Placement Interviews Workshop

Janice SimpsonSenior Careers Adviser

Handling Interviews

By the end of the session you should be able to:

• understand the interview process

• understand the type of questions which you may be

asked

• formulate answers to a variety of questions

• develop strategies for dealing with nerves

What is an interview?

“A conversation with a purpose”

What do we mean by that ?

Interviewer needs to know: Will you be able to

perform the role ? Do you really want

the job ? Will you fit in with

their staff and work well within a team ?

You need to know: Whether you can/want

to take the placement More about the

organisation and placement opportunity

Whether you will be happy working there ?

Interview formats

• 1 or 2 interviewers or a panel• Formal/informal• Telephone • Skills/competency based • CV/application form based• Technical

Preparing for an interview

In pairs/small groups• Read through the statements in the pack of

cards• Decide which 3 activities you think would be

the most important in preparing for an interview

• Be prepared to feedback on your choices

Preparing for an interview

• Read the placement description/person spec – remind yourself what the placement provider is looking for

• If you don’t have this information, what do you think they will be looking for ? • Skills ? Experience ? Knowledge ?

Personal qualities ?• Research the organisation’s website, ask

in your department, read previous placement students’ reports

Example Placement Advert

The placement involves the use of a range of microbiological, biochemical and molecular biological techniques with a strong emphasis on team work.

The successful applicant will be expected to undertake a project during their placement and report regularly to their supervisor and the company on their progress. You shouldbe able to demonstrate good written and oral communication skills. A problem solving mentality and a methodical approach to data generation and interpretation is highly desirable.

Mental Preparation

Spend time reflecting on and researching:

• Yourself – skills, strengths, personal qualities• Your application• The placement• Scientific skills and knowledge• The company/organisation• Current issues

Interview questions

• Factual• Education, degree course • Extra-curricular activities and interests• Strengths, weaknesses, skills

• Motivational• Interest in the placement and career plans

• Technical questions• Situational/scenario• Competency• Knowledge relevant to the placement

Answering competency questionsThe STAR technique

• Describe the Situation

• Outline the Tasks you performed

• What Action did you take ?

• What was the Result ?

Answering competency questionsThe STAR techniqueTIPS• Avoid too much detail about the

context/situation• Focus on the question and keep answers

relevant• Focus on what you did• Be prepared to be questioned further on your

actions – drilling down

Answering questions - Tips

• Aim to talk for a couple of minutes for competency based questions

• Listen carefully and ask for clarification if needed

• Always illustrate your answers with real examples and explain your personal contribution

• Be prepared for follow up questions• Be prepared to reflect on your experiences

Answering questions - Tips

•Find something positive to say about everything – even difficulties you have encountered • Keep answers specific and succinct • Speak clearly, smile and be professional• Take your time – think and plan your answer

Interview Practice

• In Pairs - interviewer/interviewee • Give feedback

• Did the interviewee answer the question ?• Did they give specific examples if

requested ?• Were their answers focussed with a logical

structure ?• Did they use positive language ?• Non-verbal behaviour• Anything else….any irritating habits ?

What else might you expect on the day ?

Presentation by the organisation Tests, exercises, group activities Tour of the labs/premises/area of work Lunch with staff and/or current trainees

Remember – your behaviour and attitudes are being observed during these

activities !

Remember: first impressions count

• Dress and appearance

• Be led by your interviewer (s)

• Be polite, friendly and enthusiastic

• Tone of voice• Vary your tone• Speak clearly and

concisely• Accents/speed ?

• Body language• Firm handshake• Eye contact• Smile !• Active listening• Open posture• Be aware of any

irritating habits

Do you have any questions for the interviewer(s) ?

Consider asking about….• The culture of the organisation• Supervision and review of progress• Type of work you’ll be involved in• Possible projects • Training• Their organisational/departmental plans

What if….?

• You don’t know the answer to a question ?• You don’t understand a question ?• You are asked a question that you are unwilling

to answer (or which could be discriminatory) ?• You freeze and forget what you wanted to say ?• You think of something you wished you had said

earlier ?

……….Any other possibilities ?

Positive Mental Attitude

• Interviewers wouldn’t waste their own time• You are a student at a highly regarded department and university• Selectors obviously like what you have written so far• Don’t worry about the other candidates• Focus on the positives• What is the worst thing that can happen?

Dealing with interview nerves

• Interviewers will allow for initial nervousness• A little stress can sometimes be a good thing….

• Relaxation exercises can help • Counselling Service runs relaxation

workshops• www.bbc.co.uk/health/conditions/mental_healt

h/coping_relaxation.shtml• www.counselling.cam.ac.uk/relax.html• www.mind.org.uk/Information/Factsheets

(under Stress)

Sources of Help

• Careers Service for:• Interview and assessment centre workshops • Discussions with a Careers Adviser• Reference books, takeaway guides, handouts• DVDs/videos on interviews and assessment centres

www.york.ac.uk/careers

• Prospects graduate careers website www.prospects.ac.uk/links/appsinterviews

• Your department

Any questions ?