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You’re Hired!

You’re Hired! Practical Tips And Techniques for The Confident Interview

Thursday 10th June - Biall Brighton 2010

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Me

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Introduction

• Interview preparation• Image and non verbal communication• Understanding what employers are looking for• Overview of interview styles• Competency based interviews• Handling difficult questions• Overcoming confidence issues• How to manage nerves and stress

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You

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PreparationTake the time and trouble to prepare for the interview

• Prepare your background research: – look at the company websiteCorporate history and press releasesDownload reports and reviewsVideo presentations and reports

• Request corporate literature • Phone the company for information• Search for relevant articles, Google, newspapers etc • Research their competitors• Write down and remember 5 key aspects of the company• Research the interview panel

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PreparationTake the time and trouble to prepare for the interview

• Study your: CV, the job description and person specification

• Think about the questions you are likely to be asked• Predict some of the challenging interview questions• Prepare your own responses• Think about some questions you would like to ask

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Preparation

• Why are you interested in working for our organisation?

• What do you know about us?• Why are you interested in this role?• What can you bring to the role?• Why are you looking to pursue a career in this

industry?

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Preparation

• Why are you looking to move on/did you leave your last role?

• Where do you see yourself in five years time?• What is your greatest weakness?

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Preparation

Your achievements

• Take a few sheets of paper and write down all the positive aspects of your career so far

• Start anywhere and write anything that comes into your head• Highlight 5 key achievements, 5 key challenges, 5 aspirations

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Mind Mapping

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Used to generate, visualize, structure and classify ideas

Used by educators, engineers, psychologists amongst others

Can be used as an aid to problem solving, decision making and writing

Encourage a brainstorming approach to planning and organising The laws of mind mapping were originally devised by Tony Buzon

Usually drawn freehand as well as a number of software packages available

Mind Mapping

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Large piece of paper in landscape orientation

Start in the centre with a central image or keyword = representing a goal or idea

Branch off with other keywords using different colours to highlight different branches

Let the map create it’s own shape

Use lines to connect out

Branch out with a second train of thought

Continue in this style with a 3rd or 4th level

Your Image

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Your Image

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Create the correct impact and image

• Dress for where you want to be not where you currently are

• First impressions do count• Gentleman – business suit and shirt and tie• Ladies business suit or smart trousers/skirt and blouse/top• Try on your outfit before the interview• Supports your image as a business person• Look like somebody who takes the interview process

seriously

Final Preparation

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The evening before the interview ...

The day of the interview ...

Travelling to and arriving at the interview ...

During the interview ...

Concluding the interview ...

What Are Employers Looking For?Horns or Halo Effect

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What Are Employers Looking For?

• Initiative• Team work• Organisation• Deadlines• Prioritising• Dealing with people• Flexibility• Technical ability• Commitment

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Interview Styles

• Screening• On-site• One-on-one• Panel interviews• Competency based

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Competency InterviewBased on the principle that previous behaviour is the best

indicator of how people will behave in the future.

Can be split into key competency areas e.g.

• Communication – verbal, listening, written• Managerial – conflict management, creativity, delegation• Interpersonal – team work, decision making, adaptability

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Competency InterviewTake time to structure your responses to competency questions:

The STAR format – an effective way of organising your thoughts

Situation – describe a situation or problem you have encounteredTask – outline the task that was required to resolve the issue or problemAction- describe the action you took to overcome the issue or problemResult – highlight the outcomes achieved

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Competency Questions

• Tell us about a time when you had to deal with a conflict in your team or as part of your role?

• Describe a situation in which you were a member of a team. What did you do to positively contribute to it?

• Tell us about the biggest change that you have had to deal with. How did you manage it?

• Describe a situation when you had to win someone over, who was reluctant or unresponsive.

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Tackling Difficult Questions

• Tell me about yourself?• What are your future plans?• I think you are overqualified for this role – don’t you?• You’ve been out of work for some time – why is that?• Why did you leave a particular role?

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Overcoming Confidence Issues• Appearance

• Ability and Performance

• Positive Self Affirmations

• Visualization

• Take Action and Ownership

• Stress Management

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Moving Forwards

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Relax

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Resources

• You’re Hired! Interview Tips and Techniques For A Brilliant Interview – Judi James

• The Interview Book – James Innes• Self-Confidence – Paul McGee• Super Coach – Michael Neill• Influence the Psychology of Persuasion – Robert B Cialdini • www.maximisepotential.co.uk

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Weekes Gray Keri Gray

39 Frog LaneWigan

WN6 7DS

01942 235 123

info@weekesgray.com

www.weekesgray.com

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