I need your best interview tips.

[TravellingSpoon]

I have an interview next week for a job I really want. I am so nervous. I normally do okay at interviews but this is different because all the jobs I have done are generic care jobs, and this is much more of a niche role.

Please give me your best interview techniques. I have been studying the job description and the company website all afternoon. It's not until next Thursday so I have time but I am feeling so snxoous already.

What's the job? Sector? Level?

Google 'power posing' and do it in the loo beforehand.

Firm handshake, confident smile.

If it's possible you'll be asked "tell us about a time when you....?" questions, then identify 4-5 examples of your performance that you're proud of; think about the skills they demonstrate; what you did and what the outcome was. Practise telling them in a succinct and positive way. Focus on the competencies of the role / values of the organisation etc.

It's a housing support worker role for a small HA.

Working with adults who have a history of addiction and homelessness. It's entry level but does require some qualifications which I have.

I usually show some knowledge in the questions I ask. Hard without outing myself but I would ask ‘do you use xyz?’ Xyz would be something common within that industry and shows my knowledge of how the industry works. Take deep breaths and smile.

When they ask you why you have applied for the role, given them maybe three reasons why you would be great at the job. It's ok to say you will get something from it such as some personal and professional development however you don't want to say entirely things you will "take" from the opportunity. It's a chance to sell yourself and get the interview off to a great start.

In my last interview I summarised my answer to this question in three parts :

-how my knowledge makes me highly suited to the role
-how my experience makes me likely to succeed in a big project coming up in the team
-how enthusiastic I am about the role, team, department and how I will develop by doing the role.

Seemed to work as I got the job. I interviewed a lot of people for an apprentice role recently and so many of them didn't have a reason for why they wanted to work at this specific place or even in this sector. And a lot of them mainly said they wanted the role because the studying was funded. Didn't go down very well with me. Research about the company and team is easy to do and it's so obvious if you haven't done any at all.

Good luck hope you get it!!!

Watch the Amy Cuddy TED talk about body language, it’ll really help your confidence!

Take your time, think then answer the question that was asked (not always the question you would have liked them to ask).

Answer using the STAR technique (Situation, Task, Action, Result).

You need to come across as approachable and have a bit of personality for that role.

I read a book called ‘Why You?: 101 Interview Questions You'll Never Fear Again.’ It’s by James Reed (of the recruitment company Reed)

It was amazing and helped me get the job of my dreams recently. Also available as an audio book

All simple stuff but helped me formulate my answers that gave the best account of my skills and I felt prepared.

Don't forget you are also interviewing them!

They've already shown their hand by asking to meet, so you know they're interested in you. It's your time to just nudge that interest across the line.

This is my favourite list of interview tips: link

Love the tips

I would recommend any candidate who did 1 and 9.

I always take notes in with prepared answers to potential questions. It helps calm me!

I interview people at work and I honestly don’t care if people come across nervous etc as long as they seem prepared. Also don’t care if people aren’t 100% experienced enough for the role as long as they show willing and potential.

Also... this might translate... I work in back office for the NHS and whenever I ask why people want the job the rattle on about how great the NHS is. There are millions of jobs in the NHS, they need to be a gazillion times more specific!

Watching!!

I interviewed today and the candidate wasn't particularly friendly to the receptionist, didn't ask any questions about the role nor seem particularly interested in us as interviewers, even when told the role would involve working with us.

I think they could have come across so much better if they'd just done the above.

I’m highjacking the thread a bit but does anybody have any advice for good questions to ask. I’m having a third stage interview this week and have already completed a test exercise and interviewed with HR, the person who would be my line manager and head of department (twice) and a senior partner. This interview is with the global head of knowledge and I feel I’ve exhausted all my questions!

I interviewed last week and we gave it to the most nervous person, so don't worry about nerves.

I'd also keep in mind that unless you're being interviewed by HR, the people interviewing probably don't do it much either and are just winging it.

I really like when people have good knowledge of our company and what we do. It's surprising how many people haven't done even basic research. And just take time to answer questions, I'd much rather someone thought for a minute and answered the question we asked to the best of their ability, than just garble the first thing that comes to mind.

Good luck!!

@whitershadeofpale I always like it when people ask me (the interviewer) a more personal question. “How long have you worked here?”, “What do you like about working here?” Etc.... opens up more of a dialogue.

Thanks @ThunderMum

@whitershadeofpale recycle questions if you need to, just have some ready.

Ask about the training you'll be doing, business strategy, competition, progression opportunities, something you've seen on the website, an industry topic, anything!

We do a tour and some tests first, but so many people get to us (hr and senior manager) and say they've asked all their questions of others, we don't get to know what they would have been, iyswim.

Just got this link in an email today:

www.fastcompany.com/90397790/this-personality-trait-is-an-interview-killer

Which included this interview questions link as well:
www.topinterview.com/interview-advice/interview-questions-to-ask-hiring-manager

whitershade summarise what you’ve already understood from the rest of the process, it shows you’re invested. Eg I noticed that there’s a lot of focus on customer feedback, will that be an increasing part of the role?

TravellingSpoon I would do some research into other agencies which support the clients you’ll be working with, so you can see the wider picture. I would also think about having good examples of how you’ve solved problems under pressure in the past.

Thanks everyone 😊

The thing I always do is walk in, say "hello, I'm [NAME]" and shake the hand of each interviewer before I sit down.

I find that by marching in like that I give the impression of being confident (even when I'm not) and I've made the first move which puts me in a stronger position mentally rather than waiting to be spoken to.

Someone suggested looking at the persons eye colour when shaking their hand and smiling. It sounds daft but it sort of engages you.