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Interview Skills
• Preparation
Research: Company, position, you
• Appearance
• Body Language
• Questions
Research
Company
• Gain some knowledge of
company/organisation through web site.
Literature
Useful web sites:
• Gradireland.com
• Kompass.ie
Research
• The Position
• Read job specification
• Yourself & Suitability
Be able to describe the significance of
what you learnt during your training and
work experience
Are you capable of doing the job?
Dress & Grooming
First Impressions Count
• Adopt a style consistent with position
• Convey professionalism & competence
• Co-ordinate outfit
• Suit, jacket/trousers/skirt, plain shoes
• Darker colours preferable
• Ageless-classic lines
Dress & Grooming
• Be Comfortable
• Personal Hygiene -avoid food,drink with strong
smells
• Hair-clean, well groomed
• Keep Jewellery & accessories to a minimum
• Make-up-keep subtle
• Leave coat/umbrella at reception
The Interview Commences:when you meet any company/school
representative
• Be Early – 10-15 mins
– Check travel arrangements
– Exact location
• Let Reception know you have arrived
• Ask to use washroom
• Be prepared to shake hands (but only if offered)
• Introductions-get names & use if possible
• say “good morning…..rather than “pleased to meet you”
• Wait until invited to be seated
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Body Language
• PostureSit straight
adopt an open posture
• Eye Contact
Concentrate on the person asking the question
• Smile Adopt a friendly, co-operative approach
Body Language
• Voice Practice
Pause to gather your thoughts
Speak clearly
Volunteer information
Do not waffle
• Humour
Keep under control & appropriate
• Clarification
Ask for clarification if you don’t understand a question
Interview
Respect for organisation
• Inform organisation if not attending for
interview
• Demonstrate honesty and integrity around
job.
Interview Pitfalls
• Poor eye contact
• Slouching
• Not answering question asked
• Failure to demonstrate knowledge of importance
of teambuilding/becoming part of a team
• Lack of spontaneity/energy
• Failure to demonstrate knowledge of company
Typical Questions
1. Tell me about yourself
2. Tell me about your course
3. What subjects you enjoyed most and why
4. What were you best at and worst at in your course
5. What project work have you done?
6. Why did you choose to study?
7. What have you learnt through work experience?
8. What attracts you to your hobbies?
9. Why have you chosen this job/career?
10. Why do you wish to join this organisation?
11. What is the greatest challenge you have been faced with?
Typical Questions
12. How have you benefited from disappointments in life?
13. How would you solve the problem of?
14. What are your strengths and weaknesses?
15. Where do you see yourself in three years time?
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Sell Yourself
• Personal Qualities
Energy
Commitment
Enthusiasm
Time management
Flexibility
Organised
Quick learner
Interview Success
• The successful candidate will:
• be positive
• be enthusiastic
• be informed
• be normal
Rationale for Interview
Questions
• Tell me about yourself Employers are seeking a picture of your background &
personality & how this matches what they are looking for.
Don’t ramble on-be concise & get main points in.
Rationale for Interview
Questions
• Why did you apply for this job?
• State why you want the job
• Research job spec.
• State benefits you have to offer and what the
job/organisation can offer you
• Reveals Motivation & Commitment
• What are your main strengths &
weaknesses?
Reveals level of self awareness
Link strengths to job spec.
Choose positive weaknesses & turn them into
strengths:
I have some IT skills but I have signed up for an
evening course in ?
Rationale for InterviewQuestions
Interview Questions
• Tell us about your leisure activities
This question elicits information about lifestyle & possible
distractions
Go over interests quickly, highlighting job relevance and
skills developed
The employer will wish to establish whether the type of
satisfaction gained through leisure activities can be
provided by some elements of your job-ensuring
motivation
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Interview Questions
• Have you been involved in any team/group
activities?
Employers want a team player-so provide examples of
your role with groups/teams.
Creative, promoter, developer, organiser, producer,
maintainer, adviser.
Emphasise what you learned & how it has made you more
effective in a team.
Interview Questions
• Do you have any questions? Prepare a list and take to interview with you
Include a few probing questions to show you have done
your homework.
•Seeking feedback
At the end of the interview seek permission, in a positive
way, to ask for feedback at a later date.
This provides you with an opportunity for future contact
and ensures you leave the door open even if you are
rejected.