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If you think you know what to say in an interview, think again

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Knowing what the interviewer wants will make you ace that interview

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Page 1: If you think you know what to say in an interview, think again
Page 2: If you think you know what to say in an interview, think again

Ace the InterviewMaximizing your Potentials to Getting the Job You Want

a primer for Fresh Graduates

Page 3: If you think you know what to say in an interview, think again

Ace the InterviewMaximizing your Potentials to Getting the Job You Want

Part 1: PREPARING

Page 4: If you think you know what to say in an interview, think again

Knowing the Interviewer

Preparing yourself

Answering Questions

The Three Cardinal Rules in an Interview

Anatomy of an Interview

Questions they ask Everybody

Overcoming Nerves

Agenda

Page 5: If you think you know what to say in an interview, think again

Know your enemyBefore you prepare for the interview, it’s useful to understand how most organizations decide what they are looking for in a candidate

What do they want?

Someone who can do the job.

Experience

Knowledge Skills

Someone who will do the job.

Personal characteristics

Enthusiasm Commitment

Page 6: If you think you know what to say in an interview, think again

Check if you have the relevant skills and

experience stated in your resume;

Clarify any puzzling, missing or less than

favorable features;

Complete the picture of you presented in

the resume

The Purpose of the Interview

Page 7: If you think you know what to say in an interview, think again

Essential skills (qualifications, abilities and achievements)

Desirable skills (qualifications, abilities and achievements)

Industry Knowledge

Career Development

Consistency and stability of employment within the industry

General employment stability

An Interviewer Looks For…

Page 8: If you think you know what to say in an interview, think again

The Anatomy of an Interview

STAGE 1: The Welcome

STAGE 2: The Questions

STAGE 3: Over to You

STAGE 4: The Finish

Page 9: If you think you know what to say in an interview, think again

Two Kinds of Interview Questions

Structured Questions• The same for all applicants• Usually compiled well in advance of of the interview• Designed to probe how well each applicant matches the criteria for a specific job• Questions like:• How do you deal with an aggressive client? • Tell me about an occasion when you had to motivate another person into doing best in his/her job? • Tell me something about yourself? • How do you see yourself in this company after five years?

Person-Specific Questions• Makes the interview process fair• Designed to explore your particular circumstances• Aims to uncover your weak spots• Questions like:• What’s your greatest weakness?• Tell me about a time you lost your temper?• How do you feel about deadlines?• I noticed that you took a 4-year course for seven years. May I know why?

Page 10: If you think you know what to say in an interview, think again

What you should prepare for?

• Evidence that you meet their needs with regard to skills, qualities and experience

Evidence 1

• Reassuring answers and satisfactory explanations for those unclear areas in your resume

Evidence 2

• Some knowledge of the industry or business sector, and the interviewing company in particular

Evidence 3

• Sound reasons why you are applying for the job

Evidence 4

Page 11: If you think you know what to say in an interview, think again

What you should prepare for?

• Evidence that you meet their needs with regard to skills, qualities and experience

Evidence 1

Reread the advertisement and the job description

Find examples that will highlight your skills and qualities

Make notes that show how, when and where you’ve experienced them and what were the results

Draft anecdotes that will show how you can bring BENEFITS for the company

PRACTICE!

Page 12: If you think you know what to say in an interview, think again

What you should prepare for?

• Reassuring answers and satisfactory explanations for those unclear areas in your resume

Evidence 2

Look at your resume or application form with an employer’s eye and match it to the job description or job ad. Are there any obvious mismatches such as:

Shortage of relevant skills or experience?

Shortage of experience in certain areas?

Lack of qualifications?

Find ways on how you can highlight other areas to demagnify these mismatches.

Page 13: If you think you know what to say in an interview, think again

What you should prepare for?

• Some knowledge of the industry or business sector, and the interviewing company in particular

Evidence 3

The simplest way to find out about the industry or the company is to ask information from those who know

How do you find out?

Any customer newsletter or magazine

An employee

Company website

Job ads

Page 14: If you think you know what to say in an interview, think again

What you should prepare for?

• The reasons you want this job

Evidence 4

Don’t be vague about your reasons. Be clear on how the position fits in your career path and progressions

Show the interviewer that this position may have been made for someone like you

Page 15: If you think you know what to say in an interview, think again

Ace the InterviewMaximizing your Potentials to Getting the Job You Want

Part 2: THE INTERVIEW

Page 16: If you think you know what to say in an interview, think again

Making a good impression Openness

Be open, accessible, responsive, and communicative

Avoid one-word, yes-no answers if you possibly can

Enthusiasm

Show that you are happy and excited to work with them (but don’t overdo it!)

Express interest in the job and in the people (again: but don’t overdo it!)

Confidence

It may be the last thing you’ll feel but confidence is the one thing you must always project!

Energy

Sit up straight, look alert, speak clearly, smile and make eye contact

Appearing energetic and lively, projects a positive vibe, optimism and positivity

Page 17: If you think you know what to say in an interview, think again

The 3 Cardinal Rules

STICK TO THE POINT

ILLUSTRATE YOUR ANSWERS

STOP WHEN YOU NEED TO STOP

Page 18: If you think you know what to say in an interview, think again

The 3 Cardinal Rules

STICK TO THE POINT

Listen to the question and make sure you answer it

Keep your answers relevant to the job you are interviewing for

Remember: most people have a two-minute attention span, so keep you answers shorter than this

If at first, you didn’t get the question it’s perfectly all right to ask the interviewer to repeat or rephrase it

Page 19: If you think you know what to say in an interview, think again

The 3 Cardinal Rules

Illustrate your Answers

Don’t just say you can do, x, y, or z

Support your claim with concrete examples.

Remember to still stick to the point, though

Page 20: If you think you know what to say in an interview, think again

The 3 Cardinal Rules

Stop when you need to stop

When you’ve answered the question, stop talking

However, don’t let the silence wallow

You can close your response by asking “I hope that answers your question” or “Does that cover all the points you need to know?”

Page 21: If you think you know what to say in an interview, think again

Ace the InterviewMaximizing your Potentials to Getting the Job You Want

Part 3: THE QUESTIONS

Page 22: If you think you know what to say in an interview, think again

Questions They Ask Everybody

“Tell me something about yourself.”

I’m a (give a concise description of yourself in 15 words, or less). I’m an

experienced (what you are) with an extensive knowledge of (your relevant

knowledge area), including (a key point) and (another key point). My main

qualifications are (give at least two or three of your most relevant skills or key

qualifications).

I also have experience in (go on to your next most relevant skill or

knowledge area), including (develop one or two key points).

My achievements to date include (two or thee of your major

achievements).

Page 23: If you think you know what to say in an interview, think again

Questions They Ask Everybody

“Why do you want to work here?”

I am looking for a position where I can use my (relevant skill, aptitude or

area of experience). I believe this job would allow me to make the most of

my (a talent, aptitude, skill or ability) along with (another skill, personal

quality, or ability). I see it, above all, as a natural development from (your

experience, further qualifications of training).

Page 24: If you think you know what to say in an interview, think again

Questions They Ask Everybody

“Why did you choose the course/subject you did?”

Try to relate your course to the type of work you’re applying for, as well as to your own interests and tastes. The interviewer is looking for:

Clearly thought out reasons that show you can analyze and evaluate information and come to a decision

Your sense of commitment to whatever decision you made

Your self-awareness about your strengths, interests and talents

An appreciation of what education and your course have taught you

Your ability to match future goals to current action

Page 25: If you think you know what to say in an interview, think again

Questions They Ask Everybody

“What are you looking for in a job?”

Here the interviewer is looking for:

The chance to start in your chosen career

The opportunity to learn the skills required

The opportunity to make a valid contribution even at a entry level

The chance to use the knowledge and skills you’ve acquired

Page 26: If you think you know what to say in an interview, think again

Questions They Ask Everybody

“Have you ever worked under pressure?

The interviewer needs to know that you:

Have experience of working under pressure – outline briefly how, when and where

Are able to cope with it – explain how you keep your balance

Have tried and tested ways of handling stress and tension over the long term

Page 27: If you think you know what to say in an interview, think again

Questions They Ask Everybody

“Have you ever worked under pressure?

I would say I’m reasonably stress-hardy. I have experience of working

under pressure (while we were doing our college thesis). I kept the

pressure manageable by (being organized, planning, prioritizing, etc). I find

it very useful to (say what practical steps you take to prepare).

Page 28: If you think you know what to say in an interview, think again

Questions They Ask Everybody

“Where do you see yourself in five years’ time?”

In five years’ time I would ideally like to be (say what you can reasonably

expect to be doing). I think I have the (skills and abilities) to achieve that,

especially with (requirements such as further training, experience, specific

professional qualifications). I believe this position will help me achieve that

goal because (give reasons, such as excellent training programs,

opportunities for advancement, leading company in the field).

Page 29: If you think you know what to say in an interview, think again

Questions They Ask Everybody

“What are your greatest strength?”

Even if you still lack experience and your skills are untried in the workplace, you can turn it into a strength and emphasize your potential

Although you can’t offer them experience, and expertise yet, you can bring to the job:

Enthusiasm and energy

Your ability to learn

Adaptability

Freshness

Page 30: If you think you know what to say in an interview, think again

Questions They Ask Everybody

“What are your greatest strength?”

I would say my greatest strengths are (give three of your talents and

personal qualities that you feel are genuine strengths and are appropriate

for the job). I believe I’ve demonstrated these in the past by (give a brief

story that shows you using your strengths). Although experience isn’t one

of my key strengths as yet, I do have (give the experience you have and

any theortical background). As well as that, though, I believe I can bring to

the job (enthusiasm, open mindedness, energy).

Page 31: If you think you know what to say in an interview, think again

Ace the InterviewMaximizing your Potentials to Getting the Job You Want

Part 4: MANAGING YOUR EMOTONS

Page 32: If you think you know what to say in an interview, think again

Overcoming Nerves

Almost everyone looks nervous in interviews, but believe it or not, interviewers are quite tolerant. They’ve been there, too.

Also, they need someone to fill a vacant post. There have this problem. And they want you to succeed.

But if you continue to show your nervousness, they’ll start to think if you’re ready for the interview, or worse, if you’re ready for the job.

Page 33: If you think you know what to say in an interview, think again

Overcoming Nerves

Don’t let fear of nerves prevent you from making a positive impression:

Practice (entering the room, shaking hands, etc.)

Get organized

Know exactly where the interview will be

Double check the time and date of the interview

Get everything ready THE NIGHT BEFORE!!!

Arrive at your destination early enough

Check your appearance (hair, smile, fly, buttons, etc.)

Avoid tea or coffee an hour or so before the interview

Page 34: If you think you know what to say in an interview, think again

Knowing the Interviewer

Preparing yourself

Answering Questions

The Three Cardinal Rules in an Interview

Anatomy of an Interview

Questions they ask Everybody

Overcoming Nerves

Agenda

Page 35: If you think you know what to say in an interview, think again

Questions

Page 36: If you think you know what to say in an interview, think again

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