an Impact : the Graduate Job Interview” Careers videos on-line at: –select Careers Advice / Interview Tips –select Careers Advice / Interview Techniques You Tube –Rich Alexander Job Interview Boot camp; GraduateGame.com; Vault Video do’s and don’ts Careers Service -one to one interview practice

Psychometric tests in job and internship selection Types of tests Test based i.e. right and wrong answers -ability-verbal, numerical, diagrammatic Questionnaire based -how a person feels or thinks about something -personality –aimed at securing a good match between a person’s characteristics and a job/career area -career interests/motivation –how do I want to use my skills and abilities

Psychometric tests Different organisations will have different arrangements and different tests. So, read instructions/guidelines very carefully! Might receive an e mail inviting you to do the test –keep on top of your inbox Inform organisations if you have any special needs

Psychometric tests (Cont.) Finite period of time in which it will be available to you Practice questions A strict time limit for doing the test itself If you progress through to later stages, you may have to repeat the test at the organisation’s premises

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