Interview Tips anyone?

J

johnno09

Registered User
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Has anyone who is in the jobs market and interviewing lately got any magic tips for the edge?
 
I have interviewed 50+ candidates over the last few months. The biggest things I would advise you on are:
- show lots of energy
- do some homework on the company
- ASK GOOD QUESTIONS about the position and the company
- go into detail on your answers...USE EXAMPLES
- be confident
- take your time on your answers - it is okay if you think for a few seconds before answering.
- go through typical interview questions beforehand so you know what they might ask...
 
As previous poster said. I think first and foremost though, you need to show a level of confidence and articulation when speaking. Mak eye contact with all interviewers and build some form of raport. I think this is key.
 
I'm interested in this, I have a few coming up.

If you are asked questions about things you haven't done, how do you answer. I.E. Have you experience drafting legal documents? Me: No...?

Also what are your weakness?? This is a tough one and I actually was asked it recently.
 
They often put in the question - "why do you think you should get this job". Without being outrageous say why you think you are qualified & also (and I've done this myself!) say you "want" the job. Some people forget to say that & it's an obvious one really.
Best of luck
 
Sesed said:
Also what are your weakness?? This is a tough one and I actually was asked it recently.
Click to expand...

Ugh as soon as I hear that question I lose any respect for the interviewer. Its straight out of "An idiots guide to doing an interview".
 
Sesed said:
If you are asked questions about things you haven't done, how do you answer. I.E. Have you experience drafting legal documents? Me: No...?
Click to expand...

Be honest and say no, but try not to leave it there. Try to come up with examples of work you have done of a similar nature, and ask them if that is in line with what they need or perhaps ask them to explain the differences. The more you engage the interviewer in meaningful discussion the better.
 

Yes, I do try. "No..but I am familiar with many various legal documents through my volunteering work in the legal field and have a great deal of experience drafting large reports and training manuals so I am sure I would have no problem" Still, sometimes they come back and repeat, "but no experience exactly drafting legal documents?" Me: No

Ugh as soon as I hear that question I lose any respect for the interviewer. Its straight out of "An idiots guide to doing an interview".
Click to expand...

1) My biggest weakness is I'm lazy = bad answer
2) My biggest weakness is that I work too hard = bullsh*t answer
3) ?
 
Do you make that face too?
 
Sesed said:
1) My biggest weakness is I'm lazy = bad answer
2) My biggest weakness is that I work too hard = bullsh*t answer
3) ?
Click to expand...

Exactly, there is no answer to this question. Anything like the above "micro manage" suggestion is clearly rehearsed and meaningless buzzwords.

I dont remember if I was asked this question the last time I did an interview, but I was ever asked again love to say "We'll you been interviewing me for 30 minutes, what do you think?"
 
If you have a friend that has interviewed some people it may be helpful to conduct a mock interview. Doing this will give you confidence and hopefully you will make your mistakes at the mock and not the actual interview. I have found them very useful.
 
Thanks for the tips.

Do you make that face too?
Click to expand...
Ha! I probably do.
I have a career coach who is going to do this with me so fingers crossed all goes well. I have an interview for my ideal position next week so the pressure is on
 
If its a competency interview for every question try to answer in the following way:

- A specific problem where you displayed the skill/competency
- The outcome
- What you learned
- How you could apply it to this job

You must use real examples.. If you're asked about your interpersonal skills it is no use saying "I've excellent interpersonal skills" and leaving it at that!

If you follow my 4 step approach you will show your interviewer that you recognise the competency they're looking for, are able to use it effectively and that you can see how it can be used in the role they are trying to fill. This is particularly useful if you don't have much experience in the role you're interviewing for or if it's a first 'real' job since you left school/college. You can show experience of the competencies in non-work situations; team sports, academic pursuits, household management etc...
 
Just be yourself...

Nothing worse than seeing a candidate "schooled up on interview techniques" presenting themselves as a "rehearsed" candidate.

There are many ways to approach an interview. Let your own personality shine through.
 
Have a good question at the end

Should be something that shows you're reading the news. Like legislation or tax or new rules.
For example I was going for a bank job and that year the IFSC special tax rate was changing, it used to be ten per cent which is lower then corporation tax. So ask about their plans in Ireland

Shows you are sharp and up to date
And you probably want to know anyway if your future job is going overseas any time soon. But you don't ask straight out, phrase it a clever way


Handshakes.
I've read some much online about handshakes. Americans seem obsessed with them, I'd bet they cover this in business school
I've held interviews and I could not care less about a handshake yet some candidates seem to want to crush me. I don't think you are strong and confident man, I think you're an ass
 

Thanks, I am aware of that approach. My problem is I need to brainstorm examples as I often forget them, or if they ask me a question I haven't exactly prepared I struggle to pull an example out of the blue!
It is not my first "real" job since I left college, I have a number of years work experience but I don't have work experience in the legal field. My approach now is:

  • Go through my CV, think about what my skills are, think of examples to demonstrate each
  • Go through the firm's website. I have done this already but I think I need to find more cases they were involved in, or new legislative developments in each area, as some practice areas I don't know an awful lot about.
  • List of questions to ask them
  • Practice an interview
 
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