Preparing for interviews

2. Preparing for interviews Janice Simpson Senior Careers Adviser

3. By the end of this session you should be able to: Appreciate why employers use interviews Identify the types of interviews used by employers Understand what selectors are looking for and how interview performance is assessed Know how to prepare for interviews Handle the interview situation effectively Learning Outcomes

4. A two-way process A conversation with a purpose Why use interviews ?

5. Can you do the job ? Qualifications, experience, skills, aptitudes Will you fit in ? Personality, manner, flexibility Do you show motivation for the job ? Attitude, approach, knowledge, general impressions Do you live up to your application form/CV ? The Interviewer’s Agenda

6. To demonstrate that you are capable of doing the job Qualifications, experience, confidence To work out whether you will enjoy working for the organisation ? Future colleagues/managers, environment, equipment To find out whether you will enjoy the work What will you actually be doing ? Your Agenda

7. One-to-one Panel Group Assessment centre First/second Phone/ Skype Interview formats

8. Advantages Can have notes/prompts and copy of application in front of you Own environment Don’t need to worry about getting there etc. Skype: can use body language Disadvantages Can’t see the interviewer – no cues They can’t see you – can’t rely on body language and facial expressions Your voice is your only means of expression Skype: need to consider background and clothes Telephone/Skype Interviews

9. Competency based CV/application form based Case study Technical/subject based Strength based Pressure Types of Interviews

10. Competency based interviews • Competency= what the company believes to be • important and useful in order to be successful in • the role • Need to demonstrate you have the competencies • the employer is looking for • Use situational examples and highlight • transferable skills

11. Common competencies • Positive attitude • Communication • Flexibility • Creativity • Enterprising/ innovative • Problem solving • Team work • Influencing • Organisational • Analytical • Numeracy • IT • Commercial Awareness • Motivation • Committed to self-development

12. Leadership Tell us about a time when you have demonstrated leadership skills while working as part of a team. How did you identify the needs of your group ? How did you address these needs to achieve success ? Problem solving Give an example of a situation where you have come up with a creative and practical solution to a complex problem Examples of Competency Based Questions

13. Tackling questions –think CAR Context Situation and tasks, what/where/when/with whom? Action what did you do? Result What happened? what outcome? Also: STAR (situation/task/action/result)

14. Typically used for scientific, IT or other technical positions Questions relate to the technical knowledge/skills required to do the job/project Could also include practical or written tasks relating to technical knowledge Technical Interviews

15. Common in some sectors, e.g. management consultancy, finance, law… Typically involves analysis of a business problem Aim: To see if you would be suited to and enjoy the work Evaluated on: Your analytical and problem solving skills Your identification of key issues How you develop your thinking How you respond and stand up to questioning www.caseinterview.com Case Study Interview

16. Strength based interviews • Strength = Something you are good at and enjoy doing • Format aims to get the best out of candidates and avoid formulaic responses • Seeking genuine energy, enthusiasm and passion; Body language and verbal expression are important • Lots of questions, fast-paced, need to be able to think on your feet • How does it feel when you are out of your comfort zone ? • What’s the best thing that’s happened to you in the last 2 weeks ?

17. Preparation is key!

18. What steps would you take to prepare for an interview ? Work with a partner to prioritise 3 actions from those suggested (feel free to add your own) Preparation

19. Why this career/type of job? Re-read your application and be prepared to discuss it Ensure you can give examples for each skill and attribute that the employer is seeking Know your strengths and weaknesses, achievements and disappointments Be prepared to talk about these in a positive manner Disclosure? Preparation - know yourself

20. Research the organisation/sector What do they do/make ? Size/locations How is their business doing ? What political or market issues face them ? Where do they sit within the general sector ? Who are their main competitors ? What is the organisational culture ? Preparation – company knowledge

21. www.prospects.ac.uk/industries.htm - for industry information Company literature/website Sector journals and publications, broad sheet newspapers/websites Professional bodies’ websites Personal contacts / Graduate Profiles Google, LinkedIn, Twitter Online directories Finance related: www.vault.com www.efinancialcareers.com Information Resources

22. Expect the obvious ! Many interview questions are predictable …. Warm-up questions – about why you have applied and your knowledge of the job/project/organisation/sector Academic background – skills, knowledge About you – your strengths, skills, personal qualities, areas for development, interests Competency based Challenges – weaknesses, ‘awkward questions’ Scenario questions Interview Preparation

23. Clarify questions if unsure Ask for a repeat of question or moment to think if needed Stay focused - take care with length of answer Be positive ! Give specific examples Avoid yes/no responses Let them see the ‘real you’ Answering Questions - Strategies

24. Think about dress and appearance Follow the interviewer’s guidance (eg handshake, taking a seat…) Be polite, friendly and enthusiastic Moderate tone of voice Body language Firm handshake (if offered) Make eye contact Smile ! Active listening Posture Eliminate irritating habits… Remember: First impressions count

25. Make sure the answers haven’t been provided in the job description or during the interview Suggestions: Clarification of aspects of role (typical projects, variety of work, responsibilities) Career development opportunities Training Performance assessment Future developments Ask your interviewer about their experiences of the organisation – work culture, what they enjoy etc Asking Questions

27. Other assessmentmethods

28. Group activities Discussion Exercises (role play, case study) Problem solving tasks Presentations In-tray/e-tray exercises Psychometric tests Written exercises (eg evaluation and recommendation, analysis of data, summarising technical information) Work simulation tasks Assessment Centres

31. http://careers.guardian.co.uk

32. Your personalised Careers account Access the Interactive Careers Service to: • Search hundreds of graduate vacancies • Receive alerts for sectors that interest you • Keep updated on part-time, internship and volunteering opportunities • Get involved with enterprise activities • Access a wide range of careers events • Book appointments www.york.ac.uk/careers/myprofile

33. Help available from Careerswww.york.ac.uk/careers • Careers Advice appointments to discuss preparation for interview • CV/application form appointments • Information appointments • Practice interviews subject to availability

34. Any Questions?

35. Tell us what you want… If you have feedback on this session, any of our services, or ideas for future activities, please email: careers@york.ac.uk