Interview Preparation

[Badshah Mamun]

Interview Preparation

An invitation for an interview shows that, on paper, you are the right person required by the organisation for the vacant position. In fact, it is estimated that 80% of candidates are rejected at the application stage so you are really more than three quarters of the way towards getting the job!

Larger organisations will have interviewers who are often personnel professionals, or who are trained and experienced interviewers, so expect the interview to be very structured to obtain the maximum from you. In smaller firms you are more likely to be interviewed by a partner who may not be a trained interviewer. If you are confronted by a 'bad' interviewer you will have to work hard to use the questions as a means of conveying the points you wish to make. It can be a good idea to try to steer the conversation towards the topics you have particular strengths in, highlighting your good points.

There are several different types of interview/questioning techniques: -

    The straightforward chronological interview, where you are asked questions around your CV / Application form
    Criterion referenced interviews, where you will be asked to give examples of how you meet their criteria e.g., examples of teamwork, negotiating, leadership
    The off-the-wall questions where you might be asked some bizarre questions. This is to see if you can think on the spot and how creative/logical you are.
    The pressurised interview where your views will be challenged (or even ridiculed) and you might feel like you are being goaded into an argument. If this happens to you do not lose your cool, it is to test how you react under extreme pressure and to see if you can hold your own without starting a fight or being reduced to tears.

Preparation is essential if you want to do well. Have a look at the checklist:

Stage 1 - Preparation

    Re-read your resume.
    Prepare questions to ask and to be asked
    Work out clothes to wear
    Rehearse interview
    Anticipate the obvious questions during the interview
    Work out a strategy for dealing with stress
    Read vacancy details, employer's literature - what they are and what they want
    Know where the interview will take place

Stage 2 - First Impressions Count

    Arrive in good time
    Make a good entrance
    Body language - handshake, posture, eye contact
    Smile

Stage 3 - The Interview

    Be yourself
    Be honest
    Be prepared to talk - but not too much
    Don't be afraid to ask for clarification
    Illustrate your answers with examples
    Be ready to sell yourself
    Be interesting

Stage 4 - The Final Stage

    Know when the interview is over - read employer's body language
    Thank him/her for his/her time
    Learn from the experience - ask for feedback if necessary

Questions You May Wish To Ask

The Organisation

    Major current projects
    Future developments

Work

    What you would be doing
    How long for
    Typical projects/timescales
    Variety of work

Training

    Training offered/possible
    Help with professional qualifications

Colleagues

    Who would you work with?

Location

    Where would you be based?
    How much travel/mobility

Prospects/Salary

    Likely progression
    Where are previous graduates

General Way of Life

    Accommodation, amenities, limits on free time etc

Questions You Can Prepare For

    Tell us about yourself
    Why did you choose your degree and what have you gained from it?
    What has been your most important achievement in life so far? Why?
    What are your strengths and weaknesses?
    Why have you applied for this job?
    What do you have to offer us?
    What are the current issues in this sector of work?
    What experience do you have of working in a team and what role did you play in that team?
    Describe a project you have successfully completed.
    How would your friends describe you?
    Describe a situation you have found difficult. How did you overcome it?
    What questions would you like to ask us?


If you would like help with interviews come to the Careers Service to talk to an adviser. We have a video available called, "Why Ask Me That?" which shows you how to do well at interviews. We also have a range of books on interview techniques for you to look at.

Source: http://www.timesjobs.com/candidate/careerresources/htmls/interviewpreparing.jsp