20 May 2015

Tales from the dark side – interview tips and techniques

Paul Harvey – Bond Dickinson LLP

A (not so) secret formula

Preparation + Performance = Success

Preparation - laying the foundations

• Do your research

• Role• Company• Interviewer

• Know yourself and what you can offer

• Review CV and application form

• Prepare questions and answers

• The obvious• The tricky

Preparation - practicalities

• Social media

• Dress code – if in doubt, check!

• Getting there – do a dry run

• Personal

Performance – a state of mind (and body)

• Self confidence is key (familiarity is not)

• Body language (80%+ of communication is non-verbal)

• Eye contact• Sitting, fidgeting• Facial gestures• Smile• Posture

• Desperation is deeply unattractive

Performance – communication is a two-way process

• Listen

• Talk clearly, slowly

• Answer the question

• Use active words/statements

• Do not swear! Or interrupt

Performance – etiquette

• The 100m rule

• A firm handshake

• 'Please' and 'thank you'

• Names

• Phones and watches

• Refreshments

• Papers

• Body art

Performance – next steps

• On the day

• Within 24 hours

• A learning process

• After action review

• What went well?• What did not go so well?• What will I do differently next time?