Interview Skills, Part 3 Bryan Leslie Abacus Coaching Ltd. 14th November 2013

The Stages of the Interview Preparation Arrival - first impressions Getting you settled – “Tell me about yourself” – “Why do you want this job” – “What makes you (different and) better than other applicants” The interview: Q&A based on competencies Your presentation (if asked for) Your opportunity to ask questions

Preparation Review your experiences Know the venue and your route Know the timings Explore format and interviewees Get there early (15-30 minutes early) Dress appropriately Do your incantations Smile and practice your handshake!

First Impressions

The Interview Know the roles of the interviewers Make eye contact Breathe Wait for the question to finish Consider your answers Seek clarification if you need to Enjoy it!

Typical Competencies Adaptability Compliance Communication Conflict management Customer focus Creativity and Innovation Decisiveness Delegation External awareness Flexibility Independence Influencing Integrity Leadership Leveraging diversity Organisational awareness Resilience and tenacity Risk taking Sensitivity to others Team work

Sample Questions Leadership – Tell us about a situation where you had to get a team to improve its performance. What were the problems and how did you address them? – Describe a change where you had to drive a team through change. How did you achieve this? – Describe a situation where you needed to inspire a team. What challenges did you meet and how did you achieve your objectives? – Tell us about a situation where you faced reluctance from your team to accept the direction that you were setting. – Describe a project or situation where you had to use different leadership styles to reach your goal. – Tell me about a time when you were less successful as a leader than you would have wanted to be.

Sample Questions Communication – Tell us about a situation where your communication skills made a difference to a situation? – Describe a time when you had to win someone over, who was reluctant or unresponsive. – Describe a situation when you had to communicate a message to someone, knowing that you were right and that they were wrong and reluctant to accept your point of view. – What place does empathy play in your work? Give an example where you needed to show empathy. – Describe a situation where you had to deal with an angry customer.

What Questions Should You Ask? DO NOT MAKE YOUR FIRST QUESTION: “How much will I get paid?” or “When will I hear from you?”

What Questions Should You Ask? DO NOT MAKE YOUR FIRST QUESTION: “How much will I get paid?” or “When will I hear from you?” INSTEAD, ASK: “Is there anything I’ve said that needs further clarification?”

After The Interview “There’s no such thing as failure” “There’s only success or learning” You will always get an outcome; it may not be the one you want though If you’re not selected, don’t ask “why not?” If you are selected, do ask “why?” Give me a call or drop me an if you want coaching / support for an interview