Why ‘why’ is crucial in an interview
The unspoken question in a job interview is “why?”. The story you’re telling, the example you’re illustrating, should not just be a run through what you did – ideally, it should explain why you did it, writes Liam Horan, Career Coach, Sli Nua Careers. So that new technology system you implemented in your company is […]
Dealing with competency-based probe
In competency-based interviews, you tell stories about things you have done. The purpose is to demonstrate a particular competency – e.g. leading a major change within an organisation. After you tell your stories, the panel may probe you for further information. By simply asking questions that revolve around the story you’ve just told, they aim […]
The greatest moment in an interview training session is when…
…the client starts to talk with their hands. Until then, you generally haven’t noticed how much they have been suppressing their hand movements. But once those hands start going, you know the client is beginning to talk naturally and without inhibition. Hand talkers of the world, please don’t change in an interview. Set those hands […]
A strong aversion to the weakness question
Q: “I haven’t done an interview in years. How do they even work these days? The last time I did an interview, I was asked to describe my greatest weakness. I hadn’t a clue what to say – and it’s not that I’m short of weaknesses to choose from. It just struck me as a […]
Don’t let questions throw you off the trail
In a job interview, it is important not to get rattled by the questions. The questions are only a means to an end. They are invitations to talk about something you know about. Yes, you must answer all questions, but you can do much more than that. Think of the question as the by-road you […]
Two jobs, same company – should I have a go?
Q: There’s a company I’d really like to work for – two jobs that interest me have recently been advertised there. They even have the same closing date. Should I go for one or would it be a good idea to apply for both? (EC, email). A: Like buses, you wait all morning for one […]
Panel wanted me to bad-mouth my current employers
Q: I work in a small, tightly-knit sector where everybody knows everybody else. Companies are very jealous of each other’s successes. I recently went for a job interview with one of our main rivals and was amazed the panel spent so long trying to get me to talk down my current employers. For obvious reasons […]
Note-taker doth protest too much
Q: I’d like to take some notes during the interview – just to be sure I get a fair crack of the whip. Some dodgy appointments have been made in our place before and I need to be on my guard. If anything goes wrong, I’ll be able to pull them up on it. Would […]
Trip down side track could undo your chances
Q: My company have advertised a role I feel I should get – but I actually think they’ve advertised the wrong role. In reality, they should have created two or three roles and broken up the responsibilities differently. I believe this would be more effective and efficient for the company at a time of rapid […]
How to show job change is for real
Q: In my last interview, I really struggled to persuade the panel that I want to leave my current job. Yes, it’s a good job, and pays very well, but it doesn’t fulfil me. Been there, done that. I’m prepared to take a step back moneywise to start on a new road – but the […]