Successful Interview Techniques

Gillian Knight, Managing Director, Kala Management Solutions & Career and Interview Coach for Irishjobs.ie

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Agenda

• Purpose an interview• What employers want to know• Key to a great interview• Answer structure• Common Pitfalls• End of interview questions• Q&A

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Employers want to know

• Are you well presented?• Can you do the job?• Will you make money/save me money?• Do you think outside the box?• Will you go that extra mile? • Will you fit in with our culture?• Will you stay with us?

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Key to a great interview

• Preparation, preparation, preparation –Research company/people/departmentKnow job spec well & match itKnow your skill/experience gapsPractice strong examplesRelax – show confidenceSmile

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Answers Structure - STAR

ST - SituationTask

A - Action

R - Results

ST – Introduction

A – Meat of the story, your process

R – Positive Outcomes & learning from example

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For Competency Based Interview questions

Questions to ask yourself

• Why me over others? • What is my unique selling point?• How am I going to add value?• When did I add value in the past- achievements?• Why this company/role?• Where do I see myself go after joining?• What are my core values & do they match the

company’s

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Common Pitfalls

• Lateness• Appearing stressed• Disinterested • No eye contact• Crossed arms, fidgeting• No research/preparation• Not answering questions asked

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Common Pitfalls

• Don’t Talk about personal problemsRush answersAnswer just yes or noLie or be too honest!Complain or criticise former employersBring attention to your weaknessesJust focus on monetary benefits

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Turn the Tables

• What I train interviewers to look for:Gaps in CVsBody languageFalse informationProof of abilityWhy leaving? Why interested in us?Key Strengths & Weaknesses

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End of interview Questions

• Don’t ask questions for the sake of it• Use this as an opportunity to bring in any

additional information you did not get an opportunity to during the interview

• Can you describe a typical day?• Will there be a handover?• Some idea of volumes the role manages• Any gaps in the job spec

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• Go to the IrishJobs.ie’s Career Advice blog http://www.irishjobs.ie/careeradvice/ for interview, CV and job hunting tips.

• Visit www.kala.ie for more articles on interviews and CVs

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