1. Royal Air Force Careers Interview Skills

2. Objectives Preparing for an Interview Interview Skills
Last Impressions
Potential Interview Questions
Summary

3. What is an Interview?
A somewhat formal discussion between a hirer and an applicant or candidate, typically in person, in which information is exchanged, with the intention of establishing the applicant's suitability for a position.

4. Preparation Do your homework Job description, specification & advert
Essential criteria
List skills and qualities needed
Relate these to your experiences
Know your own CV/portfolio
Learn about the company/organisation
Company website (and related sector/organisations)
Social media
Newspapers, magazines etc.
Speak to people within the company
Leaflets, brochures etc.
Find out about the interview
Will you be given a tour?
Will you have to give a presentation?
Will you have to sit a test (written/practical)?

5. Preparation (cont) Think about the questions you might be asked
Related to the role
Think of personal examples
Experiences you have demonstrated skills/qualities
Prepare and practice answers/presentation
Think of questions you would like answered
Route Planning
Know where you are going
How are you going to get there?
How long will it take you?
Practice run (if required)
Day of the interview
Make sure you are rested
Get up early and make sure you are awake
Dress smartly and/or appropriately
Confirm you know your route
Arrive 5 – 15 minutes early
DON’T BE LATE

6. Interview – What You Should Do
Introduce yourself (reception)
Pause – thinking time
Introduce yourself to interviewer
Ask to repeat or rephrase
Shake hands firmly (eye contact)
Speak clearly
Smile (appropriately)
Remain calm
Maintain eye contact (interviewer)
Sell yourself
Wait to be offered a seat
Ask questions
Maintain good posture
Act naturally
Maintain good body language
Be confident – stay positive
Listen to what is being asked
Show interest & enthusiasm
Try to answer questions
Demonstrate you want the job

7. Interview – What You Shouldn’t Do
Be late
Talk over interviewer
Dress inappropriately
Put your hands on the desk
Fail to introduce yourself
Fidget or play with pen/tie/coins etc.
Be moody or grumpy
Be a know-it-all
Shy away from eye contact
Answer Yes or No
Slouch
Emphasise weaknesses
Smoke
Criticise former employers/colleagues
Swear
Draw attention to negative attributes
Put your feet up
Discuss personal issues
Chew gum
Do not tell lies

8. Personal & Professional Qualities
Communication Skills
Organisational skills
Appropriately confident
Completer finisher
Listening
Courage
Co-operative
Connected
Teamwork
Respect
Practical skills
Accredited
Leadership
Sense of humour
Influencer
Positive thinker
Hardworking/work ethic
Good attitude
Customer focused
Realistic
Calm under pressure
Robust
Business aware
Trained
Motivated/motivator
Enjoy a challenge
Flexible
Networked
Self-starting
Trustworthy
Creative
Appropriate appearance
Shows initiative
Caring/empathy
Uses initiative
Achiever
Good listener
Loyal
Self-aware
Enthusiastic
Qualified
Supportive
Strategic thinker
Managerial
Experienced
Punctual
Rounded
Objective
Planner
Honest/integrity
Thinks outside the box
Persistent
Reliable
Polite
Committed
Enjoys a challenging

9. End of Interview - Last Impression
Ask any job related questions you have prepared/thought of
Ask how you will be contacted and when with a decision
Confirm contact details (if required)
If offered the job immediately - discuss salary/benefits/hours
Thank the person for the interview – parting shot
Send the interviewer a thank-you letter or
Don’t be frightened to call if you haven’t heard anything
Ask for feedback if rejected

10. Possible Interview Topics
Personal history & background
Educational record
Employment history
Spare time activities
Personal qualities
Personal achievements/experiences
Evidence of achievements/experiences
Motivation
How others see you
Knowledge of organisation & job

11. Possible Interview Questions
What do you know about job/company/sector?
What have you done to prepare for this interview?
How would you or others describe you?
What is the biggest problem you have had to overcome?
What are your strengths & weaknesses?
What is the toughest decision you have had to make?
What are your career goals?
Examples of teamwork, leadership, flexibility, initiative, diversity
Tell me about a situation when….
Tell me about a time when….
Give me an example of….
Describe an occasion when….
Why should we employ you?

12. Interview Questions
Exercise

13. How are you Assessed? 7%
10%
25%
38%
40%
55%
25%

14. Remember Sell yourself - you are unique
First and last impressions do count
Be positive, enthusiastic, confident and yourself
Everyone gets nervous about interviews, even the panel members
Treat every interview as a learning curve
Confidence comes with preparation and planning - be prepared
Sell yourself - you are unique

15. Any Questions?