How to Succeed at Interviews

Introduction to Interview Success

  • Presenter: Bernie Laffey, Careers Consultant
  • Focus: Succeeding in interviews; comprehensive guidance on preparation and conduct during interviews.

Overview of Today's Session

  • Types of Interview:

    • Telephone Interviews
    • Video Interviews
    • Live via Teams/Zoom
    • Asynchronous Video Interviews (AVIs)
    • Face-to-Face Interviews

  • Preparation for Interviews

  • Types of Interview Questions

    • Approaches to answer them

  • Using STAR Method for structuring answers

  • Dress Code and Conduct during interviews

  • Shortlist.Me Demo

  • Forum Theatre Activity - role-playing interview situations.

Types of Interviews

  • Telephone Interviews:

    • Initial screening method, often less formal.

  • Video Interviews:

    • Live: Conducted in real-time through platforms like Teams or Zoom.
    • Asynchronous: Recorded interviews allowing candidates to answer at their convenience.

  • Face-to-Face Interviews: Traditional interview format, typically more intensive shortly before hiring decisions.

Asynchronous Video Interviews (AVIs)

  • Usage: Widely adopted by over half of large graduate employers.
  • Timing: Commonly used early in the recruitment process.
  • Pros and Cons:
    • Pros: Convenient for both candidate and employer, flexible timing.
    • Cons: Lack of immediate feedback, potential technical issues.

Practical Preparation for Online Interviews

  • Setting Up:

    • Ensure an uncluttered, plain background.
    • Check and optimize lighting conditions.
    • Confirm a quiet environment free from disturbances.

  • Interview Conduct:

    • Maintain eye contact by looking into the camera.
    • Smile to convey approachability.
    • Test technology before the interview; ensure devices are fully charged and notifications are off.
    • Use notes wisely for prompts without reading verbatim.

General Interview Preparation

  • Job Familiarization:

    • Review the job description and person specification thoroughly.
    • Identify potential interview questions.
    • Conduct in-depth research of the organization and its values.
    • Revisit your own application materials for consistency.

  • In-Person Interviews:

    • Plan your route to the interview location.
    • Decide on appropriate attire.
    • Prepare necessary documents or items to bring.

Opening Interview Questions

  • Typical starter questions include:
    • "Tell me about yourself."
    • "Why did you apply for this job?"
    • "Why do you want to work for us?"
    • "What do you know about us?"

Crafting Your Elevator Pitch for "Tell Me About Yourself"

  • Content Focus:

    • Deliver a concise example that highlights relevant skills and experiences pertinent to the role.

  • Components of Your Pitch:

    • Educational background (what you are studying).
    • Relevant projects or coursework.
    • Work experience: part-time jobs, volunteer work linked to role requirements.
    • Achievements that demonstrate motivation and drive.
    • Outline of your career ambitions.

Identifying Possible Interview Questions

  • Example Role: UWL Library and IT Support Assistant.

  • Role Description:

    • Team-focused delivering high-quality customer service in university libraries.
    • Tasks include basic library and IT support, administrative duties, and managing inquiries from students.

  • Skills Required for the Role:

    • Essential:
    • Experience in a customer-facing role.
    • Excellent communication skills.
    • Competent in IT systems.
    • Strong organizational abilities.
    • Team player mindset.
    • Desirable:
    • Familiarity with Customer Relationship Management (CRM) systems.
    • Knowledge of General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR).

Types of Interview Questions

  • Competency-Based Questions:

    • Premise: Past behavior is indicative of future performance.
    • Often begins with: "Tell us about a time when you…"
    • Common competencies assessed include:
    • Problem-solving
    • Initiative
    • Teamwork
    • People management
    • Service improvement.

  • Strength-Based Questions:

    • Aim: Discover activities that energize candidates and assess cultural fit within the team.
    • Typical prompts include:
    • "Tell us about a time when you…" followed by
    • "What did you enjoy/not enjoy about this?"
    • "How did you feel about this?"
    • Queries about personal strengths.

Utilizing the STAR Method for Evidence

  • Structure:

    • Situation: Set the context for the scenario.
    • Task: Describe the task you were responsible for.
    • Action: Explain the specific actions you took in response.
    • Result: Share the outcome of your actions and any measurable impact.

  • Example Application of STAR:

    • Situation: Worked as a nursery assistant during the summer.
    • Task: Reorganized the stock control system.
    • Action: Evaluated usage patterns, redesigned electronic forms for better efficiency.
    • Result: Ideas implemented led to a 15% reduction in wastage.

Values-Based Questions

  • Sample Queries:
    • "Tell us about a time when you were compassionate towards a colleague or customer."
    • "What are you most proud of?"
    • "What would you do if you witnessed unethical behavior from a coworker?"

Engagement Activity

  • Video Review: Link: [https://youtu.be/JVA8Vqkwwcw]
    • Task: Identify mistakes made by the interviewee, to be discussed later.

Handling Tricky Questions

  • Common challenging prompts include:
    • "What are your weaknesses?"
    • "What salary are you expecting?"
    • "Recall an instance when you did not meet a goal."

Answering Questions Effectively

  • Key Approaches:
    • Directly answer the question posed.
    • Use the STAR method for structuring responses.
    • Provide detailed examples to bolster answers.
    • Engage personally with the interviewer through body language and tone.

Questions to Ask the Interviewers

  • Recommended Inquiries:
    • Team structure, training opportunities, current projects, working patterns.
  • Avoid Asking:
    • Questions about salary (without prior research).
    • Questions regarding holidays or benefits initially.
    • Standard closing inquiry: "Do you have any questions for us?"

Strategies to Deal with Nervousness

  • Explore personal techniques for managing anxiety.
  • Resource Recommendation: YouTube video on turning anxiety into excitement.
  • Consider using mental health apps like "My Possible Self" for anxiety management.

Presentation Elements

  • Dress Code:
    • Appropriate attire for professional settings.
    • Ensuring body language is positive and inviting.
    • Voice projection and clarity during responses.

Comprehensive Preparation Steps

  • Essentials to Cover:
    • Conduct thorough research about the potential employer.
    • Develop a personal portfolio with STAR examples.
    • Self-awareness of strengths, weaknesses, and experiences.
    • Continually reflect on previous interview experiences for improvement.
    • Engage in practice interviews via Shortlist.Me and seek mock interview opportunities with careers consultants.

Summary of Resources

  • Shortlist.Me:
    • Platform for video interview skill enhancement.
    • Access link: [https://go.shortlister.com/marketplace/uwl].
    • Explore topics under Interview Tips and practice competency or strengths interview scenarios.
  • External Resources:
    • Prospects - Interview Tips
    • Target Jobs - Interviews

Shortlist.Me Demonstration

  • Overview of how to navigate and utilize the Shortlist.Me platform for interview preparation.

Audience Engagement and Questions

  • Open floor for inquiries related to interview processes and career advice.

Forum Theatre Activity

  • Interactive role-playing scenario to explore interview dynamics and practices within a controlled environment.