INTERVIEW SKILLS

Nica Mangampat
 CONGRATULATIONS!
• You have an interview! You have done well to get
this far – you are 90% of the way to getting that
job.
• The employer wants to meet you to find out more
about you, to see if you will fit in the organization,
whether you are committed and motivated and to
find out more about your skills and achievements.
• Now you need to prepare for the interview, because
if you fail to prepare, you are preparing to fail.
• Whoever makes the best impression at the
interview gets the job!
 TYPES OF INTERVIEW

• One-to-one
• Panel
• Group
 Activity
• Write a paragraph about yourselves
giving whatever information you
think an employer would want to
know including their education and
job history.
PREPARE FOR YOUR INTERVIEW
 Application form/CV/Resume
• What was in your CV or application form
which interested the employer?
• Those being interviewed probably have
similar skills and achievements, so you
need to show that you are the right
match.
PREPARE FOR THE INTERVIEW
1. Practice talking about yourself by
preparing a ‘Career Statement’.
2. Do you know who will be
interviewing you? This is not
essential but it may give you some
idea about their focus.
3. Make sure you know exactly where
the interview is taking place.
 First Impressions
• The first words you speak count
– It is a pleasure meeting with you
– Thank you for scheduling this time to
meet

• Walk with confidence

– People who walk 10% faster than they
normally do are perceived as getting
more done
Give a firm but gentle handshake when
you meet your interviewer(s), sit when
invited to do so, make direct eye
contact and remember to smile.
Source: Job Outlook 2009, a survey conducted by the National Association of
Colleges and Employers, 2009.
 Non-verbal Communication
• Put your feet squarely on the floor or cross
your legs at the ankle
• Put anything you are carrying on the floor
• Rest your hands in your lap
• Nod your head to show you are listening
• Do not fidget
• Be serious but do not forget to smile
ACTIVITY
ACTIVITY
DRESS
FOR
SUCCESS
DRESS
FOR
SUCCESS
DRESS
FOR
SUCCESS
 Verbal Communication
• Show genuine interest in the position
• Listen and answer the questions asked
• Never argue a point
• If you do not understand or hear a question,
ask for it to be repeated.
• Do not interrupt
 BODY IMAGE
• Use good posture
Give a firm handshake (regardless of sex)
• Lean forward while listening and
answering questions
• Make eye contact
 Interview Checklist
 Arrive 15 minutes early
 Dress should be appropriate
 Know the interviewer’s name and pronunciation
 Extend a warm greeting and handshake
 Wait to be asked to have a seat
 Good eye contact
 Enthusiasm
 Knowledge of the company, industry, and position
 Ready to answer and ask questions
 How do you formulate your answers?

• S: situation
• T: task
• A: action
• R: result
 AFTER THE INTERVIEW
• Thank the interviewer and shake hands
• Remember that the interview does not finish
until you have left the building
• If you have not heard from the company
after the agreed time, contact them to find
out if they have had time to make a decision.
 ADDITIONAL TIPS

• Potential questions:
What are the key attributes you think are
required for this role?
 
 ADDITIONAL TIPS

What do you think we could be doing

better?
 
 ADDITIONAL TIPS

What are your career goals?

 ADDITIONAL TIPS

Why should we choose you?

 Activity
A) Employers: Get together and brainstorm questions to ask
for the interview, using the questions on the board as a kind
of springboard.

B) Job Seekers: Go over their character and find their

strengths and weaknesses for the job. For teenage students
again, it's a good idea to remind them that although they
cannot lie, they can emphasize their strengths and that they
also don't have to say their weaknesses if they are not asked.