| Purpose of Interview
The crucial step in gauging whether a job and the organisation will suit your career aspirations is the initial face to face interview. It is here where you should gather as much information about the position and the company in order to make the correct informed decision about your future.
Below are a few tips and hints to try and help you gather as much information as possible, and to structure the interview in a way that benefits both the interviewer and yourself. Prepare yourself:
Before you agree to an interview you should look at the company and its direction and services to better determine if it's the right move for you.
Research:
1. Research the company including simple things like the location, closeness to amenities is there public
2. transport access if needed? Is there parking?
3. What is the performance of the company in relation to others in the sector? What is the likely growth?
4. Do they have career development programs / additional training?
5. Is it the right fit for your skills set and background?
6. Is the cultural fit/company ethos right?
Interview: Interviewer(s) are always impressed by candidates that take the time to research and organise their own questions on the company, the position and how it can affect their career. The questions should go both ways. Try and keep the questions open ended, that way the conversation will flow more easily. Make sure you are prepared by knowing the exact place get the right office (many companies have a number of project offices!) and confirm this with your consultant. Be on time and confirm your interviewer(s) name and correct pronunciation. Always actively listen.
1. Body Language We respond to a number of visual and auditory signals. These are usually the more subtle components of an interview, but can become apparent if we are nervous or don't control them. Your posture and movement can mirror confidence and should be practiced for greatest control. Eye contact is most important throughout an entire interview; they will be looking for it! Don't be afraid to smile it's a natural relaxing expression.
2. Vocal Communication Learn to control your voice. The volume, pitch and inflection are all important in your interaction with the interviewer(s). Stay away from slang but don't be afraid to use industry jargon. Have a clear and confident voice at all times.
3. Appearance Interviews are professional meetings and you should dress accordingly. Your consultant should know what is appropriate but it's always better to over dress than underdress. For men, a shirt and tie is recommended.
4. Punctuality Be on time, slightly early but no more than ten minutes. If for some reason you are late then make sure you have the number of the office you are going to, in order to advise them that you are running late.
5. Attitude The interview starts as soon as the interviewer(s) meet you. That is the way you meet and greet them; your body posture, appearance and voice are all being assessed from the start. Be confident and smile and remember - they asked to see you.
6. First Impression This is perhaps the most crucial part of the interview. It is used to establish the rapport between yourself and the interviewer(s) and all the preparation you do before hand will certainly help create a positive and relaxed atmosphere from the start. All the background work will help make you more comfortable in yourself and that will be reflected by the interviewer(s) even without his/her knowing. Greet the interviewer(s) by their surname and make sure you look them in the eye when shaking their hand firmly. Always maintain eye contact when speaking with someone.
7. During the Interview It is beneficial if you can to get the interviewer(s) to explain as much about the position early in the interview so you can relate your answers to their questions to your experience and background.
7.1 Try not to answer questions with just a yes or no unless appropriate. Your answers should be structured, factual and relayed in a sincere manner. The way you answer the questions is the way you sell you skills and abilities.
7.2 Do not make derogatory remarks about former companies or employers and try to steer clear of political stances.
7.3 Treat the interviewer(s) with respect, never lie but also do not give out unnecessary information.
7.4 If they ask about salary packages try to steer the question toward your Technical Resources consultant. By using a third party to negotiate on your behalf you will not feel pressured to commit to a package you are not happy with. Your Technical Resources consultant should however give you some kind of an indication on the market range so that if you feel you need to give some indication, you can give a range.
7.5 Remember always conduct yourself as if you are determined to get the job you are discussing. Never close the door on opportunity. It is better to be in a position where you can choose from a number of jobs rather than only one.
7.6 If they ask to bring another colleague in to have a chat, don't be anxious. It's a good thing that there are others that are interested in your capabilities and it shows good character for you to be able to handle an impromptu event.
7.7 See Appendix A for some tips on types of questions that may be asked, and good questions for you to ask in return.
8. Closing the interview It is important to stay positive from the start to the end of the interview. Even if you decide that the position or the organisation is not for you, remain interested and fully focused to the end. You never know what might happen down the line. Never burn bridges. An interviewer who is genuinely interested in you may seem to discourage you in order to test your reaction, so it is important that you remain positive and smile. Try and make sure you have all the answers you need to make a fully informed decision if an offer is made. Exit by shaking everyone's hand, looking them in the eye and thanking them for their time.
9. Post Interview Always call your consultant straight after the interview. It is important to brief the consultant on how things went as if they proceed to the negotiation stage, as much information on how the interview went will be needed. Do not worry if no offer is made, it is normal for the company's representatives to discuss options before talking with the consultant. They may be interviewing other candidates also.
Be aware of the types of questions you may be asked:
- What kind of job are you looking for?
- What was it about this position that interested you?
- What are your strengths? Your weaknesses?
- What are your short term and long term goals?
- What is your career objective?
- What do you see yourself doing in five years from now?
- What do you believe you are really good at?
- What do you believe you are not good at?
- What have you done about addressing them?
- What do you know about our company?
- Why would you like to work for our organisation?
- What do you think will be your main contributions to this position/organisation?
- Why did you choose your particular career?
- Tell me about a time when you demonstrated leadership/negotiation/teamwork skills.
- What have you done that shows initiative in your career?
- What have you learned from some of the jobs you have held?
- What are your qualifications?
- Can we reference check with previous employers?
- Are you willing to relocate?
Some Questions you can ask.
- Can you give me a detailed description of the position?
- Why has the position become available?
- What are the induction, anticipated induction and training programs for the position?
- Are advanced training courses available for those who demonstrate outstanding ability?
- Please explain the company growth plans
- What is the company culture?
- What are the future expectations of this position?
Behavioural interviewing questions: The behaviourally-based interview is entirely focused on an applicant's previous job "behaviours" in a similar position. These are the typical questions you can be asked in a behavioural interview: 1. Describe to me a time when you had to plan an event. What steps did you take? What were the results? 2. Could you tell me about a time when you were really busy with study or work or other commitments? How did you handle it? What did you do? 3. Have you ever been in a position where you were organising/managing something and had others helping you? How did you delegate? What happened? 4. Tell me about any people orientated or customer service roles you have held? How did you feel? How did they respond? 5. Were you ever involved in a group project and a problem arose? What caused the problem? How did you approach it? How was it solved? 6. Tell me about a time when you've worked closely with someone at a higher or lower level? Describe the situation? What was the outcome? 7. What was the most difficult work or university problem you ever faced? How did you address the problem? What were the results? 8. Tell me about a time when you had to apply some newly acquired knowledge or skill? 9. Describe a situation when you had to turn to someone for help. To whom did you turn to? What happened? 10. Tell me about a time when you had to break away from the crowd and instigate doing something different. What did you do? What was the result? 11. Describe a time when you had to assimilate a lot of new knowledge and apply it? How did you apply the knowledge? 12. Tell me about a time when someone misunderstood something you said. How did you make yourself clear? What was the outcome? 13. Tell me about a time when a friend sought you out as a confidant. What skills did you utilise in this role? How could you apply these skills in the work place? 14. Describe a situation where you kept persevering with a task even though everyone else had given up? Why did you keep going? What was the result? 15. Have you ever done any work in a customer orientated or community service organisation? What did you do? What was the outcome? |
