How To Get The Job You Really
Really Want - The Interview - What To Talk About?
As I mentioned earlier, the interview is the best way
for a potential employer to decide if you are right for his
particular job. However, there are a number of areas that can be
covered during an interview, and, depending on who you are talking
to, the conversation is likely to be very different in content and
nature.
There is, however, one rule that applies to all
interview situations. It is simply this. Try to make the interview
as conversational as possible. It is very easy for an interview to
be just a tirade of questions. The trick is to answer, make
comment and then maybe ask a question yourself. This way the
interview will be more like a conversation, rather than just a
stream of questions going one way or the other.
This is easier if, for example, you are talking to
the line manager you will be reporting to directly. You are likely
to talk and each ask questions about the day to day mechanics of the
job, the circumstances that effect the job and the resolution of
problems. You will both be drawing on experiences and it is likely
to be more of a two-way thing.
Personnel, on the other hand, are more likely to fire
questions at you, and making things more conversational may be a
little more difficult. It is their job to find out about you, not
only as a person, but also in how your skills match the requirements
of the job. This is interesting because it is very unlikely that HR
will understand zip about the job in any case! I will talk a
little more about the interview techniques these people use a bit
later.
Particularly look out for HR people with an IPD
(Institute of Personnel Diploma), who will go through your
background with a fine-toothed comb. They will go through your
personal background as well, family, outside interests, etc. They
will also be very thorough with your work history and education. If
you have told a "porkie" on your CV, no matter how carefully
concealed, these people are trained to find it! More on their
techniques later!
This situation can be a little disconcerting.
However, you cannot afford to be offended or put off. They are
simply trying to get an overall view of you. After all, it is their
job! (Hey, am I going soft on Personnel here?) My best
recommendation is to grit your teeth, answer honestly, and try to
make the situation as conversational as possible.
In
your favour, however, is the fact that the line manager is more
likely to have a larger say in the outcome!
So having decided to make the interview as
conversational as possible, you will still come up against a number
of questions which you will have to deal with.
Next Page -
The Interview,
What NOT To Talk About?
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