interview training

[jellyjiggles]

Is there such a thing?! All feedback I'm getting is basically saying my interview technique is letting me down. I'm getting interviews, I'm getting great results in tests etc.

I need to become good at interviews!

Hi Jelly
Yes there is - there's loads on the internet, or you can find group courses or 1:1 counselling

Lots of charities run courses. Where are you OP, I'll look them up!

North East

Hello. I've had a quick look and nothing leapt out. Are you on JSA? Ask about job preparation courses. Did you go to college or university locally - all the search results I found were from Sunderland/ Newcastle/ Durham colleges and universities. Your CV and applications are definitely good as you're getting interviews.
Read through the applications before the interview and be ready to elaborate on what you wrote. Be groomed- so comfortable but tidy, eye contact, smile, don't fidget.
Answer questions fully. So as a for instance when I asked you where you live a good 'interview response'
would have been, 'I live near Newcastle but I can travel to Doncaster; I'm happy to pay for interview training (or can you recommend a book/ are there free online resources)
Give concrete examples- so when asked about resolving a problem, describe eg how you noticed that there was poor communication and low morale on the last project you worked on: part time staff were missing out on team meetings so you rescheduled them to be fortnightly around all sites and offered Toil to those who attended on their non rostered days and how this improved morale. Or when you covered reception you created a proforma email for missed calls including read receipt, which meant that leads were easily followed up and kept the lines clear.

Do they give any indication of which aspect of your interviewing is letting you down?

I'm assuming you've got the basics covered, like being neatly dressed, tidy hair and so on.

How's your body language? Firm, confident handshake? Do you appear compose, calm and confident, with an open posture? Google "body language for interviews", and you get loads of hits.

If they're talking about how you actually answer questions, google "STAR technique". Prepare a variety of answers which you can adapt and use for questions - they don't necessarily have to be from work - maybe you saved some money for a local group you volunteer with, by changing the way the buy tea and coffee. Any examples where you've saved money, made money or made processes more efficient will always be useful.

And breathe! If you start feeling nervous, focus on your breathing, making it slower and deeper. Don't feel obliged to answer questions instantly - it's okay to take a few moments to think. And if you don't understand a question, it's okay to ask for clarification - but it in your own words and reflect it back to them: "I just want to clarify, what you're asking me is..."

Not on JSA.

My applications are good because I've had extensive experience, I'm well educated and I've worked with companies who have a good reputation. I've been promoted and allocated projects everywhere I've worked. I've supervised staff, managed accounts and offices etc. My credentials and ability don't concern me. I know that sounds big headed but I've worked hard for many years to get to where I am. I am capable of doing all jobs I apply for to a very high standard.

My test results are brilliant. The feedback from these is always really good.

My problem is interviews. All feedback I get puts me so close to getting the jobs but they all tell me I just miss out by not being as in depth as I need to be. I have loads of examples I can use to demonstrate my skills!

The competition for jobs here is beyond belief and it's getting worse. 20+ interviews per post is standard practice . So many people are out of work or looking and it's actually expected to drop a level to employment.

I don't have the gift of the gab. I'm not in sales and I am terrified of interviews. I am therefore not at my best during the interview process.

The last job I didn't get I thought I'd done really well at interview. It seems once again I didn't go into depth enough in one area.

To stand any chance of getting a job here I need to be significantly better than they want but not so good I miss out.

The problem is I don't know how to do it!

"I've been promoted and allocated projects everywhere I've worked. I've supervised staff, managed accounts and offices etc."
Next time you get down an interview sit down with the person specification and that phrase and write out anecdotes from your experience that demonstrate how you match the specification. Practise those stories, record yourself, post here and talk through with your friends. Talk clearly and slowly, smile, make eye contact etc.
Did you go to University or train near where you live? Can you contact the careers services there for coaching?

I've got 3 degrees all from different universities. None of their career services will help now that I've left.

Have you checked that?

It sounds like you feel that the information in the application form sells you (experience, degrees, etc.,) and you're not doing enough to sell yourself in interview.

Are you naturally quite dynamic? Do you approach a subject from lots of angles or do you tend to focus on just one aspect?

Try www.nationalcareersservice.direct.gov.uk. I work for a charity which has a contract with this service. The advisers are fully qualified and really good at interviews coaching/ mock interviews. Go on the website, phone the helpline for your nearest centre and availability in your area.

Does sound like you don't have the gift of spin, how to sell yourself even when you don't have exactly what they seem to be hinting at.

Last time I was on an interview panel, the weakest candidate had answers like "I guess I don't know anything about that (full stop)." when what we would have accepted was "Hmm, I haven't done that specifically. But I have done something similar which was.."

What broad work area are you interviewing in, OP?

Hi Jellyjiggles I'm not sure which universities you went to - but most do offer career support, including mock interviews, for alumni free of charge (and with a choice of f2f, Skype, telephone etc.). I would suggest giving the Careers Director a phone in the first instance and explain your situation. I work in a careers team so hence thought I'd offer some help as most of this should be free.

I think it depends - mine gave careers support for 3 years after graduation, but I think that was it.