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.
a) Traditional one-on-one interviews:
• Most common format
• Usually conducted by a hiring manager or HR representative
b) Panel interviews:
• Multiple interviewers asking questions
• Often includes team members and higher management
c) Behavioural interviews:
• Focus on past experiences and how you handled specific situations
• Often use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result)
d) Technical interviews:
• Assess specific technical skills or knowledge
• May include practical tests or problem-solving exercises
e) Case interviews:
• Common in consulting and some business roles
• Present a business problem to solve in real-time
f) Video interviews:
• Increasingly common, especially for initial screenings
• Can be live or pre-recorded
a) Company research:
• Mission, vision, and values
• Products or services
• Recent news and developments
• Company culture and work environment
b) Role-specific research:
• Key responsibilities and requirements
• How the role fits into the larger organisation
• Potential challenges or opportunities in the role
c) Industry knowledge:
• Current trends and challenges
• Major competitors
• Regulatory environment (if applicable)
a) Traditional 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?"
b) Behavioural questions:
• "Tell me about a time when you faced a significant challenge at work"
• "Describe a situation where you had to work with a difficult team member"
• "Give an example of a time you showed leadership"
c) Career transition-specific questions:
• "Why are you changing careers?"
• "How do your previous experiences relate to this role?"
• "What steps have you taken to prepare for this transition?"
a) STAR method breakdown:
• Situation: Set the context for your story
• Task: Describe your responsibility in that situation
• Action: Explain the steps you took to address it
• Result: Share the outcomes of your actions
b) Tips for using STAR effectively:
• Prepare several STAR stories in advance
• Keep your answers concise and relevant
• Focus on your individual contribution
• Quantify results when possible
Example STAR response: "Tell me about a time you improved a process at work."
Situation: In my previous role as a marketing coordinator, our team was struggling with project delays due to inefficient approval processes.
Task: I was tasked with finding a way to streamline our workflow.
Action: I researched project management tools and implemented Asana for our team. I also created standardised templates for common projects and conducted training sessions for the team.
Result: As a result, we reduced our average project completion time by 30% and improved client satisfaction scores by 25% over the next quarter.
a) Strategies for tough questions:
• Take a moment to think before answering
• Ask for clarification if needed
• Be honest and authentic
• Focus on positive outcomes and learning experiences
b) Common difficult questions:
• "Why do you have a gap in your employment?"
• "Why were you let go from your last job?"
• "Why should we hire you over other candidates?"
c) Addressing career change concerns:
• Emphasise transferable skills
• Demonstrate your commitment to the new field
• Highlight any relevant training or projects you've undertaken
a) Pre-interview preparation:
• Confirm interview details (time, location, format)
• Research your interviewer(s) if possible
• Prepare questions to ask the interviewer
• Plan your outfit and gather necessary documents
b) During the interview:
• Arrive early or log in to video calls on time
• Maintain good body language and eye contact
• Listen actively and ask for clarification if needed
• Take brief notes if appropriate
c) Post-interview actions:
• Send a thank-you note within 24 hours
• Reflect on the interview and note areas for improvement
• Follow up if you haven't heard back within the stated timeframe
a) Technical preparation:
• Test your camera, microphone, and internet connection
• Ensure your device is fully charged or plugged in
• Close unnecessary applications to avoid notifications
b) Environment setup:
• Choose a quiet, well-lit location
• Ensure a professional background
• Inform household members to minimise interruptions
c) Virtual interview etiquette:
• Dress professionally from head to toe
• Look at the camera to maintain "eye contact"
• Speak clearly and pause occasionally to account for potential lag
STAR Method Practice:
◦ Prepare 3 STAR stories relevant to your target role
◦ Practice delivering these stories, timing yourself to keep them under 2 minutes each
Common Question Responses:
◦ Draft answers to 5 common interview questions, including "Tell me about yourself" and "Why are you changing careers?"
◦ Practice these responses with a friend or family member and ask for feedback
Company Research:
◦ Choose a company you're interested in and conduct thorough research
◦ Prepare 3 insightful questions to ask the interviewer based on your research
Mock Interview:
◦ Arrange a mock interview with a friend, family member, or career coach
◦ Request feedback on your responses, body language, and overall presentation
Virtual Interview Setup:
◦ Set up and test your virtual interview environment
◦ Conduct a test call with a friend to ensure everything works properly
Interview Checklist:
▪ Create a pre-interview checklist including items like:
▪ Outfit selection
▪ Documents to bring (or have ready for virtual interviews)
▪ Directions and travel time (for in-person interviews)
▪ Questions to ask the interviewer
By completing this activity, you'll be well-prepared for your interviews, increasing your confidence and chances of success. Remember, practice makes perfect, so continue to refine your interview skills throughout your job search process.