1. careers
2. resume writing and advice

T.E.C.C.
• Module Six
• Interview Skills
Learning Objectives
You will develop the ability to:
• Prepare adequately for an interview.
• Respond with confidence to typically asked questions in an
interview situation.
• Recognise and apply strategies for a successful presentation
style.
Preparing for the Interview
1. Geographic Preparation
Plan to be at the Interview no earlier 20 minutes and definitely
not late.
2. Research the Company
Find out specific facts about the company - where its plants,
offices or stores are located: what its products and services are;
what its growth has been; and what its growth potential is for the
future.
Preparing for the Interview
3. Self-Image and Physical Presentation
Your impact is subconsciously measured as follows:
- Words
7%
- Vocal tones & volume
38%
- Facial expression and body language
55%
Also remember to practice:
1. Good eye contact
2. Remember the names of the interviewers
3. Introduce a smile every so often
4. Be pleasant
5. Vary facial expressions
Dressing
A short guide to your physical preparation
•
Dress conservatively
•
Dress appropriately
•
Wear darker colours
•
Wear traditional shoes that have been cleaned
•
Make sure that your socks and stockings match
•
Keep your hair trimmed
•
Ensure your nails are clean and manicured
•
Body and breath freshness are vital
•
Wear a small amount of perfume or aftershave
•
Keep jewellery to a minimum
•
Ensure make-up is appropriate (if in doubt, less is best)
Group Exercise 1
Body Language Practice
In groups of 3, one is to become an observer, the other two are
interviewer/interviewee. The interviewer is to ask the interviewee
“Tell me about yourself”. The observer is to check on the
interviewee’s as they work through this role play:
1. Degree of eye contact
2. Facial expressions
3. Body alertness
4. Hand movements
Types of Interviews
1. Screening or initial interview
These are often undertaken as part of employment agency
procedures - and may focus on technical skills, administrative
strengths, employment background and job needs.
2. Employment interviews
These are often conducted by the hiring manager, a panel of
staff or a recruitment agency.
You may also experience group interviews for part-time
employment or as a preliminary screening interview for full time
positions. The size of the group may be as large as 25.
During the Interview
Structure of the Interview.
An interview has three stages, namely:
• Beginning
A small percentage of the interview time typically looks at
personal details, educational background and interests (ie.
checking facts)
• Middle
70-80% of the interview looks at your work experience and
achievements.
• End
10-15% of the interview looks at general career trends, strengths
and weaknesses and wage/salary issues.
Typical Interview Questions
• Tell me about yourself
• Why do you want this job?
• What do you find most appealing about this position?
• Why should we hire you?
• What are your life goals?
• Please give me your understanding of……
• How long do you think it will take to master this job?
• What do you consider to be your greatest accomplishment(s)?
• How would you describe your strengths?
Behavioural Interviews
There are 3 types of behavioural interview:
1. Validating skills via Practical Tests.
2. Validating abilities with hypothetical problems - solving questions.
3. Validating strengths.
Finally
At the conclusion of the interview it is often the applicants
opportunity to ask a question or two of the interviewers.
• What are you looking for in the person who will fill this job?
• Is this a new position?
• Who will I report to?
• Are there uniforms provided and who is responsible for the
laundry of them?
• How would you describe the “environment” here?
• Does the company have any plans for new products or services?
• Are there opportunities for promotion?
• How will my performance be measured?
• When and how are employees reviewed?
After the Interview
Negotiating a Salary
To negotiate successfully in the job setting you have to get as much
information as you possibly can. Review the following checklist
and be prepared by knowing:
• Exactly what you are worth in the market place
• Exactly what you want in terms of salary
• Exactly the minimum acceptable level of remuneration you will
accept for that particular job
• Exactly what is being offered and what it means
• What benefits/perks you want
Group Exercise 2
Practice Interview
Divide into two groups. Have a ‘volunteer’ willing to act as
interviewee in each group. Each group is to devise 6 typical
questions to ask the interviewee. Role play a typical scenario and
then evaluate the outcomes.