Prepare for Interview
Read the job description again carefully. You need to prove you possess the necessary attributes and skills.
Practice interviews with a friend, a careers adviser or use the practice interviews, a video facility. The more preparation you do beforehand, the less nervous you'll feel on the day.
Agendas
Interviews are business meetings and each of the participants has his or her agenda.
Interviewer's Agenda
To get a clear picture of your experience and strengths (and any weaknesses).
To define accurately your usefulness against the company's needs.
To evaluate you against others with similar backgrounds.
Your Agenda
To present your abilities and work experience in the most relevant manner to get the company excited about the possibility of employing you.
To assess the company vis-à-vis your own needs.
The first interview will normally be one-to-one, or a small panel interview which could last for up to 35 minutes.
Four step approach for success
1. Focus on the job
Read the original advertisement / job description and find out what the position entails. What do you know about the company?
How many does it employ?
Read the company brochure, company website and/ or annual report carefully.
2. Establish the ideal candidate
Work out a list of qualities or skills the interviewer will be looking for. For example, self-motivation, teamwork, flexibility, coping with stress and dealing with the public may vary in importance for each job.
3. Plan your interview
You must be able to answer the list of requirements, with examples drawn from your own experiences.
When you have prepared examples for all the requirements you will have a good idea of what you have to offer the company and what the interviewer will be interested in hearing about.
If you have a disability and you need practical help (getting to the interview or maybe a sign-language interpreter) it is a good idea to get in touch with the employer before the interview, if you have not already disclosed your disability. The employer will appreciate you getting in touch and you'll be more relaxed on the day. Even if you don't need help some people find it easier to address their disability in writing whereas others prefer to talk to someone face-to-face. Where a disability is not obvious some applicants might choose not to disclose their disability until they are sent for a medical examination. Consult the available resources and talk to your Career Adviser for advice on disclosure but remember it is your decision.
4. Practice
Role-play a practice interview with a friend. Get them to give you feedback
What does your body language say?
Are you giving coherent and relevant answers?
Practice talking aloud to yourself in front of a mirror .
The Careers Service arranges practice interviews, on a one-to-one basis with a careers adviser or on video.
Golden rules for answering questions
Reply to the question that is asked, not the one you might like to answer - in other words, listen.
Always be positive. Even when things have gone badly for you, try to think positively about what you have learned from the experience.
Promote your strengths - leave others to identify weaknesses.
Remember you should not be asked, nor are you required to answer, any questions regarding: race, ancestry, political beliefs, religion, marital status, family status, physical or mental disability, sexual orientation, membership of the traveler community or age.
Maintain eye contact with the interviewer.
Be ready to recognise simple questions calling for a brief answer.
Be prepared to expand on something, which seems to interest the interviewer. Cut short descriptions when they are clearly not so interested.
Mature candidates should avoid the trap of appearing to want to draw a line on previous experience and starting afresh - your time spent in the workplace already, whatever the level of responsibility, is an asset and an area where you can 'shine' above conventional new graduates.
Ask for clarification - don't pretend to know something that you do not or try to answer a question you have not understood.
Speak clearly but not too fast.
If the employer knows about your ill health/disability present yourself in a positive manner. Highlight your achievements to date and show how you have gained unique yet transferable skills from the experiences and challenges you met. Demonstrate how your disability has not limited your academic or work performance and personal achievements. Don't allow the focus of the interview to be your disability, and do not use the interview as an opportunity to air past grievances. Remember employers want candidates who are positive and enthusiastic. You can make suggestions to the interviewer regarding adjustments you would need to have made - do this as employers are aware of their need to address this agenda.
Try to avoid mannerisms - don't fidget.
Be enthusiastic, but most of all be yourself.
At the end of the interview you will have a chance to ask questions. Have one ready.
Give yourself time before the interview
If the interview is being held at the company's premises, make sure you know the address and that you have checked out the transport situation. Ensure that you arrive on time.
viernes, 10 de octubre de 2008
Types of interviews
The Screening Interview
Your first interview with a particular employer will often be the screening interview. This is usually an interview with someone in human resources. It may take place in person or on the telephone. He or she will have a copy of your resume in hand and will try to verify the information on it. The human resources representative will want to find out if you meet the minimum qualifications for the job and, if you do, you will be passed on to the next step.
The Selection Interview
The selection interview is the step in the process which makes people the most anxious. The employer knows you are qualified to do the job. While you may have the skills to perform the tasks that are required by the job in question, the employer needs to know if you have the personality necessary to "fit in." Someone who can't interact well with management and co-workers may disrupt the functioning of an entire department. This ultimately can effect the company's bottom line. Many experts feel that this can be determined within the first several minutes of the interview. However, more than one person being interviewed for a single opening may appear to fit in. Often, job candidates are invited back for several interviews with different people before a final decision is made.
The Group Interview
In the group interview, several job candidates are interviewed at once. The interviewer or interviewers are trying to separate the leaders from the followers. In any group there is a natural process that takes place where the group stratifies into leaders and followers. The interviewer may also be trying to find out if you are a "team player." The type of personality the employer is looking for determines the outcome of this interview. There is nothing more to do than act naturally. Acting like a leader if you are not one may put you into a job for which you are not appropriate.
The Panel Interview
In a panel interview, the candidate is interviewed by several people at once. It can be quite intimidating as questions are fired at you. You should try to remain calm and establish rapport with each member of the panel. Make eye contact with each member of the panel as you answer his or her question.
The Stress Interview
The stress interview is not a very nice way to be introduced to the company that may end up being your future employer. It is, however, a technique sometimes used to weed out those that cannot handle adversity. The interviewer may try to artificially introduce stress into the interview by asking questions so quickly that the candidate doesn't have time to answer each one. Another interviewer trying to introduce stress may respond to a candidate’s answers with silence. The interviewer may also ask weird questions, not to determine what the job candidate answers, but how he or she answers. According to Interviewingby, The National Business Employment Weekly (John Wiley and Sons, 1994), the job candidate should first "recognize that you're in the situation. Once you realize what's happening, it's much easier to stay calm because you can mentally reframe the situation. Then you have two choices: Play along or refuse to be treated so poorly." If you do play along, the book recommends later finding out if the reason for conducting a stress interview is legitimate. That will determine if this is a company for which you want to work.
Your first interview with a particular employer will often be the screening interview. This is usually an interview with someone in human resources. It may take place in person or on the telephone. He or she will have a copy of your resume in hand and will try to verify the information on it. The human resources representative will want to find out if you meet the minimum qualifications for the job and, if you do, you will be passed on to the next step.
The Selection Interview
The selection interview is the step in the process which makes people the most anxious. The employer knows you are qualified to do the job. While you may have the skills to perform the tasks that are required by the job in question, the employer needs to know if you have the personality necessary to "fit in." Someone who can't interact well with management and co-workers may disrupt the functioning of an entire department. This ultimately can effect the company's bottom line. Many experts feel that this can be determined within the first several minutes of the interview. However, more than one person being interviewed for a single opening may appear to fit in. Often, job candidates are invited back for several interviews with different people before a final decision is made.
The Group Interview
In the group interview, several job candidates are interviewed at once. The interviewer or interviewers are trying to separate the leaders from the followers. In any group there is a natural process that takes place where the group stratifies into leaders and followers. The interviewer may also be trying to find out if you are a "team player." The type of personality the employer is looking for determines the outcome of this interview. There is nothing more to do than act naturally. Acting like a leader if you are not one may put you into a job for which you are not appropriate.
The Panel Interview
In a panel interview, the candidate is interviewed by several people at once. It can be quite intimidating as questions are fired at you. You should try to remain calm and establish rapport with each member of the panel. Make eye contact with each member of the panel as you answer his or her question.
The Stress Interview
The stress interview is not a very nice way to be introduced to the company that may end up being your future employer. It is, however, a technique sometimes used to weed out those that cannot handle adversity. The interviewer may try to artificially introduce stress into the interview by asking questions so quickly that the candidate doesn't have time to answer each one. Another interviewer trying to introduce stress may respond to a candidate’s answers with silence. The interviewer may also ask weird questions, not to determine what the job candidate answers, but how he or she answers. According to Interviewingby, The National Business Employment Weekly (John Wiley and Sons, 1994), the job candidate should first "recognize that you're in the situation. Once you realize what's happening, it's much easier to stay calm because you can mentally reframe the situation. Then you have two choices: Play along or refuse to be treated so poorly." If you do play along, the book recommends later finding out if the reason for conducting a stress interview is legitimate. That will determine if this is a company for which you want to work.
How to prepare your next English Interview? Don't know? Let's have a look,
PQ: Why would you like to work in "country"?
PA: It’s my understanding that "people from this country" are a very progressive people; they work hard and they invest a lot in research and development.I like the "people from this country" way of life. "People from this country" are very friendly and open people.
PQ: What do you think about "company"?
PA: I’ve read a great deal about the "The Company Group" and I know, for example, that it’s a world leader in developing, manufacturing and marketing added-value top-quality products for professional customers in the "whatever industry". It is an international concern, operating in over 120 countries worldwide. I know that the company delivers a high standard of professional development and I’m impressed by the way that it provides its employees with opportunities for growth. I admire "company" values too: it espouses commitment, integrity, ...
PQ: What did you study at the university?
PA: Talk about your university course and how hard it was ...
PQ: What do you do now, workwise?
PA: Well, I work from 9 am to 6 pm. As a "your role" I "tasks that you carry out".
PQ: Why do you want to work in our company?
PA: I am excited about the idea of gaining further professional experience and developing my communication skills. I would like to work for "company" because of its reputation for being a global leader in its class and as the partner company for "sector" professionals worldwide. And, of course, I would like to work for the very best.
PQ: Tell me about your salary expectations.
PA: I think the salary would be in accordance with my university qualifications and my work experience. I would like to earn enough money in order to have a reasonable standard of living.
PQ: What is your goal in 5 years?
PA: I would like to have the necessary experience and become an expert in some field of "sector". However I'm opened to new challenges and I don't mind working in marketing, human resources or any other department where I can assist with its growth. But it depends on where I'm working and the opportunities given to me by my employer.
PQ: Why should I hire you and what will you bring to our company?
PA: Well, I studied very hard at university to get a good degree and thus qualify as a "your role", though I realise that this is just the beginning and that there’s an awful lot more to learn. However, I’m an industrious (hard working) person, totally motivated and always keen to apply myself to new challenges. This job would represent a great opportunity for me to develop my professional and personal qualities and attributes. Indeed, I find the prospect of working for a top company, like "company", quite exciting. I have almost a year's experience in "whatever" too.
PQ: Name some strong points related to your character/personality and, some things you would like to improve on.
PA: STRONG: intelligent, hard-worker, good team player, generous and always positive. And I am a good communicator too.
TO IMPROVE: perfectionist, too sincere, a little bit impatient (aspects that can be positive too)
PQ: How do you work under pressure?
PA: Working under pressure presents no problems for me because in my current job we have to adhere strictly to deadlines all the time.
PQ: Why did you leave your last position?
PA: I wanted to look for more challenging opportunities.
PQ: What kinds of people do you have difficulties working with?
PA: In my previous jobs I worked with men and women from very diverse backgrounds and cultures. The only time I had difficulty was with people who were dishonest about work issues.
PQ: We expect managers to work more than 8 hours day. Do you have a problem with that?
PA: I have no problem working long hours. I have worked 12 or 14 hour days. What I have found works for me is to work diligently, not necessarily longer. My goal is to get the job done, whatever it takes, in the most efficient manner.
PQ: Tell me about a recent conflict you have encountered and how you have handled it.
PA: Usually I don't have major problems at work. If any occur I think that they can be resolved through discussion.
TIPS:
Describe the conflict objectively, and be careful about placing blame and accepting none. Give specific examples of how it was resolved or why it was not. If it was an ethical conflict, it is important that you explain your boundaries.
It’s important to deal with problems as quickly as possible and not let matters get out of hand.
One must always maintain a calm demeanour when trying to resolve such conflicts.
Be impartial.
Seek appropriate resolutions, which might entail compromise.
Once a solution has been reached and agreed upon by all sides, ensure that it is enforced.
PQ = Possible Question
PA = Possible Answer
PA: It’s my understanding that "people from this country" are a very progressive people; they work hard and they invest a lot in research and development.I like the "people from this country" way of life. "People from this country" are very friendly and open people.
PQ: What do you think about "company"?
PA: I’ve read a great deal about the "The Company Group" and I know, for example, that it’s a world leader in developing, manufacturing and marketing added-value top-quality products for professional customers in the "whatever industry". It is an international concern, operating in over 120 countries worldwide. I know that the company delivers a high standard of professional development and I’m impressed by the way that it provides its employees with opportunities for growth. I admire "company" values too: it espouses commitment, integrity, ...
PQ: What did you study at the university?
PA: Talk about your university course and how hard it was ...
PQ: What do you do now, workwise?
PA: Well, I work from 9 am to 6 pm. As a "your role" I "tasks that you carry out".
PQ: Why do you want to work in our company?
PA: I am excited about the idea of gaining further professional experience and developing my communication skills. I would like to work for "company" because of its reputation for being a global leader in its class and as the partner company for "sector" professionals worldwide. And, of course, I would like to work for the very best.
PQ: Tell me about your salary expectations.
PA: I think the salary would be in accordance with my university qualifications and my work experience. I would like to earn enough money in order to have a reasonable standard of living.
PQ: What is your goal in 5 years?
PA: I would like to have the necessary experience and become an expert in some field of "sector". However I'm opened to new challenges and I don't mind working in marketing, human resources or any other department where I can assist with its growth. But it depends on where I'm working and the opportunities given to me by my employer.
PQ: Why should I hire you and what will you bring to our company?
PA: Well, I studied very hard at university to get a good degree and thus qualify as a "your role", though I realise that this is just the beginning and that there’s an awful lot more to learn. However, I’m an industrious (hard working) person, totally motivated and always keen to apply myself to new challenges. This job would represent a great opportunity for me to develop my professional and personal qualities and attributes. Indeed, I find the prospect of working for a top company, like "company", quite exciting. I have almost a year's experience in "whatever" too.
PQ: Name some strong points related to your character/personality and, some things you would like to improve on.
PA: STRONG: intelligent, hard-worker, good team player, generous and always positive. And I am a good communicator too.
TO IMPROVE: perfectionist, too sincere, a little bit impatient (aspects that can be positive too)
PQ: How do you work under pressure?
PA: Working under pressure presents no problems for me because in my current job we have to adhere strictly to deadlines all the time.
PQ: Why did you leave your last position?
PA: I wanted to look for more challenging opportunities.
PQ: What kinds of people do you have difficulties working with?
PA: In my previous jobs I worked with men and women from very diverse backgrounds and cultures. The only time I had difficulty was with people who were dishonest about work issues.
PQ: We expect managers to work more than 8 hours day. Do you have a problem with that?
PA: I have no problem working long hours. I have worked 12 or 14 hour days. What I have found works for me is to work diligently, not necessarily longer. My goal is to get the job done, whatever it takes, in the most efficient manner.
PQ: Tell me about a recent conflict you have encountered and how you have handled it.
PA: Usually I don't have major problems at work. If any occur I think that they can be resolved through discussion.
TIPS:
Describe the conflict objectively, and be careful about placing blame and accepting none. Give specific examples of how it was resolved or why it was not. If it was an ethical conflict, it is important that you explain your boundaries.
It’s important to deal with problems as quickly as possible and not let matters get out of hand.
One must always maintain a calm demeanour when trying to resolve such conflicts.
Be impartial.
Seek appropriate resolutions, which might entail compromise.
Once a solution has been reached and agreed upon by all sides, ensure that it is enforced.
PQ = Possible Question
PA = Possible Answer
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