1. Preparing for a Job Interview
Abeer AlKhaldi
Careers Development Officer

2. 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!!

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

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

5. 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

6. 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.

7. 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.

8. 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?

9. 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?

10. 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?

11. 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

12. 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?

13. 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.

14. 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?

15. 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?

16. 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?

17. 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

18. 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?

19. 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

20. 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?

21. 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.

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