PricewaterhouseCoopers Interviews Be who you want to be Sameer Kassam Consultant

PricewaterhouseCoopers “be who you want to be” Page 2 Agenda Objectives of this session To review interview styles, tips and techniques, including: Employer Objective 1:1 Interviews – Purpose and Structure Competency Based Interview Questions Interview Tips

PricewaterhouseCoopers “be who you want to be” Page 3 Interviews - Employer Objective Employers want to gain an understanding of why you have applied to the position, what you know about it and what your level of interest is, and how close your skill set is to that required for the job

PricewaterhouseCoopers “be who you want to be” Page 4 1:1 Interviews What are they? One candidate with one interviewer An opportunity to obtain detailed information about a candidate’s background and experience Likely to include situational or behavioural style questions –Situational: poses a hypothetical situation –Behavioural: asks candidates to describe their past behaviour in a given situation

PricewaterhouseCoopers “be who you want to be” Page 5 1:1 Interviews When are they used? Towards the final stage of the recruitment process To ask specific questions about a candidate’s background and experience To assess: –demonstrated behaviours, competencies, motivation, skills and knowledge

PricewaterhouseCoopers “be who you want to be” Page 6 Basic 1:1 Interview Structure Introductory chat – ice breaker Confirming the position applied for Qualifications and work experience questions Competency-based (behavioural) interview questions Questions around motivation and cultural fit Open discussion / conclusion / questions by candidate

PricewaterhouseCoopers “be who you want to be” Page 7 Competency Based Interview Questions The most accurate predictor of future performance is past behaviour in a similar situation Candidates are asked to describe their behaviour according to: The situation in which it occurred The action they took in that situation The outcome of their actions

PricewaterhouseCoopers “be who you want to be” Page 8 Obtaining Detail - Probing Questions Can you give me an example? How were you involved? How did you react? What happened next? What was the result? What did you learn?

PricewaterhouseCoopers “be who you want to be” Page 9 During the Interview Listen – answer the questions (Situation, Action, Outcome) Pause, think, respond Be conscious of the interviewers response Ask appropriate questions

PricewaterhouseCoopers “be who you want to be” Page 10 Interview Tips Revise your application Be prepared –Research the company –Be clear on the time and location of the interview –Know who the interviewer is, including their position Demonstrate a genuine, enthusiastic approach Be able to clearly articulate your interest in the company and position you are being considered for Be comfortable discussing your experience and highlighting achievements Be honest in your responses, keep them brief and specific to the question

PricewaterhouseCoopers “be who you want to be” Page 11 Interview Tips Review examples of competency questions Be aware of body language and eye contact Personal presentation counts - dress appropriately! Turn off your mobile! Ask thoughtful, relevant questions about the company and role Thank the interviewer for their time

Be who you want to be Vacation Applications Close: 1 Sept Questions? © 2005 PricewaterhouseCoopers. All rights reserved. “PricewaterhouseCoopers” refers to the network of member firms of PricewaterhouseCoopers International Limited, each of which is a separate and independent legal entity. *connectedthinking is a trademark of PricewaterhouseCoopers.