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Interview Techniques: Part 1
**** First impressions count ***
Step 1: Preparing for an interview
Before attending any interview, we strongly recommend that you plan your preparation to make the best presentation of yourself to a future employer.
Interview Preparation
Research on your part is vital. Gather some background information about the company; this will enable you to understand how the job for which you are applying fits in to the overall picture. For example, most businesses and organisations now have web sites, so it is usually easy to familiarise yourself with the company. If not, then ask if any general information is available for you to read before you attend for an interview. JNF can help you with gaining information.
Think about questions!
It may sound like stating the obvious, but it is worth remembering that interviews are a two-way process: the interviewer has to decide which applicant best suits their needs but the interviewee also has to decide if the position matches what they are looking for. This means that it is as important for you to ask relevant questions as it is to answer them.
Try to anticipate what questions you are likely to be asked, as well as thinking about what you want to find out about. For example:
Interviewer Questions
Tell me a little about yourself...? |
Why do you want to leave your current position? |
In your CV you mentioned ---------; can you elaborate? |
What do you feel are your strengths and weaknesses? |
Where do you see yourself in 2/3/5 years time etc? |
Why does this job appeal to you? |
Why should we employ you? |
Why do you want to leave your present position? |
Interviewee Questions
Describe the job role - what are the main functions? |
Who would I report to? |
What are the main objectives of the team/department/company & how does this position fit in? |
What are the overall prospects? |
Is there a dress code? |
Plus, of course, the usual questions concerning terms of employment, such as working hours... |
When will JNF hear regarding this position? |
Remember:
Listening is as important as speaking! Be attentive to what you are being asked.
You will learn more, come across as more relaxed and confident, and keep the interview flowing if you use 'open' questions ("What...?" "Why...?" "How...?) and supplementary questions or interjections such as "For instance...?" or "Could you tell me more...?". 'Closed' questions are those that require only a "Yes" or "No".
If tests - such as an ability, aptitude or psychometric test - are to form part of your interview, you will normally be told about this beforehand. Don't be nervous about this. JNF staff can give you any advice you may need to prepare yourself.
The Interview Day >>
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