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Interview Skills/Preparation
The document provides detailed guidance on preparing for job interviews, including researching the company, planning your journey, appropriate dress codes, and gathering necessary documents. It emphasizes the importance of body language and communication skills during the interview, as well as common interview questions and effective strategies for answering them. Additionally, it outlines tips for making a positive impression and how to address the interviewer appropriately.
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Interview Skills/Preparation
- 2. BEFORE YOUR INTERVIEW • Research the Company • Plan for the Interview • Plan your journey • Make list of questions you want to ask • Decide and prepare what your are going to wear • Gather together the information you’ll need at the interview
- 3. RESEARCH THE COMPANY If you are invited to an interview you should spend some time researching the company as this will give you confidence should you be asked any question on what the company does. It will also allow you to ask the employer questions. You could contact the company to ask for an information pack or you could look at their website.
- 4. RESEARCH THE COMPANY It’s helpful to find out the following things about the employer: • What they do, make or sell? • Who are their customers? • What sort of organisation are they? • What is the job likely to involve? • How can you best fit your skills to match the job?
- 5. PLANNING FOR THEINTERVIEW • Find out what the interview will involve to make sure you’re prepared • Contact the employer if you need them to make particular arrangements for you – for example, to help you get into the building, if you have a disability. • Find out how the long the interview is likely to last • Find out if you will have to take a test or make a presentation • Find out the dress code (if possible) but if you are not sure just make sure you look professional and presentable with fresh, ironed clothes and clean, smart shoes
- 6. PLAN YOUR JOURNEY • Find out the distance to your interview • Consider travelling to the company the day before to check how long the journey will take • Find out the bus routes or details of where you can park your car • Plan another way of getting there in case something unexpected happens
- 7. CREATE THE RIGHTIMAGE First impressions is one of the most important things! How you look and what you wear will be vital, so it is important to look professional, even if you are applying for a casual job. • Your clothes should be neat and clean • Keep your shoes in good condition • Your hair should be neatly styled • For women: makeup should be subtle • Nails should be clean, neat and of reasonable length
- 8. BEFORE YOUR INTERVIEW Male Suit Navy or Black. Belt Shirt Long sleeve, White shirt or co-ordinated with suit, with black tie. Keep it simple Shoe Smart, comfortable, shoe, preferably black. The shoe should match the colour of your suit. Dark socks. Jewellery Watch or wedding band. Earrings should not be worn and chain should not be on show. Hair Clean and neat professional look, low cut. Nails Clean and neatly trimmed.
- 9. BEFORE YOUR INTERVIEW Female Suit Navy, Black or dark grey Skirt Good length so that you are able to sit comfortably Shirt White shirt or colour co-ordinated blouse Shoe Smart, comfortable, conservative shoe, no extra high heels or high platform, no trainers or snow boots. Jewellery Not excessive. Hair Clean, neat and not brightly coloured. Make-up Light makeup, no heavy eye shadow or lip liner. Nails Neutral nail colour, good manicure and clean.
- 10. GET WHAT YOUNEED Gather together the information you’ll need at the interview • Remember to take a copy of your CV or application form to refer to and prepare notes or cue cards to help, if you think it might need a prompt during the interview. • Take items the employer has asked you to bring along - for example: references, certificates or your driving licence. • Re-read the job advert to refresh your memory and to make sure you haven’t missed anything.
- 11. BODY LANGUAGE “Havingthe best CV and all the right answers to testing interview questions won’t get you anywhere if your body language gives an entirely different message.” • Research has shown that tone of voice and body language accounts for 65% of what’s communicated, words 35%. • Body language can give away our feelings, regardless of whether we keep our mouths shut or not.
- 12. BEFORE YOUR INTERVIEW • Firm handshake - A good handshake should be vertically palm to palm, with a firm grip, while maintaining eye contact • Keep your body language open and relaxed - Closed hand movements and crossed arms give the impression of being defensive. By sitting comfortably with your back against the chair you will appear confident • Good eye contact is essential during an interview
- 13. BODY LANGUAGE PositiveBody Language: • Responsive/Eager: Leaning forward, open arms, nodding • Listening: Head tilted, constant eye contact, nodding • Attentive: Smiling Negative Body Language: • Bored: Slumped posture, foot tapping • Rejection: Arms folded, head down • Aggression: Leaning too far forward, finger pointing • Lying: Touching face, hands over mouth, eyes averted, shifting position, • Ignoring/Not Interested: Glancing around
- 14. VOICE It isimportant to project yourself confidently and clearly. Practice and try to be aware of the following: • Use a range of tones, avoid monotone • Pause before speaking • Speak slightly slower than normal • Don’t mumble or gabble excitedly • Keep your hands away from your mouth as you speak • Watch your pitch and dynamics (high-pitched voices are tough on the ears) • Let your voice show your enthusiasm and keenness
- 15. WHO TO ADDRESS • Always look at the person questioning you • Direct your answer to the questioner • Glance around to engage the whole panel Hints and Tips : • Listen to and understand what the interviewer is asking or saying to you • Don’t hurry to speak (usually out of nervousness, sometimes out of overconfidence) they won’t be able to fully hear what has been said if you rush
- 16. HOW TO ADDRESS • There is also the danger that you hear what you want to hear rather than what is actually being said • Avoid preconceptions; give the other person your full attention • Wait for them to finish what they are saying, be open-minded, not prejudiced • If you’re not sure what the interviewer means, ask for clarification; it doesn’t mean you are stupid! In fact just the opposite
- 17. HOW TO ADDRESS You want to present yourself in the best possible light throughout the interview process: • Keep to the point • Be clear • Know the appropriate jargon • Speak with confidence • Keep your answers positive • Be honest and open with replies • Give plenty of work related examples • Be enthusiastic
- 18. HOW TO EXIT Leave as smoothly and politely as possible: • Do not add any afterthoughts • Thank the Interviewer or panel for their time through the Chair • Don’t let the success of your future depend on trying to find out how you interview on the day • Take time to practice • Practice develops performance in all things; interviews are no exception
- 19. INTERVIEW QUESTIONS Anemployer will ask you a lot of different questions at an interview to find out about you and your skills. It is always best to prepare.
- 20. INTERVIEW QUESTIONS 1.Why do you want to work here? Mention the following: • The good reputation of the firm • Any other positive information you have about them - for example: their training record or their equal opportunities policy • The job will give you the opportunity to do work that interests you
- 21. INTERVIEW QUESTIONS 2.Have you done this kind of work before? • If you have, tell them the skills and experience you have and how you can use them in this job. • If you haven’t, describe other work experience that is relevant to this job or which will help you learn this job quickly. • Emphasise your interest and your enthusiasm to learn.
- 22. INTERVIEW QUESTIONS 3.What did you do in your last job/voluntary work? Describe the following things: • Skills and duties relevant to the new job • Your responsibilities • How you worked with others • If you worked with customers - say how you worked with them • How long you were there • Whether you were promoted • Responsibilities you volunteered to take on
- 23. INTERVIEW QUESTIONS 4.What kinds of equipment can you use? • Name the types of equipment you can use that are relevant to the new job • Mention any relevant qualifications or training you have had • Tell them the length of time you have used this equipment
- 24. INTERVIEW QUESTIONS 5.How long have you been out of work and how do you spend your time? Describe the following: • What you have done to look for a job • Any voluntary work you have done • Any further education, study or training you have taken part in your hobbies and leisure activities – if appropriate Try to link what you did to the skills and experience the employer is looking for.
- 25. INTERVIEW QUESTIONS 6.What makes you think you are the right person for this job? Tell the interviewer about the following: • The skills and experience you have which are relevant to the job • The personal qualities that you bring to the job
- 26. INTERVIEW QUESTIONS 7.Why have you had so many jobs? You could say the following things: • You wanted to widen your experience in different types of work or in different companies • Many of the jobs were temporary • You would rather be in work than out of work
- 27. INTERVIEW QUESTIONS 8.Why have you only had one job? You could say the following things: • You had several jobs within your last company • The job offered you the opportunity to develop • You enjoyed the work
- 28. INTERVIEW QUESTIONS 10.Why should the employer take you on? Be ready for this question and answer confidently and positively: • Describe your skills and experience and how relevant they are to this job • Tell them you are enthusiastic and willing to learn • Tell them you are hardworking, reliable and capable
- 29. INTERVIEW QUESTIONS 11.Aren’t you overqualified? Emphasise the following: • You are looking for something different • You can take as well as give instructions
- 30. INTERVIEW QUESTIONS 12.How do you get on with people? Tell the interviewer: • How you have worked as a team in the past • How you get on with people at all levels - give examples • How you have provided good customer service, if this is relevant - give examples
- 31. INTERVIEW QUESTIONS 9.What makes a good team member? Describe the skills needed, for example: • Good communication skills • Flexibility • The ability to adapt to change • The ability to cooperate with other people • Having a good sense of humour • Give examples of how you showed these in previous work situations or leisure activities
- 32. INTERVIEW QUESTIONS 10.How do you cope with pressure? • Describe pressures in previous jobs/school/college using a recent example - such as: how you coped with a deadline that had been brought forward or how you completed a rush order or dealt with staff shortages
- 33. INTERVIEW QUESTIONS 11.What are your strengths and weaknesses? • Strengths: They may want to emphasise particular skills relevant to the job by giving examples • Weaknesses: start by describing parts of your last job which you found difficult and then explain how you overcame these difficulties or be brief but honest - for example: ‘I can sometimes be a little too enthusiastic’
- 34. INTERVIEW QUESTIONS 12.What would you like to be doing in five years’ time? • Explain that you would ideally like to be working for the same company but to have developed within it. 13. When would you be available to start? • As soon as possible. Do not put any barriers in the way.
- 35. INTERVIEW QUESTIONS 14.Do you have any questions? One or two of these may be appropriate: • Do you offer on-going training and development? • What will my first job be? • How soon will I hear the result of my application? • Does the company carry out performance reviews and how often?
- 36. PREPARATION FOR INTERVIEW Task 1 List 10 questions that you might be asked in an interview situation? Include questions about the job ,working conditions, candidate.
- 37. PREPARATION FOR INTERVIEW Task 2 Write you answer to these questions in exactly the way you would say the answer.
- 38. MOCK INTERVIEW QUESTIONS Why do you feel you are the best person for this job? Answer Feedback What skills would you bring to this company? Answer Feedback Give me an example of when you have worked as part of a team? Answer Feedback
- 39. MOCK INTERVIEW QUESTIONS Give me an example of when you have been trusted to do something? Answer Feedback What do you believe makes you a good team player? Answer Feedback
- 40. MOCK INTERVIEW QUESTIONS Get someone to ask you some interview questions and then ask yourself these questions • How did it feel? • How did you think you performed? • Did you fulfil your aims and objectives of the interview? (if no, what?) • What point(s) do you need to develop? (if applicable)
- 41. ARE YOU READY • Think of 3 ways in which you would be able to find out information about the company • What 5 questions could you ask at interview? • What information would you need to take with you for the interview? • When you have arrived at the interview who would notify that you are there? • Why is it important to arrive at least 15 minutes before your interview? • What should you do in those 15 minutes before the interview?
- 42. FOR MORE INFORMATION, ADVICE AND GUIDANCE For more information about how we can help you apply and prepare for interviews please: Call: 0121 707 0550 E-mail: info@apprenticeshiprecruitment.co.uk