Job Seeking Skills

Interview Skills

Going for an interview can seem about as appealing as a visit to the dentist and can bring on the same sort of nervous reactions. We are all aware that, under any economic conditions, both graduate and vacation employment interviews are a competitive business. However, with sound preparation and the right attitude, everyone can rise to the challenge and perform in a professional way in the interview. You have already created an impression with your application - now the task is to sustain it during the interview.

• Value Added Interviews
• Tips
• Some Useful Resources
• Commonly asked interview questions
• Questions to ask

Value Added Interviews

During the interview the recruiter will make three critical assessments about you:

Critical assessments	Equates to you
Can you do the job?	Selling your skills and life experiences to date
Do you want to do the job?	Selling your potential and career objectives
Will you fit into the team?	Selling yourself, your ethics, philosophies and values

Remember, the interview is a two-way communication process between yourself and the recruiting officer. An interview obviously allows the employer to assess your skills, training and experience, to clarify your application, and to see how well you express yourself. Employers are not really interested in what you think you can do but in what you can do and have done.

While the purpose of the interview is to assess your suitability for the position, it is also your right and responsibility to find out what you can about the organisation and the job, working conditions and opportunities that exist for a long term career. It is a two-way relationship that enables both parties to make an accurate decision about each other.

Tips

Whilst organizational culture and interview processes differ from place to place, the following tips will assist you:

Research the organisation before the interview
This process will help you respond to the question "What do you know about our organisation?" in a positive way. Only by having this information and relating it to the position you are seeking, can you show how you can add value to the organisation.

Make a realistic self-assessment
It is important that you have a clear understanding of your own goals and aspirations, and recognise the skills, talents and abilities which contributed to the successful completion of your degree. Anticipate the question "Why should we employ you?". Remember, this is a marketing exercise - you are the product and you need to sell yourself.

Answer questions confidently
Having researched the organisation, thought about your relevant skills and abilities and the needs and requirements of the employer, you will feel much more at ease. That is, having done some homework, you will be in a much stronger position to answer questions with confidence.

Prepare
Remember that an interview is a pressure situation and, if you remain calm, it will be assumed that will occur in the work environment. Since many interviewers will ask questions such as "What are your greatest strengths and weaknesses?" you should work out your response prior to the interview. The same applies to such questions as "What do you expect to be doing in 3 to 5 years time?".

There are no correct answers to such questions. The employer is attempting to build a picture of you, so try to project a positive but honest evaluation of yourself.

Be punctual
It is extremely important for you to double check the location, exact venue and available parking prior to the day of interview. Don't take a chance on the day, check out how long it takes you to get there. If you fail to arrive on time, the employer may well draw the conclusion that you are unreliable. The golden rule of interviews is: arrive at least 10 minutes early, so that you have time to compose yourself and your thoughts.

First impressions count
First impressions can make or break an interview. A good first impression will considerably enhance your case - a poor impression can be almost impossible to redeem. Think carefully about your appearance and presentation prior to the interview. Dress for success - clean, neat and tidy. The manner in which you dress and hold yourself makes a powerful statement about yourself. Recruiting staff look at the whole person and dress represents part of the overall pattern....if you dress untidily, it could mean that you think untidily. Try to project the image of a business-like and efficient professional. And, when meeting your interviewer, a firm handshake and friendly greeting is essential.

Use positive body language
Many recruiters place great emphasis on body language, so avoid making basic errors. Be conscious of your posture when seated and avoid nervous gestures. Try to engage the interviewer by being attentive and maintaining eye contact - if there is more than one person interviewing, remember to include them as you would in normal conversation.

Emphasise positive attributes
Project your voice clearly and speak concisely making sure that you respond to questions in positive terms, not in negatives. At all times keep the job in question closely in mind and try to demonstrate clearly those attributes you have which match the interviewerís requirements.

Look for feedback
Beware of allowing your answers to go on for too long. Watch for signs of boredom or impatience from the interviewer and keep to the point. If more detail is required, it will be sought via a further question. Remember, listening skills are important.

Use the interview to find out more about the job
During the interview you must also find out enough about the job, the organisation, its people and prospects to enable you to evaluate the opportunity as part of your overall career plan.

Leave the interview with a positive impression
Finish the interview on a positive note. Make sure the concluding questions have been answered well and remember to reserve some incisive questions of your own for these later stages. Finally, thank the interviewers for their time and give a firm handshake. Last impressions are as important as first impressions and the way you leave may well be the way you are remembered.

While most of these techniques and advice are basic common sense, by preparing thoroughly and presenting professionally, you substantially enhance your chances of winning that offer. REFLECT ON YOUR PERFORMANCE AND LEARN FROM IT.

Some Useful Resources

• Tell Me Mr Dunstone (video showing do's and don'ts of interviewing)
• Job Applications - The Winning Edge
• Getting Hired
• Excel at Interviews
• The Employable You
• Interview Skills Workshop

Commonly asked interview questions

• Why did you choose your degree?
• What did you enjoy most/least about your studies?
• Why would you like to work for this particular organisation?
• What do you expect from your first graduate job?
• Where do you wish to be in 3 to 5 years time?
• Why should we employ you?
• What are your greatest strengths and weaknesses?
• Tell us about an achievement of which you are particularly proud?
• Tell us about the responsibilities that you had in your part-time job?
• What do you think facilitates good 'teamwork' ?
• What does 'leadership' mean to you?

Click here for more possible interview questions.

Questions to ask

• What criteria will be used to assess my level of success?
• Does the company encourage further study and provide professional development opportunities?