Please give me your best interview tips!

[newjobblewobble]

I have an interview on Tuesday within my current organisation and in the same department. I am so nervous. There's a lot of expectation that I will get the job as I was the only internal applicant to meet the spec. I'm against another two external applicants.

It's about ten years since I had an interview. Since I already know the people in the panel, should I still shake hands with them? What kind of questions should I ask? (I know I'm going to ask if the successful candidate will be given the opportunity to complete further CPD, in my case a degree), but I feel I should ask more.

Also one of the managers told me to take prompts in with me, and my application
form. Is this really okay??

Any tips are greatly appreciated!

Yes it's ok. Have a think about how the new role differs from the one you have. What my info might be required how you will get it what you will do with.

Problem solving scenario
Difficult situation scenarios
Money making scenario
Money saving scenario
Line mgt scenarios switch from peer

Think about your scenario answers and take in notes.i

Look at the departmental strategy. Think about what they might ask. Think about what you can ask about it.

Good luck

Thank you Nip.

I have my highlighter out now, going through my application and the main policy for my area.

I feel like some things I maybe want to say, I can't, because I only know that information because I already work there iyswim? So the other applicants can't mention it. E.g I know one of the main areas of focus for the next few months and I strongly agree that it needs to be, but the other applicants don't know it's a main focus, so is there any point mentioning it if something comes up that I can relate it back to??

I don't think I need to think about money making/saving. Although I do know where we're going wrong with the money saving. Quite simply we're paying for so much stuff that other areas should be. Has made my job a nightmare the last few months

Anyway, I digress!

Thank you

I have a glass of wine before I go I know that sounds bad, but the interviews always go well and it stops me coming out with nervous rubbish. Best of luck

Nancy  I have work beforehand anyway. But I honestly think that would help me out, if I had the balls. Sadly, I don't.

Thank you.

Firm handshake, eye contact, smile. Good luck

Firm handshake, eye contact, smile. Good luck

Sounds like you're doing it already but going through the job spec and finding examples of the experience you have for each requirement is always good prep!

Also remember interviewing is a 2 way street, they want to find the best candidate as much as you want the job, so try to relax and remember it's not one sided - they should be selling the job too.

My go to question is 'what is the most challenging part of this role?' - shows you're really thinking about all sides of it. Also 'what do you like about working in this team?' Can be good, tells you a bit about the culture and turns it back on them!

Good luck!!

Good advice above.

It's a balance to not overthink things beforehand, though, and really listen to the questions being asked on the day. And then answering that question, not any prepared answers. This is really important and whilst it sounds obvious it's an easy trap to fall into.

Try to speak slowly, giving yourself time to think as you speak. It will feel slow, but will actually come across as calm and controlled. Also, don't be afraid of asking them to repeat the question, and don't be afraid of pausing before you answer to gather your thoughts. You can even say "sorry, I am just thinking of these best example to give you".

Candidates often rush to get the interview over, and I remember one candidate I had who was excellent but nearly failed at interview because at times we literally could not understand her, despite repeatedly asking her to slow down and try to relax.

You are allowed to be nervous, it shows you care. If you do something you feel is silly, like going to shake hands but finding that's not expected, it's fine to make light of it by saying that you're a bit nervous...they will understand.

Well done for getting this far and good luck!

Definitely use your insider knowledge. That is your advantage and your edge over the other candidates. Say if you know one tricky thing to deal with is that the IT system is being overhauled or whatever it is. They want someone who will "get" the job.

I would prepare an answer to "what is your biggest weakNess?" You can't lie too much as they know you but don't make it something they won't hire you because of. I always find it a really hard one to answer.

Smile and enthusiasm. Warm and friendly is the feeling you want to leave behind (even if they know you) and enthusiasm really does make a massive difference.

Yes I'd still shake hands. I went for an internal interview and shook the 3 panel members' hands and said lovely to see you today. Because I was happy to be interviewed.

One thing I learned about internal applications is to behave as though you are an external candidate. Give the same level of detail in your responses as though they know nothing about you.

Good luck!
I have Interview on Tuesday having been in my job 15 years!!! So so nervous

Do you shake hands on meeting and leaving?

Snap. Interview Tuesday for internal job although I don't know whether other candidates are internal or external. I know it was advertised externally.
I will definitely be using insider knowledge/focusing on my experience within the organisation, understanding of culture etc.
I have had the conversation with my boss (who will be interviewing) that it's easier to teach skills than it is to teach the organisation.
I should be going through job spec with a highlighter but I'm watching the athletics

Answer questions as though you've never met them before and assume they know they nothing about you. It's where internal applicants tend to go wrong in my experience. They don't sell themselves because they assume the panel will take into account their experiences of working with them.

If they ask if you want a glass of water, always say yes. Then, if you get stuck on a difficult question, take a sip of water - it'll buy you a few seconds to think of something

Do not have a glass of wine before you go!

Use your insider knowledge. They know you're an internal candidate, so they'll expect you to know more and it could be seen as a negative if you don't mention what you know.

Don't assume you'll get it just because you're an internal candidate.

Your last question could be something like "is there anything else you need to know about me that will help you make your decision?"

Good point about speaking slowly. I know I'm inclined to ramble on at speed, even to the point where I can leave someone and be wondering myself what it was I said. It's definitely a nervous thing/lack of self confidence in what I'm saying.

Best of luck to you both, Chocolate and Muddling.

I definitely won't, Queenio. Massive vodka after it though

Chocolateworshipper I'm certainly not assuming. Quite the opposite! But i will be disappointed and embarrassed if I'm unsuccessful.

I've tried to keep quiet about it, but so many people just outright ask, or even assume that that's actually already my job. And I've had great encouragement from people I work closely with, saying I can definitely do it. I have been doing some of what's required, and bee involved in the rest to a degree, so I do know the job to an extent, but I really just don't have faith in myself.

If it was a written exam type interview, I'd be fine: But face to face, on the spot, I'm hopeless.

But some great advice here, all much appreciated!

Just take a deep breath. What do you think they'll ask you? Think it through.

They'll want to know what you can offer.

Impact, impact, impact!
Tell them what you will do, how you will go about it and what the impact will be. The impact must be something to do with the thing that's important to them e.g. more money, more efficient etc... Use an example of something that you have done in the past then link it to how those skills will be used in the new role and the impact it will have on the company.
Try not to focus on what you enjoy the company aren't employing you to make you happy they just want to sell more, produce more or become more efficient, essentially it's all about the money!
I would always pause before answering the question and if you get lost in your answer then stop and ask for the question to be repeated.
Best of luck with the interview!

Have a look at the star technique help.open.ac.uk/using-star-technique to answer questions. Also think about some key points you want to get across about you.
Take 5 mins in the loo to compose yourself!! Dress for the level above you! Good luck!!

I had a similar situation to you - I had many people assuming I already had the job/would be great for the job etc. I have to say I feel that actually helped me - my managers saw how many people thought I would be good for the role and it boosted both their confidence in me and my own confidence.

My piece of advice if you have to do a presentation or any long talking - slow your speech down to what you think is right... then talk even slower than that! When you are nervous you tend to pick up speed and rush through answers. Also just to be proud of your own achievements - you know what you have done and what you are able to do with this job role!!

It worked for me - I got the job

Good advice here. I've been on a few interview panels recently. I like Chocolate's suggested question. A couple of interviewees asked each of us what we liked best about our team/organisation/job, which we thought was good. I think it's good idea to have some prepared answers to predictable questions e.g. an example of tackling a difficult situation. Make sure you choose ones that show you in a good light though! Certainly use your insider knowledge; as others have said, that would be expected. Do give full answers and don't assume they know everything about you; we use a scoring system and consider what people have said, not what we've read between the lines. Good luck, and to other posters having interviews this week - let us know how it goes!

You absolutely should take advantage of being an internal candidate - it's actually harder to be one because you can't bullshit your way through, so really do use insider knowledge of the organisation.

I interviewed one internal and two external candidates a couple of weeks ago and really wanted the internal to get it - although she had weaknesses I felt confident that I knew what I was getting. Unfortunately she blew the interview because she simply didn't give enough concrete examples of what she had done - she fell into the trap of talking in general terms about what she would theoretically do in a given situation without backing it up with an example.

Remember the STAR technique for answers:-

Situation
Task
Action
Result

Then add what I like to call the extra R - Relevance! Say how that example will help you achieve in the job you are going for.

Best of luck!