Interview coaching

LisaB85

I have a problem, I have no problem getting interviews and have had a few this year already (an average of 1 a week which in this area is good) I have posted in here before and got some good tips but still not quite there. I still lack confidence and don't think my answers are good enough.

I will have been unemployed a year in May so there is a possibility I'll be put on work program, will they be able to provide any interview coaching classes?

Wellery82

I am not sure about the work program's specifications but if you want to chat about interview technique feel free to PM me and i will happily try and offer some guidance having worked in recruitment and HR for the majority of my career.

As some really general tips i would say -

• Be yourself. Easier said than done but an interview shouldn't be a horrible process. Think of them as a friend who wants to chat to you about a job and open up, smile, ask them the questions you want to know
• Always remember if someone wants to see you for interview it is because on paper you are good enough for a job. It is a chance for you to explain about yourself, what you do and why you are good - try and have some ready made examples in your head
• Never let rejection get you down. Sometimes it is a numbers game, and the more you get the more likely you are to get a great job.

Good luck

November5th

Jimavfc82 wrote: »

I am not sure about the work program's specifications but if you want to chat about interview technique feel free to PM me and i will happily try and offer some guidance having worked in recruitment and HR for the majority of my career.

As some really general tips i would say -

• Be yourself. Easier said than done but an interview shouldn't be a horrible process. Think of them as a friend who wants to chat to you about a job and open up, smile, ask them the questions you want to know
• Always remember if someone wants to see you for interview it is because on paper you are good enough for a job. It is a chance for you to explain about yourself, what you do and why you are good - try and have some ready made examples in your head
• Never let rejection get you down. Sometimes it is a numbers game, and the more you get the more likely you are to get a great job.

Good luck

Thank you for this, I am in the same position (having previously become really good at interviewing).
Thing is, the more I have been reading up on technique and prepping for interviews, the worse I have become!
I am at a loss on what to do now...
Is it possible to rehearse too much?

paulwf

I have been interviewing recently and was appalled at the lack of preparation by candidates. Out of 6 candidates 4 had never tried our product or knew a single thing about the company. That leaves only 2 that had taken the time to try our product and visit the company website...hardly rocket science but that dramatically improved their chances of getting the job. None had been on our Facebook page even though that was the first result in Google.

I mention this as one candidate that had done no preparation whatsoever thought he was rejected because he was overqualified, not because he hadn't prepared. He must be going from interview to interview wondering why he isn't getting anywhere.

Get to know the company inside out, that way you will have much more confidence in the interview because you can talk about the company in an informed way instead of having to blag it. Also, first impressions really do matter and you can usually tell if a candidate is right for the job or not within 5 minutes. Your body language when you first turn up for the interview and the initial chat before the interview properly starts is probably enough for the company to form an opinion on you.

bevanuk

Interview Guidance

Interview Do's


Presentation

Look your smartest and show your most professional side during the interview. A company is more likely to hire someone who is well presented and who will therefore best represent their company.

Punctuality

Arrive on time.

Obtain clear directions for the location of the interview and plan your journey, allowing plenty of time to arrive. If you are unavoidably delayed, notify the company immediately giving the reason and your estimated time of arrival.

During the interview

Introduce yourself courteously.

Express yourself clearly.

Show tact, manners, courtesy, and maturity at every opportunity.

Be confident and maintain poise. The ability to handle your nerves during the interview will come across as confidence in your ability to handle the job.

Be prepared to show how your experience would benefit the company.

Ask questions concerning the company or products and the position for which you are being interviewed for. An interviewer will be impressed by an eager and inquisitive mind. You will also be able to demonstrate that you can contribute to the company or industry if you show an interest in its products and/or services.

Take time to think and construct your answers to questions to avoid rushing into a vague and senseless reply.

Demonstrate that you are sufficiently motivated to get the job done well and that you will fit in with the company's organisational structure and the team in which you will work.

Show willingness to start at the bottom and work up.

Anticipate questions you’re likely to be asked and have answers prepared in advance. Uncertainty and disorganisation show the interviewer that you are unprepared and unclear what your goals are.

Be assertive without being aggressive.

Thank the interviewer.

Interview Don'ts


Be late for the interview. Tardiness is a sign of irresponsibility or disorganisation and the employer could take it as what to expect in the future. If you are going to be late call well in advance to advise the employer.

Arrive unprepared for the interview.

Say unfavorable things about previous employers.

Make excuses for failings.

Give vague responses to questions.

Show lack of career planning - no goals or purpose could convey the impression you're merely shopping around or only want the job for a short time.

Show too much concern about rapid advancement.

Overemphasise money. Your interviewing goal is to sell yourself to the interviewer and to get an offer of employment. Salary discussion is secondary.

Refuse to travel and/or relocate. Always be open for discussion concerning travel and relocation. The employer may be talking about future plans, not present.

Show any reservations you may have about the role/company. You can always turn down second interviews and job offers after you have had time to appraise your concerns in the cold light of day.

Demonstrate low moral standards.

Express strong prejudices or any personal intolerance.

Leave your mobile phone on during the interview.

Body Language Do's


Ensure a firm handshake. A firm handshake shows confidence in yourself and your abilities.

Walk slowly, deliberately, and tall upon entering the room.

Maintain a high level of eye contact throughout.

Remember not to be seen to be staring. Look away occasionally, looking confidently and calmly to the right or left; never look down.

Listen.

Be alert and enthusiastic - it's often a deciding factor in employing candidates. An indifferent attitude is instantly recognised as "I don't care if I get this job.”

Smile, nod, and give non-verbal feedback to the interviewer.

Do not hurry any movement.

Relax with every breath.

Body Language Don'ts


Have a poor/limp handshake.

Display laziness.

Be aggressive or act in a superior, conceited or overbearing way.

Have a poor voice, diction or grammar.

Look distracted, look down or avoid eye contact.

Talk too much. Answer questions as asked, without being abrupt; expound only to the point that the interviewer has a clear understanding of what you mean.

Lose concentration or attention.

Your Questions


The interview is a two-way process. You need to interview the company to find out if the company and the position are right for you. Prepare the questions that you want answered and ask them. If you ask open questions, e.g. those beginning 'What?', 'How?', 'Where?', 'Who?' or 'Will?' it will encourage your interviewer to talk and provide you with additional information.

Consider some of the following:

What will my responsibilities be?
How has the position become vacant?
How will you assess my performance?
How does the role fit into the structure of the department?
How does the department fit into the organisation as a whole?
Who will I report to and are there persons reporting to me?
Where does my line manager fit into the structure?
What encouragement is given to undertake further training?
Who are your customers?
Where is the company going? Expansion plans?
Where is the specific location of the position?
Will the position entail traveling?
How soon will you decide on the appointment?
What is the next step?

Their Questions (and sample answers)

When you're asked open-ended questions, always try and make your answers positive.

Q: Tell me about yourself. (The interviewer is really saying "I want to hear you talk").
A: This is a loosener but is a common question so your response can be standardised. Write a script, rehearse it so it sounds impromptu. Spend a maximum of four minutes to describe your qualifications, career history and your range of skills. Emphasise those skills that are relevant to the job on offer.

Q: What have been your achievements to date? (The interviewer is saying, "Are you an achiever?").
A: Again this is a common question so be prepared. Select an achievement that is experience related and fairly recent. Identify skills you used in the achievement and quantify the benefit.

Q: Are you happy with your career to date? (The interview is really asking about your self-esteem and self-confidence, your career aspirations and whether you are a happy, positive person).
A: The answer must be 'yes' but if you have hit a career plateau or you feel you are moving too slowly, then you must qualify the answer.

Q: Tell me the most difficult situation you have had to face and how you tackled it? (The interviewer is really trying to find out your definition of 'difficult' and whether you can show a logical approach to problem solving using your initiative).
A: This can be a trap! To avoid it, select a difficult work situation that was not caused by you and which can be quickly explained in a few sentences. Explain how you defined the problem, what the options were, why you selected the one you did and what the outcome was. Always end on a positive note.

Q: What do you like about your present job? (The interviewer is really trying to find out whether you will enjoy the things the job has to offer).
A: This is a straightforward question. All you have to make sure is that your 'likes' correspond to the skills etc. required for the job on offer. Be positive, describe your job as interesting and diverse but do not overdo it, after all, you are leaving!

Q: What do you dislike about your current role? (The interviewer is trying to find out whether the job on offer has responsibilities you will dislike or which will make you unsuitable).
A: Be careful with this one! Do not be too specific as you may draw attention to weaknesses, which will leave you open to further problems. One approach is to choose a characteristic of your present company such as its size - its slow decision making etc. Give your answer with the air of someone who takes problems and frustrations in your stride as part of the job!

Q: What are your strengths? (The interviewer wants a straightforward answer as to what you are good at and how it is going to add value).
A: This is one question that you are going to get so there is no excuse for being unprepared. Concentrate on discussing your main strengths. List three or four explanations of how they could benefit the employer. Strengths to consider include technical proficiency; ability to learn quickly; determination to succeed; positive attitude; your ability to relate to people and achieve a common goal. You may be asked to give examples of the above so be prepared.

Q: What are your greatest weaknesses? (The interviewer is asking about your self-perception and self-awareness).
A: This is another standard question for which you can be well prepared. Don't say you have none - this will ensure further problems. You have two options - use a professional weakness such as a lack of experience (not ability) on your part in one area that is not vital for the job. The second option is to describe a personal or professional weakness that could also be considered a strength and the steps that you have taken to combat it. An example would be, "I know my team think I'm too demanding at times - I tend to drive them pretty hard but I'm getting much better at using the carrot and not the stick.". Do not select a personal weakness such as "I'm not a morning person - I'm much better as the day goes on.".

Q: What kind of decision do you find most difficult? (The interviewer is really saying, "I need someone who is strong and decisive but who has a human side.").
A: Your answer must not display weakness. Try to focus on decisions that have to be made without sufficient information. This will show your positive side. For example, "I like to make decisions based on sufficient information and having alternatives. When you have to make quick decisions you have to rely on 'gut feeling' and experience.".

Q: Why do you want to leave your current employer? (The interviewer is trying to understand and evaluate your motives for moving).
A: This should be straightforward. State how you are looking for more challenge, responsibility, experience and a change of environment. NEVER be negative in your reasons for leaving and it will rarely be appropriate to state salary as the primary motivator.

Other Interviewers' questions to consider



Remember the interviewer will ask open questions, e.g. those beginning 'What?', 'How?', 'Where?', 'Who?' or 'Will?' to encourage you to talk and provide them with additional information about yourself.
For example questions please see the STAR technique at the bottom of this post.

Consider some of the following:

How does your job fit into your department and company? (Gives an idea of level of responsibility).

What do you enjoy about the industry?

How do you respond to working under pressure? (Meaning - can you?). Give examples.

What kinds of people do you like working with?

How have you coped when your work has been criticised? (Give an example including the outcome).

What is the worst situation you have faced outside work? (Give an example including the outcome).

How have you coped when you have felt anger at work? (Give an example and show how you were still able to perform a good job).

What kind of people do you find difficult to work with? (Take care! You won't know everything about the staff at the company at which you're being interviewed).

How have you coped when you have had to face a conflict of interest at work? (Testing interpersonal skills, team and leadership opportunities).

Tell me about the last time you disagreed with your boss.

Where have you been unable to get on with others? (Give an example).

What are your preferred working conditions, working alone or in a group and why?

How do you think you are going to fit in here especially as this organisation is very different to your current employer? (You may not be able to answer until you have established what he/she perceives as the differences).

What are you looking for in a company?

How do you measure your own performance?

What kind of pressures have you encountered at work?

Are you a self-starter? Give me examples to demonstrate this.

What is the biggest problem you have faced recently and how you resolved it?

What changes in the workplace have caused you difficulty and why?

How do you feel about working long hours and/or weekends?

What example can you give me of when you have been out of your depth?

What have you failed to achieve to date?

What can you bring to this organisation?

What area of your skills do you want to improve? (Try to relate this to the role on offer).

Which part of this role is least attractive to you?

Why do you think you would like this role?

Where would you like to be in five years?

How would your colleagues describe you?

What would your referees say about you?

Why should I give this position to you instead of the other people on the shortlist? (Strengths).

What reservations should I have about you as an employee? (Weaknesses).

What do you do in your spare time?

What five adjectives would you use that best describe you? (Both in and out of the workplace).


STAR Technique



A competency based interview allows an interviewer to ascertain if a candidate has the relevant experience for the role. It pinpoints the behaviours a candidate will display in certain circumstances in a working environment.


When an interviewer asks Competency Based questions they are looking for you to tell them about an exact situation you found yourself in and how you handled it.

The key to a successful competency based interview is being able to clearly answer the questions in a set format.

This format is known as STAR

Situation

The situation describes exactly what the issue was and should account for 10% of your answer.
Task

The task describes what you were trying to achieve and should also account for 10% of your answer
Actions

The actions that you needed to take account for the largest part of your answer (approx 70%)
Result

And the result should be the remaining 10% of your answer.

The best way to prepare for a CBI is the think of as many work situations as you can where you have needed to achieve something and the result was a positive one – remember to use different examples for each question.

chanie

I also work in HR and I am doing a coaching course - I am only 1 day into the 5 day course so I don't feel I'm in a position to provide much guidance at this point.

However, here are my tips:

1) Ask for feedback after every interview - you may find where you are going wrong (if you are at all).

2) After each interview, whilst its still fresh in your mind, write down a list of all the questions you were asked. After a while, you'll probably find that many of the questions are similar and you can then prepare answers.

3) I actually keep a log of all of the important or interesting things I do at work. I actually take this into interviews with me. I say to the interviewer 'this is my CPD (continuous professional development) log and I may refer to it during the interview'. It is easy to forget things in interviews and i only use it as a prompt.

4) research the company and stress to the employer that you want to work for that company.

5) Use examples, referring back to your previous experience where you can. For example; 'I was once in a similar situation and I did X, Y and Z to resolve it.'

November5th

The above is where I think I have been coming unstuck (while I do not disagree with that prep). The list of questions you may be asked is so endless, I got very bogged down with so many rehearsed answers, it just clouded my thinking at the crucial hour.

Is there a way to strip back and have say just 5 things to focus on?

I have been so prepped about a company I have told them things that they didn't know about themselves, the interviewer didn't like this (threatened?). Mind you, this interviewer did not know that his website sold promotional items...

Wellery82

November5th wrote: »

The above is where I think I have been coming unstuck (while I do not disagree with that prep). The list of questions you may be asked is so endless, I got very bogged down with so many rehearsed answers, it just clouded my thinking at the crucial hour.

Is there a way to strip back and have say just 5 things to focus on?

I have been so prepped about a company I have told them things that they didn't know about themselves, the interviewer didn't like this (threatened?). Mind you, this interviewer did not know that his website sold promotional items...

Don't think about the questions - think about what they want to see from you. Is it organisation, communication, work ethic, team player, attention to detail? And then think of one example for each, not a rehearsed one, just what was the situation, what did you do and what happened.

Have 5 or 6 good examples of where you worked well with others/went the extra mile/were well organised etc and i am sure you can slot them into most questions and think of others off the top of your head

heretolearn_2

Is it possible to rehearse too much? Yes, especially if you are coming out with 'rehearsed answers'.

They sound invented, or as if you read an answer in a book and are copying it, basically, as if you are trying to tell the interviewer what they want rather than the truth. While of course you want to make sure you give them what they want, it has to be natural, and a genuine answer.

Also these rehearsed answers are often just slightly off-key to the question - they almost answer it, but not quite. You are trying to force an answer to fit rather than finding the right answer to what you were asked.

One big point for you then - it's fine and a good idea to pause before answering and THINK for a few seconds. For one, that helps you come up with a good answer, and also it lets the interviewers see that it is a genuine answer as well, not something casually thrown back that you haven't actually thought about. You are demonstrating that you can take information in, process it, and respond. That doesn't happen instantaneously. Unless it's something basic like 'where did you study' lol.

Over-prepared candidates (in this sense; I agree that you can't learn too much about the firm/job in advance) also tend to use a lot of jargon and empty words. Buzz words. Trendy phrases. Business bollox. When you ask them what they mean by that, or to expand on it, they can't. It's just meaningless babble.

magenta22

The problem is that you just don't know what questions you are going to be asked in an interview so you can have answers rehearsed and not be asked them but something you hadn't thought about.

Research the company, although some company websites I have found have not been that user friendly or informative which makes that difficult sometimes.

LisaB85

Thank you for all your input some good tips there but I find I rehearse then forget

I always research the company even before I apply then before the interview as well as going over the person spec.

I think what I need is mock interviews with someone who can tell me where I go wrong. I have asked for feedback from employers but everyone of them has ignored my request.