Lecture 8

Mark Stow - 'The Interview'

Getting an interview is in itself a success. It means that you have already made a positive impressions on the employer. An unsuccessful interview is not a failure, but a learning experience.

Before the interview, ensure that enough preparation has been made:

Practical preparation:

• How long is the interview?
• Are there group exercises?
• Assessment centers
• Presentations
• Give yourself enough time to prepare
• What do you need to take?
• Where is the interview?
• What do you wear?

Mental preparation:

• Anticipating questions and responses
• Know yourself - How do you sell yourself
• Ask yourself why? what are your ambitions? Or skills?
• Know the job
• Know the organisation. Research its background (Size of the company, when it was established what they do, the structure and where it is based for example).

Psychological preparation:

• Nerves
• Practical and mental preparation is key
• The interview is a learning process.

If you are required to do a presentation, the the following key points are applied:

• Research
• Answer the question
• Practice
• Be concise
• Be aware of the time-scale
• Eye contact

The interview itself also has key points that should be followed for a better impression:

• First impressions
• Arrive early
• Eye contact
• Body language (Do not slouch or fold arms or legs)
• Dress cleanly and appropriately for the job

There are four main interview styles:

• One on One
• Panel
• Telephone
• Informal

The On on One and Panel style interviews are covered by the points already stated. For a telephone interview, the tone of your voice is very important. If you give an interview on the phone as if it were face to face, then the tone of your voice matched the interview style much better. An informal interview will also be like the first two styles, except it will be more of a general chat with the employer rather than a conversation with meaning (Chronological/Traditional style interview).

Main points to remember:

• Do not panic
• Take your time
• If you didn't understand the question, say so!
• If you don't understand at all, say that you don't.

Questions they may ask:

• Tell me about yourself
• Why Lincoln?
• What are your strengths/weaknesses?
• What would a friends description of you be?
• Where do you see yourself in five years time?

After the interview:

• Ask questions (The are relevant, not already been answered and not ridiculous!)
• Note the questions asked and your responses for future reference
• reflect on your performance
• reflect on the company