The Careers Powered By English series

English Interview Skills

Session 6 of 9

By Lado Management Consultants

Adrian O’Donnell

How to prepare for an interview

Contents

1. Attire

2. Selling Yourself

3. What to do

4. Stress

5. Anticipating questions

6. Preparing questions to ask

7. Routine of the interview

1.Attire (Dressing for the Interview)

“Keeping your clothes well pressed will keep you from looking hard pressed!”

Men and Women

• Conservative & neat clothes • Empty pockets• Clean & well-groomed hairstyle

Men

• Silk Necktie with a conservative pattern• Dark shoes (black lace-ups), clean & polished• Dark (black) socks • Short hairstyle • No earrings• No heavy cologne

Women

• Suit with jacket• Business-like shoes• Conservative hosiery at or near skin colour.• Conservative make-up• No heavy perfume• Only one set of earrings

2.Selling Yourself

Introduce yourself with a smile and a firm handshake. Maintain good eye contact.

Selling Yourself

Show what you want to do for the company (2-3 minutes sell yourself).

Selling Yourself

Show interest

Selling Yourself

Positive answers

Selling Yourself

Ask the interviewer prepared questions

Selling Yourself

Initiate the next step

Selling Yourself

Ask for the interviewer’s business card

3.What to Do

• Arrive 10-15 minutes early• Review employer research information• Have pen and paper

What to Do

• Be enthusiastic• Listen carefully to the interviewer’s complete

question before responding• Pause before answering difficult questions

What to Do

• Keep going even if you think you have made a mistake

• Carry extra resumes, references etc in a portfolio.

• Unless asked to, do not discuss salaries and benefits

4.Stress

Tips for handling stress

• Know what to expect• Be prepared• Focus on performance

Stress

• Prepare your answers• Have a routine• Keep your perspective

5.Anticipating Questions

Focus on• Your skills• Your working style• Your ability to work well with others• How well you handle authority• Your analytical skills

6.Preparing Questions To Ask

Ask Questions

Why?

- indicates that your job search has been well thought out.

- shows thorough research and preparation.

Questions to Ask

Questions to which you want an answer.

Questions that reveal the depth of your research and your interest in the job.

Sample questions:

• How and when will my performance be evaluated on this job? How is success measured in this department / organization?

• What will my typical day be like?

Sample Questions

• What is the number one priority of the person who accepts this job?

• What are your expectations for new hires within their first three to six months on the job?  The first year?

Sample questions:

• Who would be my supervisor?  To whom would I report?

• What happened to the last person who had this job?

Sample Questions

• What might I expect to be doing over the next three to five years?

• Are lateral or rotational job moves available to provide broader experience?

Questions NOT to ask

• What does your company do? • Are you (the interviewer) married? • Can you guarantee I will still have a job a year

from now? • The job description mentions weekend work.

Would I really have to do that? • How can you determine my qualifications in a

short interview? • How am I as a candidate?

More questions NOT to ask

• Do I get to keep the frequent flyer miles from my trips?

• Would anyone notice if I came in late and left early?

• What is the zodiac sign of your company's president?

• How many (particular ethnic group) do you have working here?

Day of the Interview

Material to Bring to an Interview Resume, transcript, references, portfolio, work sample, and performance evaluations from previous employers. Notepad and pen.

7.The Routine of the Interview

1. Introduction

2. Employer sell

3. Candidate sell

4. Closing

The Routine of the Interview

1. Introduction create a comfortable, friendly environment. A

light topic such as the weather, sports, or a major news story, etc.

The Routine of the Interview

2. Employer sell cover organizational structure, products or

services, location(s), specifics on the position, salary (usually not during an initial interview), benefits, etc.

The Routine of the Interview

3. Candidate sell

answering questions about your goals and qualifications and demonstrating your communication skills.

The Routine of the Interview

4. Closing

both parties should indicate their level of interest in the other and understand what the next steps to be taken will be.