“Success at Interviews”
Interview Preparation
Selecting the right person for the job isa critical process for employers and it can be a satisfying experiencefor the successful candidate. But what about the candidates who could possibly do the job and yet fail to deliver a convincing interview performance? Feedback received from hiring managers following interviews frequently highlights the need for candidates to prepare more thoroughly; to ‘sell-themselves’to a greater or lesser extent; to ensure that they can provide evidence-based examples of their capabilities in the areas required; to manage their time more effectively or to demonstrate a greater degree of self-confidence at interview.
Competency-based recruitment processes can be a daunting experience for candidates and this is particularly the case where internal candidates are new to the organisation or have not applied for a vacancy in the recent past. Our two-part, one-to-one “Success at Interviews” training programme equips participants with the skills necessary to prepare for and competeeffectively in external and internal recruitment processes – and it can also help to increase participants’ confidence and motivation while waiting for that next job opportunity.
“Success at interviews”is tailored to meet each participant’sspecific needs. Session 1 focuses on interview preparation and provides an opportunity for participants to practise what they have learned during the sessionand to receive instant feedback. On completion of Session 1,each participant will then prepare for a full-competency based interview which will take place during Session 2.
For those who would like to improve their interview communication skills and who need to be more aware of theimpact that they have on others, we use Forte Communications Profiling as it has proven to be an invaluable tool. The Forté Profile is a robust,highly accurate communication style report, used globally for over 30years for individual and team development. It helps individuals to discover their personal communication strengths, shows them how they are likely to be adapting to their current work environment and highlights how they are likely to be perceived by others.
“Success at Interviews” – Programme Outline
Session 1: Interview Preparation and Practice
Understanding your Communication Style
Participants complete the Forte Communications Profile in advance of the first session and receive feedback regarding their communication style and the impact that they have on others.
Preparing to Succeed at Interview
- Conducting your research
- Identifying your strengths and key motivators
- ‘Thinking yourself into the job’
- Reviewing the Job Description and Identifying the relevant job competencies
- Submitting a winning application
- Anticipating the interview questions
Interview Performance Tips and Techniques
- Establishing rapport
- Managing your interview time
- Applying the ‘Dart-Board’ method for keeping your answers on target
- Producing hard evidence of your suitability under each competency heading
- Delivering clear and succinct answers
- ‘The Hunger Factor’ – asking for the job
Interview Practice
- Interview question and answer drills
Session 2 – The Interview
Between Sessions 1 and 2, the participant will prepare for an interview for aforthcoming vacancy. In Session 2 Jean Cullinane will conduct a full interview with the participant and will provide comprehensive post interview feedback. The session also provides an opportunity for the participant to revisit the interview and to fine-tune any aspects of the interview performance requiring further development.
Pre-course Work
- The participant will provide a relevant Job Description for the last position applied for or the next position to be applied for.
- The trainer will hold a pre-course telephone discussion with the participant to gather information regarding previous interview performance and or the participant’s preferred areas of focus.
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