Interview Checklist

THE "STAR" APPROACH TO SKILLS-BASED QUESTIONING

One way of dealing with competency-based questions is by using the STAR approach. Star stands for Situation, Task, Action, Result. It helps you to structure your answer as a mini essay.

The SITUATION and TASK are usually combined to form an introduction, describing the scenario you faced. The ACTION forms the main body and should be the longest part. The RESULT is the conclusion, and, like the introduction, should be quite short.

Situation When, where, with whom?

Task Describe the situation or the task you were faced with

Action How? What action did YOU take? Sometimes people focus on what the group did without mentioning their individual contribution.

Result What results did you achieve/conclusions did you reach/what did you learn from the experience?

EXAMPLE

Describe how your personal planning and organisation resulted in the successful achievement of a personal or group task.

ANSWER

Situation Whilst employed at Weaver Bros. last summer

Task I was given the task of rationalising the stock control system

Action I would look at factors such as when the stock was last ordered, what it was used for and how often it was used. I worked out a method of streamlining the paperwork involved in this process and redesigned the relevant forms, which I then submitted to my manager.

Result My ideas were accepted and implemented and a 15% reduction in stock levels was achieved

TIPS

Try to give quantifiable results if possible.
       "During my time as chairman, membership rose by 20"
       "We raised £200 for charity"
       "My marks improved from 55% to 65%"
You can't always do this, but it gives a much better impression of your achievement.
If the result was negative, then say what you learned from the experience and what you would do differently next time.
The examples you give can be from work, study or personal life – but try to give a variety.
Don't go into too much background detail - keep to the point! Often there isn't enough room to use the STAR approach, but it's still worth keeping in mind when you prepare your draft answer.
Think of the most relevant examples, rather than the most "impressive". If you are asked to describe a time when you had to give a presentation in front of the public, a seminar paper which involved research and planning will carry more weight than "presenting a bouquet to the Queen when I was four years old"!
It's very important to be able to deal with these types of questions effectively as they form an increasingly major part of application forms and many interviews.

Leave ample time to spare

Don't leave it to the last minute - it is better to be an hour early than 2 minutes late! Prepare your research on the company and your interview questions. It is quite acceptable to note down answers but politely ask if it is OK to take notes.

If for any reason you cannot make the time of the meeting, even at the last minute, you must let the Agency and/or the interview know you have a problem. Your good reputation will be damaged beyond repair if you fail to turn up without notifying anyone. Failure to do so is one of the worst possible interview sins.

Remember you will have just one chance at this interview so even if you see it as a fact- finding, initial meeting, it is essential that you present and sell as well as you can. If you like what you hear and there is an offer, you need to make sure your presentation brings you the best possible offer. If you sit, arms folded, with an "OK - so sell me!" attitude, your demeanour may well be perceived as self-opinionated or arrogant.

Dress

Use style and colours appropriate to both the company and the position for which you are being interviewed.
Your suit or outfit should obviously be nicely cleaned and pressed.
Always, always wear a crisp shirt or blouse.
Clean shave with no 5 o'clock shadow! For interviews straight from work, take a clean shirt, another suit and your shaver with you in the morning.
Finger nails trimmed and clean.
Shoes polished without obvious wear or scuffing.

Upon being greeted

From the very first moment you are being judged and measured. The impression you create in the first few seconds is crucial.
Politeness and courtesy are essential.
Wait to be invited to be seated.
Do not put your papers or a brief case on the interviewers desk.
Maintain self control and keep calm.
Listen carefully. What you are being told gives you the weapons you need to respond carefully.
Never interrupt or cut across the conversation - this will always lose you points - it is the height of bad manners!

When seated

Do not slouch - keep a tidy body posture and watch your body language.
Reflect your interest in both word and posture - lean forward to emphasise.
Maintain eye-to-eye contact at all times without creating a staring contest.
Prudent and well-placed use of your smile and a nod to affirm your agreement and interest is valuable.
Use all these elements to also gain agreement from the interviewer.

Reflect their style

Carefully analyse the interviewers conversation, body language and style.
Without making it obvious, gently reflect key words, attitudes or phrases back to the interviewer.
If executed with extreme care this will produce a positive reaction.

Closing at the end of the interview

When asked if there are any final questions, ask the interviewer how they see things progressing from this point?
Will you be invited to attend the next interview?
Do they see you making a contribution to the team?
Do they have any reservations about your suitability for the job?

INTERVIEWS - DO'S & DON'TS

DO

Make sure your appearance is appropriate.
Know where you are going, and the person you are going to see, including their position within the company.
Be punctual - always be at least 10 minutes early. If you can, use this time to 'pick the brain' of the receptionist/secretary for information.
Know what position you are applying for!
Ensure your body language is always positive from the moment you walk through the door. This includes eye contact at all times, firm handshake.
Prepare a list of questions you would rather NOT be asked and make sure you have an answer for them.
Speak clearly and concisely at all times.
Remember the '3 C's' - be calm, composed and controlled.
Be open - but keep details of your personal life closer to your chest.
Sleep well the evening prior to meeting. This will enable you to be fresh & alert.
Gain as much information relating to the company you are going to see as you can.
This should include background, hierarchy, market positioning, competition.
Demonstrate enthusiasm, energy and drive. You will not be offered a position if you are half hearted, or half asleep.
Listen carefully to what is discussed.
Bring a notebook for notes.
Know the interview structure - length and how many.
Thank them for their time - smile, firm handshake.

DON'T

Interrupt!
Be nervous, waffle, babble or talk incessantly about irrelevant matters likely to bore or annoy your interviewer. Remember, in most cases time is money!
Get drunk the night prior to the interview, and if you are invited to 'the pub' at lunchtime, do not drink alcohol. This is important, as many people will use this to get you to release your guard in a less formal atmosphere. Do not be fooled!
Bring luggage or baggage of any description to an interview.
Chew gum, smoke, pick your nose or display any annoying traits or habits.
Accept immediately if you are offered a position. This will give the impression of desperation.
Start to discuss salary or remunerator unless the subject is bought up first.
Be negative or criticise your current boss or company, as this will create the impression of a lack of loyalty.
Swear - no matter if the interviewer swears.

QUESTIONS YOU SHOULD ASK A POTENTIAL EMPLOYER AT INTERVIEW

The market in which the company operates, including presence and positioning within that market.
What has your company got to offer me as an individual and an employee?
How do you differ from your competitors?
What are your plans for expansion and growth?
What are the companies’ short/medium/long term objectives and how is the company going to achieve them?
How is your company structured? How has it changed over the last 2 years?
Is the company committed to investing in its workplace and it's employees? How is it doing that?
Does the company have a structured training programme? Is it internal or external?
How does the companies appraisal system work?
How does the company outline it's objectives to it's employees? Does it have formal meetings on a regular basis?
How does the company promote - internally? Are employees promoted on merit?
How many new staff has the company hired over the last 12 months?
Staff turnover - how many people have left over the last 12 months?
What is the company’s turnover?
What is the company going to do to improve me as an individual?
What systems do the company use?
Are there any overseas opportunities?

QUESTIONS YOU COULD BE ASKED AT INTERVIEW

What do you consider to be your biggest achievement to date?
Describe your last 2 bosses; what did you most like and dislike about them and why?
Why do you want to leave your present company?
Why should we employ you?
Would you consider setting up your business?
Why do you want to work for us?
What characteristics would you like to see in a Manager/Boss?
How does your private life correspond with your business life?
What skills are you using in your current position that could be utilised in this position?
Where do you see yourself in 1/2/3/4/5 years?
What competencies & qualities can you bring to this company/position?
Scenario questions, for example: What would you do if ...... How would you react if?
How do you deal with awkward situations/clients/colleagues?
What problems have you encountered in your current role and how did you overcome them?
How can you help our company achieve its corporate objectives?
Who would you give as your best/worst reference and why?
What have you done to save costs/time within your current role?
What have you done to increase workflow/efficiency/productivity within your current role?
What have you done to stand out among your peers?
What are your short/medium/long term goals, both in your business and private life?
Describe your biggest failure - why was it a failure - what have you learnt from it?
Give an example of you working well under pressure?
What suggestions have you made to improve operations?
Give an example of your prioritizing / organising?
How do you feel about routine/non-routine assignments and why?
Describe your personality - how will it assist you in business?
How would your friends/colleagues/boss describe you?
What are your most important moral/ethical/personal values?
Are you planning to have children/get married/move house in the near future?