Graduate interviews
Getting a job isn't always as simple as applying, going to an interview and starting next Monday. Here's what they could throw at you.
Multiple interviews
You've got through two interviews and now they're asking you back for a third. The first thing to do is congratulate yourself and recognise what an achievement it is to get this far.
Graduate interviews
Find out how to ace all kinds of interview scenarios with careers advisor, Saiyada Smith.
Graduate interviews
At this stage, you'll probably have proved you've got the right skills for the role - what they want to find out now is if you're the right cultural fit for the company's working environment and existing staff. Saiyada Smith, Careers Advisor for The Careers Group advises dressing appropriately. "A tip I usually give people is to dress as if you already work in the organisation," she says.
Still, you'll have to work hard to convince the panel you're the best for the job, so put in the same effort as you would for a first interview. You might feel like you've got nothing left to say, so avoid being caught out by getting as much information as you can. Contact the HR department in advance, if there is one, or email the person arranging the interview. Do some extra work that reflects the job you're going for. If it's a PR position, for example, make a brief document of the kind of press coverage you think the company should be aiming for. Hand it in at the end of the interview and they won't fail to be impressed by your enthusiasm and initiative.
(For more of Saiyada's tips on multiple interviews click on the audio link above and skip to 00:10)
Presentations
The dreaded 'p' word. Feel like running away right now for an easy life behind a fast-food counter? You wouldn't be the first, but remember you'll never master the art of public speaking if you don't try. "The key thing to remember is that you're presenting to human beings and they're not there to catch you out," Saiyada reassures. "They've all been in your shoes and had those butterfly moments and they'll be very supportive if you are too."
- Preparation is key. If you are given a specific topic to research, make sure you answer and address the question they've given you. Consider why they're asking you to cover this topic and how it relates to the job itself.
- Practise in front of a mirror or in front of a friend. The more run-throughs you have the more comfortable and confident you will become for the real thing.
- If you get stuck or forget, it's fine to acknowledge that and say "I'm really nervous and I think I'm beginning to forget what I was about to say, can I take a moment?" Usually this will get a laugh and it will also deal with any discomfort you are feeling.
(For more of Saiyada's tips on presentations click on the audio link above and skip to 3:06)
Group interviews
The first thing to understand is why they are inviting you to a group interview. A common reason is to get a sense of how you interact in a group situation. You probably won't be working alone in the job you are applying for, so they want to see how you relate to others.
"The key thing to remember is to be assertive without being dominating - you don't have to lead all the discussions," Saiyada advises. "Be inclusive, so make sure everyone within your group gets the opportunity to shine and that will demonstrate you can relate to people well."
Sometimes it's worth taking on a specific role - for example, be the timekeeper and give the group five-minute warnings, or chair the group discussion ensuring everyone gets the chance to talk. By allocating yourself with a specific task you're demonstrating the sort of roles you're able to take on in a work environment.
(For more of Saiyada's tips on group interviews click on the audio link above and skip to 5:15)
A trial day
Being invited to your potential workplace may seem daunting, but it's as much a chance for you to check them out as vice versa. Who will be on your team? Are they helpful and approachable? How do staff dress and communicate? These are all factors that will affect your suitability to a workplace.
Equally, they will be assessing you to see if you fit within the culture and whether you're capable of doing the job. Make sure you fully understand what is being asked of you throughout the day and don't be afraid to ask for clarification if you're not sure. If they invite you along to any meetings, ask for an agenda and spend some time researching the topics of discussion so you can go along with some useful feedback. Overall, show enthusiasm for the role, the company and its aims - many employers prefer enthusiasm and cultural fit over skills and experience, which can be learned on the job.
(For more of Saiyada's tips on trial days click on the audio link above and skip to 7:00)
The outcome
By the time you find out if the job's yours you should have a pretty good idea if it's right for you. If you're still not sure, consider your options. You might choose to take the job and build up your skills while you work out if it's the right role for you. More controversially, you could hold out for a more suitable role. It's tempting for graduates to take the first job offer they get, but you may want to wait for something more suitable - how much of a gamble this is depends on your choice of career.
If the news isn't good, try not to kick yourself. Ask for feedback and think constructively about how you can improve on the areas they bring up. Above all, treat the interviews you've had as a learning experience and try to learn from the mistakes you made.
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