The psychological guidance on getting ready for a job

interview

Presented by: Irene Antoniou (BSc, MSc Psychology, MSc Management in Organisations, PhD candidate)

University of Cyprus

November, 2013

Interview

• Interview is a certain stage of the selection process.

Preparing yourself

Action plan (prior to the interview)• Stage 1: a few days in advance• Stage 2: one day in advance• Stage 3: fifteen minutes in advance

Preparing yourself: stage 1

Data

Make search of the place you go (address, telephone number, and how to get there) Anticipate a possibility of a traffic jam or parking problems

Make research about the company (web-site) (its history, main clients, products/services, competitors)

!! Skills required

Make search about the person you will meet (if applicable) (position, name, surname)

Documentation

• Be familiar with your CV, make a copy and take it with you

• Any supportive evidence (certificates, awards)

Make a list of

the possible

interviewer's

questions

(identify your

strengths)

Make a list of

the possible

interviewer's

questions

(identify your

strengths)

Practice!

Additionally:A notebook, a USB memory stick, handouts for the panel interview (if required)

Dressing code

Be dressed:• Professionally• Comfortably

Be sure of:• Neat hairstyle• Polished shoes

• Moderate high heels• Limited jewelry• Light make-up, perfume• Manicured nails

Preparing yourself: stage 2

Reducing the level of stress

• Get organised:Prepare all your belongings in advance

Have a proper sleep (get an early night)

Have a proper meal

Preparing yourself: stage 3

Final Check:

• Physical appearance• Your mobile phone is put into silent mode

BE YOURSELF

Usual structure of the interview

1. Introduction (‘ice-breaking’)

2. Body (specific information request)

3. Closing stage (show your interest in the job, be sure that you know what the next step will be)

"7%-38%-55% rule"

“Total Liking = 7% Verbal Liking + 38% Vocal Liking + 55% Facial Liking”

(A. Mehrabian)

Etiquette Do’sDo’s

• A firm handshake

• Make eye contact

• Wait for the interviewer to offer a chair

• Sit straight

• Keep eye contact

• Use appropriate language

• Listen carefully

• Answer questions directly

• Ask for clarification

• Be confident

Source: Cooperative extension, University of California, vol 1, no. 3, 2000

• Tapping feet

• Lack of eye contact

• Leaning back

• Indecisive phrases

Source: www.educorporatebridge.com

Don’tsDon’ts

Following the interviewThank you letter:• Thank the interviewer for the time spent• Express interest in the job• Briefly highlight your qualifications• Indicate that you look forward to hearing from

them soon• In case if they asked you to send additional

documents, do so

Proofread your follow up letter 

Check list• Collect information about the company• Analyse the job description Choose an appropriate interview outfit• Think of what to take with you • Plan your way to get there• Tactics of stress management• Interview manners / non-verbal

communication• Thank you letter within 24 hours