Job interviews are your opportunity to showcase your skills and fit for a role. This module will prepare you for various types of interviews and provide strategies for presenting yourself effectively.
• Different types of interviews (behavioural, technical, panel)
• Researching companies and preparing for common questions
• Using the STAR method to structure your responses
• Handling difficult questions and scenarios
• Follow-up strategies post-interview
1. Different Types of Interviews
a) Traditional one-on-one interviews:
• Structure and purpose
• Typical duration and format
• Preparing for common questions
b) Panel interviews:
• Dynamics of multiple interviewers
• Strategies for engaging all panel members
• Handling diverse questions and perspectives
c) Behavioural interviews:
• STAR method for structuring responses
• Common behavioural questions
• Preparing relevant examples
d) Technical interviews:
• Types of technical assessments
• Strategies for problem-solving aloud
• Balancing technical knowledge with communication skills
e) Video interviews:
• Technology considerations
• Virtual presentation skills
• Creating a professional background setting
f) Assessment centre interviews:
• Types of exercises (e.g., group tasks, presentations)
• Demonstrating teamwork and leadership
• Maintaining consistency across multiple assessments
2. Researching Companies and Preparing for Common Questions
a) Company research strategies:
• Analysing company website and social media
• Reading recent news and press releases
• Understanding company culture and values
• Researching key leaders and potential interviewers
b) Industry and market analysis:
• Identifying industry trends and challenges
• Understanding the company's market position
• Researching competitors
c) Preparing for common interview questions:
• "Tell me about yourself"
• "Why do you want to work here?"
• "What are your strengths and weaknesses?"
• "Where do you see yourself in 5 years?"
• "Why should we hire you?"
d) Developing thoughtful questions for interviewers:
• About the role and its challenges
• Regarding team dynamics and company culture
• Concerning company goals and future direction
3. Using the STAR Method to Structure Your Responses
a) Understanding the STAR method:
• Situation: Setting the context
• Task: Describing your responsibility
• Action: Explaining your approach
• Result: Sharing the outcome and learnings
b) Identifying relevant STAR stories:
• Mapping your experiences to job requirements
• Preparing a diverse range of examples
• Ensuring stories highlight your key skills and attributes
c) Practising STAR responses:
• Crafting concise yet detailed answers
• Ensuring a balance across all STAR components
• Adapting stories for different question types
d) Common pitfalls to avoid:
• Providing too much or too little detail
• Focusing on the situation at the expense of your actions
• Neglecting to quantify or qualify results
4. Handling Difficult Questions and Scenarios
a) Addressing gaps in employment:
• Being honest while focusing on the positive
• Highlighting productive activities during the gap
• Demonstrating enthusiasm for returning to work
b) Discussing reasons for leaving previous roles:
• Maintaining professionalism and positivity
• Focusing on growth opportunities and future goals
• Avoiding negative comments about previous employers
c) Answering salary expectations questions:
• Researching industry standards
• Providing a range rather than a specific figure
• Emphasising flexibility and interest in the total package
d) Addressing lack of specific experience:
• Highlighting transferable skills
• Demonstrating eagerness to learn
• Providing examples of quick skill acquisition
e) Behavioural questions about failures or conflicts:
• Choosing appropriate examples
• Focusing on lessons learned and personal growth
• Demonstrating resilience and problem-solving skills
5. Follow-up Strategies Post-Interview
a) Sending thank-you notes:
• Timing (within 24-48 hours)
• Personalising content for each interviewer
• Reiterating interest and key qualifications
b) Addressing any missed opportunities:
• Providing additional information or clarification
• Tactfully correcting any misconceptions
c) Appropriate follow-up frequency:
• Initial follow-up timing
• Subsequent check-ins if no response
• Knowing when to move on
d) Handling job offers or rejections:
• Responding professionally to offers
• Asking for feedback after rejections
• Maintaining positive relationships for future opportunities
Prepare responses to ten common interview questions using the STAR method. Conduct a mock interview with a friend or mentor and ask for feedback on your performance.
1. Company Research:
◦ Choose a company you're interested in or have an upcoming interview with
◦ Conduct thorough research on the company, including recent news, culture, and industry position
◦ Prepare 3-5 thoughtful questions to ask interviewers based on your research
2. STAR Method Practice:
◦ Identify 5-7 key competencies required for your target role
◦ Develop a STAR story for each competency
◦ Practice delivering these stories, aiming for 2-3 minutes per story
3. Mock Interview:
◦ Arrange a mock interview with a peer, mentor, or career coach
◦ Provide them with the job description and your CV in advance
◦ Request feedback on your responses, body language, and overall presentation
4. Difficult Question Preparation:
◦ Identify 3-5 potentially difficult questions you might face (e.g., employment gaps, reason for career change)
◦ Draft and practice responses to these questions
◦ Get feedback on your responses from a trusted source
5. Video Interview Setup:
◦ Set up and test your video interview environment (lighting, background, camera angle)
◦ Practice answering questions on video, either self-recorded or with a friend
◦ Review your performance, paying attention to your virtual presence and any distracting mannerisms
6. Thank-You Note Draft:
◦ Write a draft thank-you email that you could personalise after an interview
◦ Include specific references to the conversation and reiterate your interest and fit for the role
7. Interview Checklist:
◦ Create a pre-interview checklist including items like:
▪ Company research notes
▪ Copies of your CV and any other required documents
▪ Questions to ask the interviewer
▪ Directions and travel time (for in-person interviews)
▪ Appropriate outfit selection
By completing this activity, you'll be well-prepared for your interviews, increasing your confidence and chances of success. Remember, the key to interview success is thorough preparation and practice. Continue to refine your interview skills throughout your job search process.