Presentation on interview preparation.pt
- 2. Meaning of an interview The word interview comes from Latin and middle French words meaning to “see between” or “see each other”. Generally, an interview means a private meeting between people when questions are asked and answered. • Interview = A meeting with an objective • Employer’s objective is to find the best person for the job. • Employer: reviews candidate’s experience and abilities • Can you do the job? (skills, abilities, qualifications) • Will you do the job? (interest, attitude & motivation) • How will you fit into the organisation? (personality)
- 3. Facts of Interviewing • Interviews are the most widely used process for screening job applicants. • They provide the most direct information about a candidate’s background, personality, and skills. • The purpose of an interview is to receive the job offer.
- 4. Know Yourself • Employment objective and how it relates to the position and the employer • Educational background and how it relates to the position and the employer • Work experience • Abilities and skills Always be able to give examples!
- 5. Know the Employer • Research! Research! Research! • Prepare to demonstrate your knowledge of the profession and the company • Prepare to give reasons for your interest in working in that profession/company • Develop questions in advance to ask about the job/organization
- 6. Interview Preparation • Situational Knowledge • Where/when the interview takes place • Arrive 10 minutes early! • Physical Preparation • Get plenty of rest • Dress for success • Mental Preparation • Knowledge of company • Practice a mock interview • Written Preparation • Take extra resumes, references, etc. • Make notes • Ask questions
- 7. Preparation is the key to success • Review own skills, experiences and qualities • Check CV • Anticipate questions and identify relevant examples • Research organisation • Websites, reports, articles, company literature, etc • Contacts with knowledge of organisation or sector • Relevant articles in the press • Personal visit or telephone call • Research job and occupational area • Job description – or similar • Current issues • Prepare your questions • Practice
- 8. Types of Interviews •Basic/traditional interview •Telephone interview •Group interview •Interview during a meal or social occasion
- 9. 5 Stages of Interview Process 1. Icebreaker • Greetings • First Impressions • Small talk 2. Personal Qualifications and Interest in Position • Abilities, Skills, and Work Experience • Accomplishments and Activities • Goals
- 10. Interview Process 3. Organization and Position - Employer may test your knowledge of the company. “Why do you want to work for this company?” “What do you know about this department?” - Other general questions regarding the company or the job. “What is your geographic preference?” “Are you willing to relocate?”
- 11. Interview Process 4. Candidate Questions • Your chance to ask questions about job “What type of on the job training do you provide?” “What makes your company different from its competitors?” 5. Close and Follow-Up • Find out who makes next move • Thank the interview for their time • Evaluate your performance • Send a thank you note within 24 hours
- 12. STAR Technique •Situation – describe the situation, problem, or issue that you encountered. •Task – describe the tasks/responsibilities you took on to help solve the problem. •Action – discuss the steps you actually took to effect a solution. •Result – describe the positive results of your actions.
- 13. Tips for Successful Interviewing • Interviewing is a two-way process • Never give “yes” or “no” answers • Listen carefully and react • Use specific examples to make your case • The interview begins the minute you step onto the company • Be positive!
- 14. Tips for Successful Interviewing • Think like an employer • Don’t criticize past employers or co-workers • Be aware of illegal questions • Maintain professionalism, even if the employer does not • Be prepared for the unexpected • Be aware of body language • Be well-groomed
- 16. Watch the Body Language • First impressions are very powerful • Allow time to relax • Dress appropriately • Entrance, introductions & handshake • Smile and make eye contact • Be aware of own movements • Watch body language of interviewer
- 17. Typical Questions • About you • Tell me about yourself - Bring me up to date with your CV? • Why did you choose that particular degree programme? • What experience have you had that is relevant to this post? • What would you consider your major achievements to date? • About the job • What interests you about this job? • What do you know about this organisation? • What other options are you considering? • How do you see your career developing – 5 years? • If you were Head of Department, what would be your priorities? • General knowledge • What do you think of the Government’s policy on college fees?
- 18. Your Answers • Listen carefully, seek clarification • Illustrate answers with real examples and evidence • Be positive – constructive criticism • Keep answers specific and brief • Take time to respond • Be alert to interviewer’s body language • Speak clearly, smile and show enthusiasm • Know what you want to say, and find the opportunity
- 19. Qualities Employers Seek • Good all-round intelligence • Enthusiasm, commitment and motivation • Good communication skills • Team work ability • Ability to solve problems • Capacity to work hard • Initiative and self-reliance • Balanced personality
- 20. Your Questions • Training programmes • Career development opportunities • Types of projects & responsibilities • Reporting structure • Profile of staff • Questions about topics raised in interview • What happens next?
- 21. What creates a bad impression • Poor personal appearance • Negative attitude – evasive, using excuses • Lack of interest and enthusiasm • Lack of preparation • Poor knowledge of role • Failure to give concrete examples of skills • Over emphasis on money/rewards • Lack of career plan
- 22. After the Interview Review own performance what went well what went badly what you wished you had said prepare for next stage Invitation to second / final round interviews assessment centre psychometric testing panel interview Rejection letter / email if you can request feedback - use it
- 23. Telephone Interviews • Prepare as thoroughly as for ‘real’ interview • Select comfortable, private, quiet place • Have copy of CV and company information • Have pen and paper at hand • Prepare for usual interview questions • Practice on phone • Record answers • Try standing • Smile and use gestures • Avoid monotones • Be yourself
- 24. Other Types Of Interviews • Rotating • Like one-to-one with different interviewers • Group • 6-8 candidates • Group observed while discussing topic • Be aware of group interaction • Panel • 2-5 interviewers, or as many as 13!! • Try to identify different roles • Respond to interviewer, include others through eye contact • May involve presentation
- 26. Before The Interview • Research the potential employer • Review the job description and be able to match your experience and education with the duties of the position • Prepare a 1 to 2 minute script about yourself • Make sure you have the appropriate interview attire
- 27. Tips Regarding Attire (Men) • If possible, wear a suit to the interview • Belt and shoes should be same color • Avoid ties with elaborate patterns or too many colors • A wedding ring and/or watch is generally the only jewelry that should be worn • Head to Toe: Hair should be well groomed and shoes should be polished
- 30. Who Would You Hire?
- 31. Tips Regarding Attire (Women) • A suit or dress is preferable • Skirts should meet at the top of the knee or longer • The amount of jewelry should be minimized • Make-up should be light • Avoid perfumes and scented powders
- 34. Starting The Interview Be sure to arrive 10 to 15 minutes prior to the start of the interview Greet the interviewer with a firm handshake Maintain good eye contact and posture Make sure you are energetic and enthusiastic Speak clearly and articulate
- 35. Standard Interview Questions • Would you tell me about yourself? • What is your greatest strength? • What is your greatest weakness? • Where do you see yourself in 5 years? • What about this position do you find most appealing? • Why do you want to work for our company? • Why should we hire you?
- 36. The five most important factors interviewers considered when hiring • Work experience (36%) • First impressions of the candidate (24%) • Education (12%) • Professional qualifications (10%) • References (9%)
- 37. Ask Questions • What are your expectations of the employees in your company? • What are the strengths and weaknesses of your organization? • Describe a typical day on the job in this position. • Avoid asking questions about salary and benefits.
- 38. Graceful Exits Thank you for your time. I appreciate it. I will be looking forward to hearing from you. 38
- 39. After the Interview • Evaluate your performance • Send a thank-you note within 24 hours • Keep records of important dates and details for the follow-up
- 40. Thank You