Interview Techniques
The success of an interview lies in the preparation. It is very important to attend an interview well prepared as you need to make a good impression in the first few minutes of the interview.
Before you attend an interview you should:
* Prepare some answers to the standard interview questions that are often asked.
* Prepare a few questions for the interviewer to show you have done some preparation.
* Do some research into the Company by looking at their website and read any up to date news stories about them.
* Dress appropriately as first impressions are all important.
* Check your journey and how long it will take you.
* Do not arrive late.
During the interview it is important to be polite and interested in the role being offered at all times. Remain calm and always be honest. Make eye contact with the people interviewing you.
Do not answer questions with monosyllabic answers. Try, where possible to quote relevant experience or qualifications in relation to the role
If you are inexperienced and not confident in interviews the 'STAR' technique may help you gather your thoughts and provide more structured and detailed answers.
STAR Interview Technique
Situation - what was the background to the situation, how did it arise, who else was involved?
Task - what was your task in this situation: What was your role in this, what did you need to achieve, what were your goals?
Actions - This is where you tell the interviewer in detail what actions you took in this situation - what did you do? Why did you decide on that course of action? How did you do it?
Results - What was the outcome? How successful was it? What did you learn?
These are the four main areas an interviewerw will want you to cover when answering a competency/behavourial based question. The larger part of your answer should be spent describing the Actions part of the reply. This is because this is where you are providing evidence of what you did.
Different Types of Interview
Telephone Assessment - This type of interview is to establish your skills and experience to date. You may also be asked to talk about examples of when you have demonstrated particular behaviours or competencies, for instance teamwork or assertiveness. You may hear these referred to as Best Team Behaviours or BTBs. You can also ask any questions you may have about the role or the company.
Different Types of Testing
Different companies adopt different types of testing and they should inform you before you attend an interview which type of testing may be used.
Psychometric Tests - these provide an objective way of determining capability in particular skill areas. The tests are carefully selected to be relevant to the job you are applying for and are interpreted by qualified facilitators. These are sometimes completed online prior to the assessement day.
Personality Questionnaires/'OPQ' - these questionnaires enable an interviewer to assess your strengths and developmental areas. These are looked at alongside your interview and any other information they gather during selection.
Role Play exercises - through role-play interviewers are able to observe how you are likely to deal with everyday situations that relate to that role.
Case Studies/Preparation - it is sometimes appropriate for companies to assess how you would approach a particular situation. A task relevant to the role is assigned for completion within a given timescale.
Group exercise - for some roles, a task will be given to a group of candidates to assess their team skills, communication and problem solving.
