INTERVIEW SKILLS

An Introduction

Types of Interview
1-2-1 Face to Face (2nd person may observe and score answers)
Telephone (Often used as initial pre-interview sift)
Panel (3 or more interviewers)
Assessment Centre (group activity followed by 1-2-1 interview- looking
for communication skills, contribution, relationship building, team work)
Informal Interview (may be held off-site and seem easy-going BUT it is
an interview and all rules apply)

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SITUATIONAL - COMPETENCY BASED

PROVIDE EXAMPLES
S.T.A.R. Technique

Situation what was the situation/task/problem

Task what task(s) did you undertake
Activity what did you do, how did you do it (balanced reasoning?)
Result outcome (quantify, include evaluation, lessons learned?)

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BE PREPARED
Fail to Prepare, Prepare to

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 Thorough preparation improves confidence and reduces nerves

Dont be late, know exactly where location is and how you will get
there arrive 10 minutes early (company phone number?)
Research company, job role, industry, competitors (know the
difference?)
Dress Suitably, no heavy cologne/perfume
Need to take paperwork (I.D., Certificates) - Gather the night before
Leave home in interview mode and stay in the role
Switch off mobile phone before entering building
Caption in Arial 12pt and only one line
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Research Company, sector and Job Role

What does company pride itself on?
What are the companys core values?
How does this company differ from others within sector?
Use search engine interview questions companyXYZ

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DO
Practice/rehearse possible Q+As
Know your CV inside-out (you will be tested)
Look + speak with confidence (use concise answers)
Look directly at interviewer, smile (engage interviewer not your notes)
Show Passion (Genuine interest) for sector and role
Be Positive concentrate on positives and quantify where you can
Give specific answers- what you did, how, why and result (STAR)
Tell them about yourself (but keep it business-like) Recruiter wants to
know what qualities you have which improve your Fit within company
team
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DONT
Expect to know all the answers be honest and advise your best guess
is(shows your problem-solving skills, thought processes, reaction
under pressure, how you handle the unknown)
Worry about lack of experience THEY KNOW THAT ALREADY.
Interviewer is looking for reasons to employ you so SELL your
personality, emphasise your soft-skills and your ability to learn/adapt.
Give long-winded answers be concise, business-like.
Worry if asked about weaknesses. We all have them! Admitting a
weakness shows self-awareness (your interviewer wants to know how
you cope/tackle/overcome your weakness).
Be NEGATIVE

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DECIDING FACTORS
Many applicants have your qualifications/experience, So Why
Hire You?

What Makes You Stand Out?

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Deciding Factors. Best Fit

Everything you say on your CV and at interview should reinforce why
YOU fit the position
Sell your personality, emphasise your soft-skills and your ability to
learn/adapt.

Employers want people who FIT in with their

Company values
Company culture
Current team

Best Fit means you will perform better, you are more likely to stay with
them And you are more likely to enjoy working with them!

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Closing interview. Any Questions? (Examples)

How do you support staff in their training and development?
How can I best support the company in this role?
What would a typical day look like?
How is the company planning to handle(market changes, online
competition, increasing its market share)
From the answers Ive given, is there anything you would like me to
clarify/cover in more detail?
When/how will I be notified of any next steps?
If you have been treated well at interview- Say so, and thank the
interviewer for giving you the opportunity.
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General
Every question is posed for a reason you are given the opportunity to
provide answers which tick another box in a list of reasons to hire you...
Teamwork
Co-operative
Flexible to business/customer needs
Adaptable
Willing/able to learn and adopt company methods
How you react/perform under pressure
How you engage people (customers/colleagues)
Professionalism
Understanding of company/business needs
NEVER criticise former employers/managers

Be GENUINE, Be YOURSELF
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And Finally

ENGAGE your interviewer - Conversation should flow naturally.

Customer facing roles show you can hold an engaging conversation.
USE the I word SELL yourself, this is not the time to be shy.

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