Interview Techniques

David Greenshields
Structure and team

 Introduction
 Key interview stages and answers
 Exercise – match the responses
 Interview skills
 Role play
 Review and any questions
Introduction
 Congratulations! If you are going to an interview then
you are already successful. On paper you are capable
of doing the job.
 You will be measured again against a job description
& job specification (skills, attributes and
qualifications)
 The interviewer (s) will use these measures and your
CV / application form to ask detailed / performance
related questions ( Possibly tests) in order to get the
best fit with the job
 There is really only question to answer, and that is:
What can you do for us?!
The individual proposition
 You have to demonstrate that you meet the basic
requirements of the job, but also what makes you
stand out from others!
Essential strategy:
 Prepare answers to typical interview questions and
identify clear examples and achievements.
 Identify industry trends, competitor and Company
initiatives and explain how your skills, experience and
interest match these & even how you would support or
implement such a strategy ( outline plans)
Interview stages

 A structured interview usually goes through 4

recognizable stages. These are:
1. Setting the climate
2. Checking history against job criteria
3. Aspirational and expansive
4. Close

 We shall look at these stages, some typical

interview questions and some possible candidate
answers as examples of approach.
1. Setting the climate
Purpose:
 To relax the candidate  Ans. My interest in this
and look for a logical
progression of
interest, skills and
qualifications
Q. “Tell us a little about
how you got involved
in IT? ”
field started at school
when I was an active
member of the IT club. I
took an IT major at
College and secured a
programming job at… I
have been responsible
for… and have achieved X
results ”
2.Check history against job criteria

Purpose:  Ans. The skills needed

 Can the candidate
demonstrate competence
in key areas!
Q “I see you have been in
customer services. What
are the skills needed for
that?”
are:
Listening to people,
explaining what is
possible and what is
not, and then trying to
solve problems to the
Customer’s satisfaction
by using judgment and
authority allowed.

 An example is…
3. Aspirational and expansive
Purpose:
 To see if you know about
the Company, its market  Ans. “I would like to
and where you might add
value. Also, to check your
attitudes & values.
 Q. “Where do you see
yourself in 5 years
time?
 Looks to see if you have
realistic goals &
expectations.
progress to Network and
then IT Manager. I need
to gain experience and
additional qualifications,
but I believe I have the
ability and motivation to
do this…my experience
of web design will be an
asset to this end with
the Company moving
toward e- commerce.”
4. Close
Purpose:
 To ask about possible
 Ans. “Do you offer any
constraints e.g. unsocial
hours. And give you the
opportunity to show your
fit and interest.
 To tell you when you will
hear or next steps. They
might ask if you want
the job!
Q. “Are there any questions
you would like to ask us?”
further sponsorship for
training so I can develop
my management skills or
pursue a specialist
networking course?
…This could be helpful
if the company was to
expand into e –
commerce.”
Other Questions

 Why Do You Want To  Where Do You See

Leave Your Present Job? Yourself In Five Years
 What Do You Know Time?
About Our Company?  What are your
 Why Do You Want This strengths and
Job? weaknesses
 How Would Your Tough ones!
Colleagues/ friends  What Salary Are You
Describe You? Expecting?
 Sell Me This Pen
http://www.redgoldfish.co.uk
Some other interview skills and tips
Speaking /Answers
 Speak clearly.
 Project voice.
 Pace should be not too
fast and not too slow.
 Give focused answers with
clear examples of what
you did or how you would
solve a problem.
 Turn weaknesses into
strengths
 Deal with any
discriminatory questions
Body language
 Establish eye contact.
It establishes trust and
interest.
 Posture upright and
alert.
 Friendly/ approachable
 Avoid distracting
mannerisms
 Control nerves
Body Language …

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