CRICOS No. 00213J

Job Search Skills - Enhance your competitive edge in the job markethttp://www.slideshare.net/yourfuturequt

Interview Skills

CRICOS No. 00213J a university for the real worldR

Welcome to Interview Skills

Clive MayCareer Counsellor,

Widening ParticipationQUT Your Future Careers Team

clive.may@qut.edu.au

www.bridgetostudy.com.au www.facebook.com/yourfuturecareer

CRICOS No. 00213J a university for the real worldR

The Job InterviewYour Questions?

CRICOS No. 00213Ja university for the real worldR

What Do Employers Want?

Fit(the culture and values

of the organisation)

Will do (the personality,

passion interests, ambitions,motivation)

Can do(the knowledge

and skills)

CRICOS No. 00213J a university for the real worldR

What are the employers looking for?

Academic achievement • Grades/

Performance• Subjects studied• Knowledge

acquired

Non academic achievement• Work experience• Previous work

history• Work skills acquired

Extra- curricular activities• Clues to

achievement and motivation

• Leadership qualities• Teamwork skills• Attitude

Personal qualities• Motivation• Values • Communication• Commitment • Teamwork ability

CRICOS No. 00213Ja university for the real worldR

Self Awareness

Skills: What are you going to offer an employer?

Interests: What do you enjoy doing?

Personality: What are your personal qualities?

Values: What is meaningful to you?

Motivation: What makes you want to do your best?

CRICOS No. 00213J a university for the real worldR

It’s all about YOU

SELF AWARENESS

Employability Skills:

Employability Skills Audit

CRICOS No. 00213J a university for the real worldR

Prepare examples of your experience, abilities for the skills needed in the job

Help the employer by giving examplesof your skills and abilities:

USE THE S.T.A.R PRINCIPLE • The Situation/Task• The Action you took• The Result achieved

CRICOS No. 00213J a university for the real worldR

Further information• For ‘Occupations’ information on job duties and skills – go to

http://www.myfuture.edu.au/Occupations

• For careers and labour market research information got to Job

Outlook - a site to help you decide on your future career

http://joboutlook.gov.au/pages/alpha.aspx

• Job Guide – for details of jobs

http://www.jobguide.thegoodguides.com.au/occupation/search

CRICOS No. 00213J a university for the real worldR

Before you apply to any company...

Obtain as much information as you can about:

Relevant contacts The company – what do they do?

Job Specific Info

The position – tasks and duties The position skill and ability requirements

http://www.myfuture.edu.au/occupations

CRICOS No. 00213Ja university for the real worldR

Purpose of the interview

• Are you the right person for the job and organisation?

• Do you have the skills, interests, experiences to contribute job and organisation?

• Will you fit into the organisation community?

• Are you professionally competent?

CRICOS No. 00213Ja university for the real worldR

Sample interview questions• Tell us about yourself….

• Why do you want to work for our company?

• What do you know about our company/organisation?

• What key skills do you have for this job?

• How have you shown leadership in your life? Provide a specific example….

• How have you shown effective teamwork in your life?

Provide a specific example….

• What is your biggest weakness?

• How do you handle disruptive situations or people? Can you

refer to a specific example?...

• What long term career interests do you have?

CRICOS No. 00213Ja university for the real worldR

Where is the evidence?

• Academic results/ Certificates

• Examples of Work Experience

• Resume and response to Selection Criteria

• Response to interview questions

• Personal experiences – work history, extra curricular activities, interests

• Presentation at interview

• References

CRICOS No. 00213J a university for the real worldR

Questions for you to ask

• What is the level and depth of training?

• What are the key priorities for the role right now?

• How will I be managed and supported?

• What qualities do your most successful workers

possess?

• How (often) do you measure an employee’s success?

• How often do you conduct performance reviews?

CRICOS No. 00213J a university for the real worldR

Presenting yourself to organisations of interest

“Informational Interviewing”

• Ask questions• Express interest• Gain information from potential employers

about the job, requirements, expectations and possible vacancies

• Develop interview skills, knowledge about your industry

• Create networks!

CRICOS No. 00213J a university for the real worldR

Your interview preparation

• Review job description

• Reflect on experiences

• Brainstorm responses to questions

• Practice responses out loud

• Organise portfolio/ folder to take to interview

• Consider your appearance

• Timing- how long will you need to get there, park car, find room? …. Let’s practice!...

CRICOS No. 00213Ja university for the real worldR

Interview Practice

In two’s or threes …• One Interviewer• One Interviewee/Observer

1. Take it in turns to ask the ‘Sample Interview Questions’

2. Observers please note responses and provide feedback to Interviewee

CRICOS No. 00213Ja university for the real worldR

Sins! These won’t get you the job

• Criticising previous employers(What will you say about them…?)

• Talking about personal, domestic, political, religious issues unless asked(What’s that got to do with the job…?)

• Reading from your resume (If you don’t know about yourself…)

CRICOS No. 00213Ja university for the real worldR

“OK – CLIVE, STOP TALKING !”

Questions?Your Future Careers TeamQUT CabooltureBuilding J Tel: 07 5316 7666Email: yourfuture@qut.edu.au www.bridgetostudy.com.au www.facebook.com/yourfuturecareer