PowerPoint Presentation
Professional Practice
Interviews 2015
https://www.santanderuniversities.co.uk/enterprise/win/big-ideas?t=1446467115
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Aims
Understand the different types of interviews
Know what to expect at interview
Know how to present yourself in an interview
Be better prepared!
First impressions count
Interview Dress
Body Language
Posture
55% visual, 38% tone of voice….7%what you say!
First impressions count
Be nervous
Breathe
Go slowly
Don’t fiddle with something!
Don’t worry too much if you make a mistake
Remember interviews are a two way process
Prepare!
Preparation
Study the criteria
Practice Questions
Research the organisation in depth, look beyond their website
Commercial awareness- current affairs
Types of Interview
Traditional Interviews
Discussion with a purpose
Based around CV and Application
Explain and expand on what you have written
Don’t be afraid to enter into a discussion
Types of Interview
Panel Interview
Two or more people
Mixture of HR/Personnel specialists, technical, line manager
Often fairer
Popular in the public sector
Types of Interview
Technical Interview
High proportion of technical questions
Questions about degree course
Practical tests
Still looking for other “soft” skills
Types of Interview
Telephone or Video
Usually pre-arranged – sometimes an idea of what you will be asked
35 minutes to an hour
Can be at any stage of the application process
Corus – BT – Exxon Mobile – HBOS – Sainsbury’s– Centrica – Standard Life….
Types of Interview
Assessment Centres
Variety of activities
Psychometric tests
Individual interview
More chance to show off your skills
Learn more about the company
Remember you are still being watched at meal times!
PG courses – eg PGCE, Masters ….
Motivation
Career path?
Academic achievement so far
Knowledge of the “sector”
What else can you offer?
Competency Questions
A structured question around a certain competency
Predict!
Relationship building, Analytical thinking, Persuasion , Influencing, Teamwork, Clear communication, Problem solving, Time management , Creativity, Commercial Awareness
STAR Technique
Competency-based questions
Situation
Task
Action
Result
Use a range of examples
Examples from
Course
Part Time Work
Work Placements
Volunteering
Leisure
Questions about yourself and course
Brand ‘you’ – what can you offer
Skills you can bring to the company
The Job
Why this job?
Career development
Other Questions to Prepare For
Difficult Questions
What is your biggest weakness?
Try not to be cliché, give an example which can be a strength or one you have overcome.
Which Disney character would you be if you had to pick one?
Know the Industry
Why them?
Size of company – pros and cons
Main competitors (but don’t criticize the opposition!)
Challenges facing the industry
Questions To Ask
Ask what you genuinely want to know
Write them down
Ask about the work itself, training and career development: not about holidays, pensions, and season ticket loans.
Leave a positive end impression
Questions To Ask
What challenges would you say the organisation is currently facing?
What sort of new initiatives/projects are the team are working on?
What training and development opportunities are there within the company?
Finally….
You are selling yourself and your skills to the employer. Every good sales rep is enthusiastic about the product, persuasive about the benefits of the product and knows the product inside out.
Resources
www.uolcareers.co.uk select: Students and Graduates
www.prospects.ac.uk select Jobs and Work Experience menu – Applications, CVs and Interviews
www.targetjobs.co.uk – Careers Advice on toolbar – Interview Techniques; Assessment Centres; Choosing an Employer (make time for employer research)
Jobsite www.jobsite.co.uk/bemyinterviewer
Glassdoor www.glassdoor.co.uk
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