This learning resource will provide you with insight into how to present yourself positively when being interviewed for positions which you have identified as suitable.
Throughout this resource, you may be directed to other platforms such as the Learning and Development Toolkit, Linkedin Learning, YouTube and external websites. If you require a LinkedIn licence please click here and apply for access.
On average, it takes 1 hour and 30 minutes to complete this self-guided learning resource.
Have a notepad and pen to hand for exercises and reflection.
Got any questions about this learning resource? Contact Hannah Gilpin, Staff L&D Co-ordinator (hannah.gilpin@manchester.ac.uk), or Gavin Deadman, Staff L&D Partner (gavin.deadman@manchester.ac.uk)
Welcome to Interviewing for Jobs your self-guided learning resource
Applying and interviewing for jobs can be a nerve-wracking experience, especially if you haven't taken part in the process for a while. Here are some words from Wayne Keating to keep in mind:
Preparing for an interview
An interview is your opportunity to demonstrate you are right for the role. Being prepared for an interview can help you feel calmer and more confident on the day and ensure you can answer the questions you'll likely be asked.
There are many steps you can take to prepare for an interview. In this resource, we provide several ways in which you can set yourself up for success in your next interview.
- Study the job description and match your skills, competencies and experiences with those requested in the job role.
- Review your qualifications and goals.
- Prepare examples of your work using the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) Build a list of 8 to 10 stories or achievements which highlight your skills, competencies and experiences related to the role.
- Practice your answers to common interview questions.
- Think of questions for the interviewer. Prepare several questions to ask the interviewer to show that you are interested in learning more about the role and have a thorough understanding of the position.
- Practice your speaking voice and body language for virtual interviews.
This exercise will enable you to pinpoint examples of your skills, knowledge and experience based on the job description. Have the job description to hand, a notepad and pen. (if you have a highlighter, perfect!)
Let's get started...
- As you read through the job description highlight key words around skill, knowledge, experience, accountabilities etc.
- Once you have highlighted these key areas, start to think of how you can provide real-life examples of your experience, skills, knowledge in this area. This will create a list of work-based examples around the requirements of the role.
Keep this list handy as we will look back at these later.
Interview Questions
An Interview’s purpose is to identify the competency, fit, and motivation of candidates. This is primarily discovered through the different questions asked in the interview.
Interviews are a type of ritual and like any ritual there are some particular ways of doing things. Armed with a job description, and having done sufficient research, it should be possible to anticipate many of the questions you are likely to be asked. You can then prepare some good answers before you are faced with the real job interview.
The article in the link below highlights some 'opener' and generic questions you might want to prepare for.
In your note pad, reflect on the interview questions in the article and consider:
- Which questions would be relevant to the role you have applied for?
- Which questions do you feel comfortable with and why?
- Which questions do you need to work on and why?
Remember, don’t prepare by writing out your entire answer to common interview questions, instead jot down a few notes, bullet points or STAR headings (we will look at this later) and keep them on hand for the interview itself. You’ll ensure you cover the bases, without reading from a script.
Master the interview with STAR
We introduced the STAR model in the 'Applying for Jobs' learning resource and this model is perfect for building and preparing your responses to common interview questions. It allows you to provide concrete examples or proof that you possess the experience and skills for the job at hand.
STAR is an acronym for four key concepts. Each concept is a step you can utilise to answer application or interview questions. By employing all four steps, you can provide a comprehensive answer. The concepts in the acronym comprise the following:
Situation: Describe the context within which you performed a job or faced a challenge at work. For example, perhaps you were working on a group project, or you had a conflict with a co-worker. Be as specific as possible.
Task: Next, describe your responsibility in that situation. Perhaps you had specific tasks to perform in order to complete a project within a tight deadline, resolve a conflict with a co-worker, or hit a target.
Action: You then describe how you completed the task or endeavoured to meet the challenge. Focus on what you did, rather than what your team, boss, or co-worker did. Tip: Instead of saying, "We did [XYZ]," say "I did [XYZ]."
Result: Finally, explain the outcomes or results generated by the action taken. It may be helpful to emphasize what you accomplished, or what you learned.
Look back at the examples of work you highlighted in the 'Preparing for an Interview' section and let’s build your STAR response to these examples.
In your note pad draw a similar table to the below and add a heading of your examples of work in the first column. Where possible add the job requirement or keywords from the job description which match/relate to your example. See the example below.
- Start with an example which will support or match the job description, job requirements or person specification.
- Keep your situation and task as brief and succinct as you can. This information is not as important as what you did to address the problem and how you achieved a good outcome.
- Be clear about what your role and responsibility were, and what actions you took. If it was a team effort, say so, but you still need to say exactly what you did within the team
- Increasingly we are expected to be outcome-focused and the outcome is the good result you achieved. Think about how you measured success. If you can show how your action contributed to the organisation’s goals and objectives, even better.
- Use plain English and short sentences, avoid jargon and use active rather than passive verbs.
Example of using STAR
What is effective about building a list of examples is they can be called upon for answering different interview questions. The example above could be used to answer questions around tight deadlines, What motivates you, a challenge you encountered etc.
Example Question: Tell me about a time you had to complete a task within a tight deadline.
Example Answer: While I typically like to plan out my work in stages and complete it piece by piece, I can also achieve high-quality work results under tight deadlines. In my previous job, an employee left days before the imminent deadline of one of their projects. I was asked to assume responsibility for it, with only a few days to learn about and complete the project. I created a small task and finish group which allowed some activities to be delegated. Leading and monitoring the activity of the group, we all completed the assignment with a day to spare. In fact, I believe I thrive when working under tight deadlines.
Making the right first impression
It is essential to make the right first impression in an interview situation and while what you say is important, non-verbal communication, specifically body language and tone of voice, speak volumes about you.
During the interview
- Be polite, use the right language and tone.
- Listen to the questions carefully.
- Use the STAR method to answer questions.
- Make good eye contact and sit up straight.
- Don’t ramble, be concise.
- Stress points matching your skills with their needs.
- Ask prepared questions when invited.
- Dress to impress – be neat and tidy. Dressing smart and understated is more appropriate than flashy clothing. Confidence is the most essential outfit to wear to your job interview.
- Thank the interviewer for their time and tell them you are looking forward to hearing from them.
Virtual Interview
With home working being the new normal, employers still need to make hiring decisions during this time and virtual interviews are becoming a widespread solution. In this resource, we will review the best ways to be successful during a virtual interview.
You have now completed your self-directed resource
For optional further learning see the resources below:
- Playlist: Interviewing Playlist (1h)
- Read/Watch: 17 Best Questions to Ask your interviewer (10m)
- Read: How to Improve your interview technique (9m)
- Read: 31 Common Interview Questions and Answers With Tips (8m)
- Audio: How to Rock an Interview (28m)
- Watch: Mastering Common Interview Questions (56m)
- Playlist: Personal Confidence (45m)
- StaffNet resources: Career Pages
Next Steps
To support the self-guided learning resources Applying for Jobs and Interviewing for Jobs, there is an opportunity to attend a workshop on Zoom. The content in the discussion-based workshops will be participant-led in order to address any areas that participants may want to work through. You will get the opportunity to discuss applying and interviewing for jobs in the context of SEP and discuss examples of best practice in virtual interviews - including the opportunity of practice if people want it.
TSLDSE11 Applying and Interviewing for Jobs - Workshop
The workshops are not meant to replace the self-guided learning and will not be going over the content in the resources provided.
This is an additional self-guided learning resource that focuses on the initial stage of the selection process - applying for roles. The format is similar to this resource with exercises and learning material.
In case you missed it: Applying for Jobs – Self-guided Learning Resource
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Thank you for providing your feedback and all the best with your future careers.