Transcript of Interviews podcast
Thanks for downloading this podcast from Careers Scotland.
Careers Scotland can give you help and advice on aspects of Career Planning.
This podcast looks at preparation for interviews.
For more information visit our website careers-scotland.org.uk or phone us on 0845 8 502 502 or just call in to your nearest Careers Scotland centre, you don't need an appointment.
Whether we like it or not, interviews are still very much part of the scene when employers are selecting for vacancies, nobody enjoys going through an interview and a lot of people get quite nervous about them. So what can you do to prepare and ensure you do as well as you can?
Interviews are never much fun but if you do a bit of preparation they don't have to be an ordeal. You mentioned job interviews but you can apply the same tips to interviews for college and university courses as well. Quite a lot of preparation is common sense, sometimes you forget to do the obvious things because you get into a panic.
Well let's take it step by step, you've applied to the company and you get a letter or e-mail inviting you for an interview what should you be doing before the interview?
Let's start with the basics, check where the interview is to be held and plan how to get there, if you're not sure of the location look up the address on the map or on the internet. Think about how you are going to get there, is it by bus, car or train. Check the route, how long does it actually take to get there from your house. It's always worth doing a trial run first, remember you're aiming to be there at least ten minutes before the interview is due to start, this gives you time to report to reception and settle yourself down before the actual interview. Rushing in at the last minute is not a good start, you won't do a good interview. Making a good first impression is very important.
Presumably a good impression also involves dressing appropriately. People are often a bit unsure about what they should wear for interview, are there any general rules on that?
Yes, no matter what kind of job you're applying for make sure you look neat and tidy. Be sensible about it, what looks good for a night out or a party may be completely unsuitable for an interview, you may ruin your chances of convincing an employer to take you on if you don't create the right impression. Remember as you walk through the door the employer is forming an initial impression so find out a bit about the company and its dress code.
So is it worth doing a bit of homework on the company itself?
Definitely, find out as much as you can about what the company does and what your job will involve. You may well be asked how much do you know about our company. Doing research demonstrates genuine interest and enthusiasim for the job. Find out what the company actually does, what its main products or services are, does it have a number of different specialisms how many branches are there, do they have overseas links, how many employees do they have. If you go in knowing nothing about what the firm does it will reflect badly on you and the employer will think you haven't made an effort.
Some of that sounds quite difficult, how would you find out that sort information?
Well it's actually quite straight forward, it does take a bit of time but it's worth the effort. Most firms have there own websites, they'll give you the sort of information you are after. You can also use business directories which are produced by local councils or Enterprise Companies. If you are in any doubt your local Careers Scotland Centre will be able to help you.
OK, so we've planned our route to the interview, we've found out about the firm and we've planned what to wear on the day, apart from a map and a bus timetable is there anything else we should take with us to the interview?
Sometimes in the letter inviting you to the interview they will tell you exactly what they want you to bring. However as a minimum I suggest you take your interview letter or card, a note of your exam results or your exam certificates, your CV if you have one and a list of questions to ask, put them in a folder and keep them tidy.
So what about the questions you will be asked in the interview, presumably you can do some preparation for those?
Absolutely, if you spend a bit of time on this you will have a much better interview. Make a list of the experience and skills you have to offer, especially the ones that match the requirements and duties of the job. You will have been given a job description when you completed the application form, use this to match your strengths to the different parts of the job then prepare answers to the types of questions you might be asked.
So there are standard questions which employers tend to ask?
To be honest most employers tend to ask very similar types of questions, they won't all be worded in exactly the same way but they are all trying to find out the same sort of thing, 'Will you make a good employee?', 'Do you have the skills I need?', 'Will you fit in?',' Will you work hard?' and 'Are you reliable?' If you can convince the employer that the answer to all these questions is yes, then you will definitely have improved your chances of getting the job.
So are you saying you should just write out an interview script and simply repeat your answers?
No not at all, that'll sound very false. As I said there are different ways of asking questions, you need to think about how you can convince the employer that you have the qualities and skills they are looking for. You can do this by thinking about the sorts of questions they might ask and coming up with good answers. You might want to write your answers down and go over them before the interview. You can ask a Careers Scotland Adviser for help in this.
So what are the common types of questions you might be asked in an interview?
A lot of employers will ask you directly 'Why do you want this job?', so your answer needs to show you are genuinely interested in the job and prove that you are enthusiastic about the type of work on offer. What you've already found out about the company will help you here. For example you could say that the job will provide training and qualifications in a career area or industry which interests you. Always make your answer relevant to the employer. Another very common type of question, which could trip you up if you haven't done some preparation on it, is if the employer asks you why you think you will be good at this type of job. Again think about your school subjects, your work experience, your interests, link these to the key duties in the job. If it's a job where you must be good at working with people, think of examples of where you've done this. If it's a job that involves working with figures, your school subjects may well show evidence of why you are a good candidate.
So is it likely that you'll be asked about your school subjects, your work experience?
Yes, you might well be asked 'What are your favourite school subjects?' For this one think of reasons why you liked particular subjects at school, but also explain how your qualifications and skills make you a good candidate for this job.
And your work experience?
Right, employers want to find out if you have any experience of the world of work. Being at work is quite different from being at school or college, so they want to know if you are prepared for the demands of the work place. They could ask you to tell them about any work experience you've had. You could talk about things like part time work, school work experience, skillseekers training or voluntary work. Again explain how these can be useful for the job you are being interviewed for.
So the key message seems to be, always relate your answers to the job and what the employer is actually looking for?
Yes, you should take every opportunity to sell yourself to the employer. In a sense you are trying to make it easy for them to imagine you doing the job and doing it well. They are trying to get a complete picture of you as an individual and how you might fit in to the company which is why they often ask things like 'What do you do in your spare time?' So be ready to tell them about things like youth clubs, sports, other hobbies and interests. Remember they are not being nosey, they just want to find out whether you're the sort of person that will fit their vacancy. If they want someone who gets on well with people and who will be a good team worker then your spare time interests may well cover that.
Presumably there are skills and abilities which would be relevant to a range of different types of jobs?
That's true, so think about the kind of person you are and make a list of your good points. For example patient, reliable, get on well with people, don't give up easily, these are positive points which could apply to a large number of jobs.
You are often asked to talk about your strengths and a lot of people get uncomfortable about that. Either they can't think of anything or they feel like they are boasting?
Yes, again this is something to prepare for, remember the interview is all about convincing the employer. You shouldn't be shy about telling the employer about your strengths, they are looking for reasons why they should employ you. Make sure you don't sell yourself short. Some employers might ask you to tell them about an achievement you are particularly proud of. Other employers might ask you to think of a difficult situation which you handled well. Remember everyone has strengths and everyone has achievements they should be proud of, sometimes it can take other people to make you realise this. If you are struggling with this one have a chat with your teacher or someone who knows you well, I'm sure they will be able to help you put together a list of your strengths and achievements.
So is it worthwhile practising your answers?
Yes, try saying them out loud, maybe get a friend to help play the role of the interviewer, at first you might feel a bit embarrassed but it will definitely help you used to the interview format and your confidence will benefit.
Is it true that interviews always finish with you being asked if you have any questions?
Yes, most interviewers will round off the interview by giving you the chance to ask your questions.
So, should you always have a question?
The general rule is yes, have some questions prepared in advance. The sort of questions you might want to ask are, 'What training is there in the job?', 'What are the hours of work?', 'When will I hear if I have been successful?' Asking questions shows that you are interested, but don't ask about something that has already been covered in the interview. Don't feel pressured in to making up a question just for the sake of it, also be careful asking about the salary, it can sound as if you're only interested in the money.
Are there any key do's and don'ts in terms of how you should actually behave in the interview?
Yes, we talked earlier about arriving in good time, always allow extra time and get there a few minutes early. When you arrive at reception give your name, explain you have an interview, remember first impressions really do count, so smile and say good morning when you meet the interviewer. Shake hands if the interviewer offers to do so, don't sit down until you are invited to sit. During the interview don't slouch and fidget and whatever you do don't smoke or chew gum. Be interested and enthusiastic, answer questions clearly. If you don't understand a question ask the interviewer to repeat it, there is nothing wrong with that. Take time to think about your answers before you reply, don't worry if you have to say you don't know the answer to something, honesty is always best. Overall be positive and sell yourself, remember your good points.
OK, so the ordeal is over, we've survived the interview, is there anything we can do afterwards in terms of learning from the experience?
Yes, as soon as possible after the interview while it's still fresh in your mind, write down the questions you were asked and how you answered them. Talk over your answers with someone, your Careers Scotland Adviser will be happy to help with this. If you are not offered the job try to work why. For example could you have said more about your skills and experience, did you prepare well enough beforehand, think about contacting the firm and asking them for some feedback. The key point is learn from each interview and don't give up.
