Overview of preparing for, and performing well at, interviews.

1. Lunchtime Sessions:
Successful Interviews
Careers Consultant
Career Development Centre
careers@westminster.ac.uk

2. What will be covered
 How to prepare for job interviews
 Interview formats
 Interview questions
 Interview well - get your skills to shine
 Tips for interview success
 Useful resources

3. The interview – your sales pitch
You need to convince the employer that:
 You can do the job
 You want to do the job
 You will fit into the organisation
 Make them want YOU!
 Prepare but don’t overprepare

4. Interview formats
Most common interview formats:
 Telephone interviews
 Face-to-face interviews
 Group interviews

5. Before the interview
YOU!
• Know yourself
• Re-read your application
• Identify your strengths and weaknesses
• Why do you want the job?
COMPANY & SECTOR
• Why do you want to work for the
organisation?
• What does the organisation do?
• What are the latest developments in the
sector?
THE JOB
• What skills are
required?
• Demonstrate
skills with
examples
• Know the
Interview format
• What questions
are likely to be
asked?
• Prepare and
rehearse answers

6. Interview Questions
Motivational Questions
• Assess your motivation for the job and
organisation
Technical Questions
• Designed to test the technical knowledge you
have learnt on your course/work experience
Competency Questions
• Structured around the competencies or qualities
required by the job

7. Be a STAR at interviews
Answer questions using the STAR method
Situation
Task
Action
Result

8. Example of a STAR response
Describe a time when you have used an innovative approach to solving a problem:
Situation
Task
Action
Result
– The above example might also be used to address other skills areas such as:
Using initiative, making a reasonable adjustment for a disabled person or
excellent customer service.
When I was assistant manager of an IT training workshop at
a college in Brighton, we had a student who couldn’t raise
her hand to ask questions due to arthritis in her shoulders.
She would get very frustrated when she had a problem and
even more frustrated when she couldn’t get the attention of
one of my staff to get the problem fixed. I went out and
bought a set of decorative lights that attach to the sides of
computer monitors which could be switched on and off by a
button next to the keyboard. I informed her and my staff that
if she had a problem, she should switch the light on and
then my staff would be able to see that she had a problem
and could deal with it accordingly. She was very satisfied
with the solution and found the learning experience much
easier and more rewarding.

9. During the interview
Positive attitude
• Be positive in your attitude and answers
• Treat the interviewer with respect
Remain calm
• Take a deep breath
• Be yourself
• Maintain an appropriate posture and body language
Shine!
• Remember STAR
• Let the interviewer know about the skills, knowledge and
experience that make you a qualified candidate
• Have some questions of your own

10. After the interview
Review your
performance
Send a
Thank you
Don’t give up!

11. Tips for success
 Preparation, preparation, preparation!
 Dress appropriately
 Mobile phone OFF
 Arrive in good time
 Shake hands in a firm and positive manner
 Check posture – avoid slouching
 Maintain good eye contact
 Listen carefully – never interrupt
 Give clear and concise answers
 Have some questions of your own
 Smile!

12. Career Development Centre Services
Information and advice on
 CVs, Covering letters and application forms
Resources
 Guides, general and sector specific
publications, DVDs and much more
Face-to-face advice and guidance
 20 minute quick query session
 45 minute in-depth individual guidance or
mock interview session

13. Contact us
Central London
1st Floor, Cavendish House
101 New Cavendish Street
London
W1W 6XH
Harrow
Room EG.15
Maria Hewlett Building
Nearest Tube:
Northwick Park
T 020 7911 5184
E careers@westminster.ac.uk
westminster.ac.uk/careers