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City of Durham - Interview Tips
The first 20 seconds of an interview could be enough to decide your future. First impressions count.
Dress to Impress
A smart suit works well for both men and women. Clean well-pressed clothing with polished shoes is a must. Shirt and tie an essential for men
Directions
Make sure you know exactly how to get to the interview, allow sufficient time for traffic delays and if driving know where to park
Be Punctual
Don’t arrive too early, make sure you are there five to ten minutes before your interview time
Knowledge Business
Do your homework, know about the company background, it may well be the first question asked of you. It is always best to research the business, it’s products and/or services, it’s customers as well as it’s values and vision. Visit: www.durhamcity.gov.uk
Job Role
Study the job profile and match up with your skills and relevant experience. Give careful consideration to the competencies required to carryout the role.
Remember you do not know what questions the interviewer will ask, but you do know what competencies they are evaluating you against. You can prepare by thinking about situations you have been in where you have used these competencies.
Use the acronym STAR to identify the
Situation, Task, Action, Result of previous relevant experiences:
Ask yourself the following probing questions and write down your answers: What was the situation? What tasks did you need to carryout? What did you actually do to achieve a successful outcome or resolution? What skills did you use? Who else was involved in the situation and how did you communicate what was needed? How did you know you were doing a good job or keeping to the plan or target? How did you know the outcome/resolution was successful?
Attention
Listen to the question and consider what you want to say. The interviewer will not rush you for an unconsidered answer. He/she may ask you further questions around the same subject to probe for further information or clarity and most importantly to give you the opportunity to expand your answer.
Listen to what the interviewer says so that you don’t ask about something that has already been covered.
Look the interviewer in the eye and be receptive to what is being said.
Enthusiasm
Be yourself – be honest about your experience and skill level and where you feel you want to make further improvements or progression. Show your interest in the position and the organisation and your desire to develop your career
Commitment Prepare one or two appropriate questions about the job or organisation, or ask for clarification of your understanding of a particular piece of information you have been given or researched that will reflect your interest, understanding and commitment.
Don’t ask when you can take your first holiday and when you can expect your first pay rise, or how much paid sick leave you are entitled to, as these questions will not put you in a good light with the interviewer.
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