Few note below from my time in recruitment - not all of it will be relevant to this particular interview, but hopefully some might help in the future?
FIRST CONSIDERATIONS
How great a commitment do I have to finding work
What are my key skills
What areas need development
What support is available
Family
Friends
Professional - agencies, etc
What preparation has been made
CV prepared
Internet access
Courses attended
Registrations with agencies
Reviewed personal image
PRE-APPLICATION
Research companies
Identify opportunities - existing and potential
Review personal approach
Remember there are only 4 keys reasons to appoint a candidate:
Can they do job
Do they fit company image
Will they fit the team
Is the money right
Only one is actually skills related!!
KEY SKILLS
Drive / Motivation
Assertiveness + positive attitude
Self starter - able to make things happen
Communication
Articulation and clarity
Listening skills - we all have 2 ears and 1 mouth!!
Confidence / Determination
Poise and body language
Personal appearance crucial
Decision making
Analytical skills
Sense of purpose / ability to collaborate
Efficiency
Business focus
Ability to identify opportunities
Reliability / Honesty
Genuine personal responsibility
Desire to learn / develop
TELEPHONE CANVASSING
Three main aims - aim for dialogue which will get “yes” as an answer!!
Set up meeting or
Arrange to call back or
Gain referral elsewhere
A Attract I’m () An experienced ( ) Have I called at
a good time? (Never use "bad" time!!)
I Interest List couple of achievements / key skills
D Desire Researched company / We may have areas for discussion /
Are these skills you’re looking for in your staff?
A Action Will be around on (*) Is that a good time to meet?
DIALOGUE
End with comment to move conversation forward
What’s the company’s approach to …
Has this been your experience with (issue) …
I understand that … (Demonstrate research)
Seems we have lots to discuss … (ask when to meet)
HANDLING OBJECTIONS
"Send me your CV"
Get full info. What skills area shall I address? Then sell !!
"Too busy to talk"
Quite understand - Sounds like a busy place I’d enjoy
Would <strong>*</strong> or <strong>*</strong> be the best time to call back?
"You need HR Dept"
Who? Which job about? Then say <strong>*</strong> suggests meet
"Don’t need anyone"
Anyone else in company hiring? Generate leads!!
Planning anything new - to create openings?
PRINCIPAL INTERVIEW QUESTIONS
Q Why do you want to work here
A Outline research on company - emphasise good match
Q What experience do you have
A Reply, but also “what areas would I be covering?” to develop response
Q What are your particular strengths
A Stress teamwork, planning, initiative, eye for detail
Q Describe a personal weakness
A Can be too hard on myself - get very absorbed in task
(Always give a "weakness" which actually shows a positive side)
Q What was your biggest success / describe when you showed initiative
A Use example of drive, collaboration and successful communication
Q Describe a time when your work was criticized
A Use “good idea at time” example - solved by consultation / team work
Q How do you handle problems
A Avoid build-up, address causes in time, liaison and support
Q Why does your CV have gaps / why not worked for so long
A Wanted to wait for right job, not just a pay cheque
Q What did / didn’t you like about your last job
A Avoid any criticism of staff / management - stress moving onwards
Q What salary are you looking for?
A Am sure you’ll offer fair deal if I’m the right person - what’s range for job?
Q I’m not sure about you because …
A Tell me why you feel that way? What can I help to clarify?
Q Discriminatory question
A Pause, smile - then ask interviewer to explain relevance to job
Q Do you have any questions to ask me
A Personnel structure / training /
Avoid yes or no – Instead consider “my track record in this area is …..”
To gain thinking time - “What particular aspect …..”
Overcome too-long pauses with “Would you like me to describe …..”
Final question - “When may I hope to learn your decision?”