So, when you are called for an interview, you are more than three quarters of the way towards getting the job.
Interviewers in large organisations are often personnel professionals or trained and experienced interviewers. So, expect the interview to be very structured in order to obtain the maximum out of you. In smaller firms, you are more likely to be interviewed by a partner who may not be a trained interviewer.
If you are confronted by a ‘bad’ interviewer, you will have to work hard to use the questions as means of conveying the points you wish to make.
It can be a good idea to steer the conversation towards the topics you have particular strengths in, highlighting your good points.
Types of interview/questioning techniques:
1) The straightforward chronological interview, where you are asked questions around your CV/application form.
2) Criterion referenced interviews, where you will be asked to give examples of how you meet their criteria, for e.g., teamwork, negotiating and leadership.
You might be asked some bizarre questions on off-the-wall subjects. This is to see if you can think on the spot and also to know how creative/logical you are.
3) A pressurised interview, where your views will be challenged (or even ridiculed) and you may be goaded into an argument.
If this happens, make sure not to lose your cool as it is just to test how you react under extreme pressure and to see if you can hold yourself without starting a fight or being reduced to tears.
Checklist: For Preparation
Stage 1 - Preparation
Go through your resume
Prepare questions to ask and to be asked
Work out clothes to wear
Rehearse interview
Anticipate the obvious questions during the interview
Work out a strategy for dealing with stress
Read vacancy details, employer’s literature - what they are and what they want
Know where the interview will take place
Stage 2 - First impressions count
Arrive on time
Make a good entrance
Pay attention to your body language - handshake, posture, eye contact
Smile
Stage 3 - The interview
Be yourself
Be honest
Be prepared to talk - but not too much
Don’t be afraid to ask questions in case of any doubt
Illustrate your answers with examples
Be ready to sell yourself
Present yourself as an interesting person
Stage 4 - The final stage
Try to know when the interview is over - read employer’s body language
Thank him/her for his/her time
Learn from the experience - ask for feedback if necessary
Ask questions if you wish to
The organisation
Major current projects
Future developments
Work
What would you be doing
For how long
Typical projects/timescales
Variety of work
Training
Training offered/possible
Help with professional qualifications
Colleagues
Who would you work with?
Location
Where would you be based?
How much travel/mobility
Prospects/Salary
Likely progression
Where are previous graduates
General way of life
Accommodation, amenities, limits on free time etc
Questions you can prepare for
Tell us about yourself
Why did you choose your degree and what have you gained from it?
What has been your most important achievement in life so far? Why?
What are your strengths and weaknesses?
Why have you applied for this job?
What do you have to offer us?
What are the current issues in this sector of work?
What experience do you have as a team player and what role did you play?
Describe a project you have successfully completed.
How do your friends describe you?
Describe a situation you have found difficult. How did you overcome it?
What questions would you like to ask us?
