2022 will see an increase in job interviews as employers recover from pandemic and great resignation.
Already there has been a significant rise in job vacancies. The office for national statistics said “The number of job vacancies in October to December 2021 rose to a new record of 1,247,000, an increase of 462,000 from the pre-coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic level in January to March 2020”
Competition for job roles is at an all time high, with a higher number of degree-level qualified career professionals looking for new career opportunities.
Technology and remote working has open the job market up to a global audience.
To be successful in a job interview, the candidate not only has to have the best experience, skills and qualifications, they also have to be the best interviewee.
Below is a list of the 5 best job interview books for 2022 to help you land your next job role.
Job Interview Book – what is your interview identity?
Pre-released at the end of 2021, the interview book ‘what is your interview identity, both paperback and hardback versions, were in top ten of Amazons new release books list.
The books explains the psychology of the recruitment process and how an employers perception of an applicant at the interview start creates a lasting impression that influences the scoring of the candidates job interview answers.
The ‘interview identity’ is the Myers Briggs of job interviews. The book also discusses the power of unconscious bias and explains the academic research findings of what creates a successful job interview.
Suitable for all job sectors, a must have for any career professional.
Job Interview Book – Cracking the Coding Interview
The programming sector, and the technology industry as a whole, is one of the biggest recruiters,
In tech job interviews you are asked very specific tech related job interview questions. To prepare for a programming job interview it is important to have technical interview answer prepared.
Cracking the code shares 189 programming interview questions and solutions to help any programming interviewee prepare for the job interview.
Job Interview Book – Crucial Conversations Tools for Talking When Stakes Are High
With over 4 million copies sold, the crucial conversation book is a wide read book.
Crucial conversations explains how to communicate in high stake situations. The book delves into the emotional reactions of individuals helps to influence and persuade.
The book explains the seven step model for crucial conversations; start with the heart, stay in dialogue, make it safe, don’t get hooked by emotions, agree mutual purpose, separate facts from the story and agree a clear action plan.
Job Interview Book – Why You 101 Job Interview Questions
The forth book in the list is why you – 101 interview questions that explains an approach to answering the various job interview questions from the classic ‘tell me about your weakness’ to the famous sales job interview question ‘sell me this pen’
A six month pilot, to test the benefits of a four day work week, has seen hundreds of businesses register their interest.
If a four day week becomes the norm, employers will want to know how employees will adopt to working less hours. It will be in the job interview where hiring managers ask about productivity in the hour-day week world.
In this article, we will list potential four-day week job interview questions and answers.
Less hours equals more productivity?
The 4 Day Week Global will see a reduction in the number of hours an employee with the hope of increasing production.
Three universities; Oxford, Cambridge and Boston college (US) plan to sign up around 30 companies during this new initiative. The idea is that less work equals less stress, and less stress increases productivity.
The trio of universities will collect data from the trial, including evaluations via an interview method, to check the advantages and disadvantages of working just 80% of the (current) working week.
Currently three official businesses have signed up to the trial, with the experiment needing a variety of job sectors to participate to test the impact of a reduction in working hours. MLB Seminars (a training company), Yo Telecom and Hutch Games (computer) are currently testing the four day week.
The data gained from the UK companies will be assessed along side data taken from similar experiments across the globe. It is predicted that different sectors will have to vary how they adapt the four-day week to meet the needs of their industry.
In a four day week trial in Iceland the results show how reducing working hours increased smarter working, with staff managing their time better, reducing time spent in meetings and improving internal communications.
Employee wellbeing had a significant improvement, with staff stating how they felt more positive and happy. Experiments has shown this before, where overworked staff working more hours are less productive then staff working the average number of hours per week.
The goal is to offer employees less hours with the same pay (rather then compressed hours in a four day week), not to decrease hours and pay. The concept is referred to as the 100:80:100 model. Employees receive 100% of pay for 80% in exchange for 100% productivity.
As AI becomes more embedded within organizations, a 20% cut in working hours could easily be accommodated with technology automating business as usual low skilled tasks. The pandemic has taught businesses time-saving lessons, as an example virtual project meetings has reduced the total number of travel hours, to and from the meeting, of the participants.
Looking at the wider picture, a four-day week can also support the green agenda. In 2019, Microsoft Japan’s trailed a three-day weekend that resulted in a recorded 40% productivity but also increased efficiencies, such as 23% electricity savings.
Employers look for productive staff
Each recruitment process is designed to predict the job performance of the interviewee, their productivity.
The evidence is clear, happy fulfilled and trained employees are more productive. Whereas a stressful working environment reduces each employees productivity.
From an employees perspective, the workers expect that employees create processes and procedures that help create a productive workforce. Herzberg’s Two-Factor Theory states that their are two categories for workplace motivation:
Motivation factors that give employees a sense of satisfaction
Work that has a purpose
Greater autonomy
Recognition
Hygiene factors that determine the basic level of stability and job security:
Pay
Job security
Working conditions
On the other hand, employers expect a level of output from a paid employee. In the job interview the job candidate, through their answers, makes a pledge of their skill set and work ethic which the hiring decision is based on.
As with all new initiatives that get launched, the organizations that take part in the trail will have a vested interest in the initiative and happy to work within the guidelines. As the initiative becomes common place, other organizations get on board rather then being seen to rock the boat.
The problem here is that the latter employers may need commitment from the interviewee, at the interview stage, that they can and will offer 100% productivity during a four-day week.
Four day week job interview questions
In the main, employers will ask four day week job interview questions that come under one of three categories:
Time management
Output
Wellbeing management
How will you maximize output while working a four day week?
Employers are looking to hear what tasks or last time activities can be reduced to increase productivity.
Job interview answers should cover time management processes, the use of automated technology/systems and task priority.
Job Interview Answer:
“Output is improved through the management of tasks. The time management matrix explains how tasks can be prioritised based on their urgency vs importance. Tasks that are highly urgent and important must be completed straight away, this could include (example).
One of the common task in our sector is (add task) which often takes up (number of hours per week) but can easily be automated through (system/procedure/software). Another common task is (second task and third task) which is required in several departments. I propose, to save time, that these tasks are job shared. With one department completing all (task one) and the other all (task two).
One the reasons why I always have a high level of productivity is due to my wellbeing management. The research shows how stressed employees have less production, whereas motivated staff are highly productive. Personally, I keep motivated by regularly (add activity)”
What ways can you think off that will help reduce time spent on non-productive tasks?
Each sector varies, but generally speaking their are a number of ways to reduce time.
When answering the time saving interview question, it is important not to use examples that make the candidate to be viewed as lazy IE ‘I would talk less’. Instead think more strategically, as an example having ‘task and finish’ team meetings or shared calendars that reduce planning time.
Job Interview Answer
“Thinking about our industry there are two areas that could be changed to reduce the amount of time spent on non-productive tasks. The first is (add specific situation). Time is wasted here because of (give reason), instead we could save time by (give solution).
The second area is (add specific situation). A number of hours are wasted because of the amount of people who do (add time wasting task) Instead if we were able to implement (solution) we could save a (give percentage) of time.”
An example of a solution to a time wasted tasks is in the recruitment sector, where many companies are now using AI bots to read job applications rather then leaving it to humans.
Give me an example of how you managed your stress levels during a busy period?
When giving a real life example of part of a job interview answer, it is important to create context by describing the situation – the why this was happening.
Then, specifically explain what actions were taken to create a positive outcome. Ideally, the example used must be relative to the position being applied for.
Job Interview Answer.
“A couple of years back, I was working at an organization named (company name). I was part of a team working on (a specific project). The project was highly important as (describe how the successful completion of the project would have a benefit to the employer).
The timeframe for the project was tight, we had to complete (task) within a (add timeframe). the reason this was difficult was (give specifics).
It was a very stressful time for everyone, but I was always able to manage my stress and stay motivated and productive.
To stay motivated and to have good wellbeing I (generic stress management technique). When on a tight deadline I always (stress management technique)which helps me to stay on track. When working in a stressful environment or when other colleagues are stressed I will (stress management technique).”
On 28th Oct 2021, Mark Zuckerberg announced the rebrand of Facebook to Meta, signifying to the world the importance of their investment into the Metaverse.
The Metaverse will be a crucial element in the future of hiring staff, requiring career professionals to understand what a Metaverse job interview will look like.
The Metaverse will be an interconnected online experience that merges work and life across a wide range of platforms, from VR headsets to AR implementations.
The Metaverse won’t just look like a virtual reality computer game where everyone communicates via their avatar, instead, it will be a mix of a physical and virtual world, with its own economy and users will be able to take their avatars and goods throughout the metaverse.
This video is an example of how the online and real-life workspace could interact.
Is the Metaverse a fad?
Skeptics say that the Metaverse could be a fad, and that Zuckerberg launched Meta as a ploy to divert attention from other issues.
No matter what the reasons were for Facebook to change to Meta, those who are looking at what is happening in the tech world know the Metaverse is coming and coming soon.
Facebook won’t own the Metaverse, instead, it will be open-source, just as one single website doesn’t own the internet.
Many large tech giants; Microsoft, Apple, and large gaming companies are investing tens of billions of pounds into the Metaverse. In a recent CBSNews article, they highlighted how tech companies have been working on virtual reality tech for several years:
Google Cardboard might be the most successful VR project in history
In 2015 Microsoft announced Holoens mixed reality glasses
During Zuckbergs Meta launch, he explained how the Metaverse could open up the global job market: “..giving people access to jobs no matter where they live..”
Verdict looked into the future of AR and VR, saying: “This could be just the beginning. While the AR market was worth a fairly restrained $7bn in 2020, Global Data estimates that it will generate revenues of $152bn by 2030.”
The article goes on to explain how workplaces will and are evolving into the virtual world: “One of the biggest trends in the AR and VR space in 2022 will be the use of immersive technology and VR in the workplace”
In an article on Reworked, they talk about the potential of VR in onboarding new staff: “VR has huge potential for the digital workplace as a training tool for remote workers and onboarding new employees”
This is because avatars will be able to mimic facial expressions, gestures, and body language.
It is the development of avatars that can mimic a hiring manager while testing the applicant’s competencies that will see a move to recruitment in the Metaverse.
While discussing online staff training, the Reworked article explains: “These VR modules can use video recordings or animations to simulate tense scenarios for managers to practice their handling and ability to navigate through the issue successfully.” This same tech could easily be adapted for an assessment job interview.
RCP mag, talking about Facebook and Microsoft, two tech giants who are keen to have a big presence in this future territory, said: “(Meta and Microsoft) just announced that they are partnering to integrate Microsoft Teams with Workplace by Meta (formerly Facebook Workplace), which will allow Teams users to live-stream video into Workplace groups, and to view, comment and react to meetings in real-time without having to switch between apps.”
Virtual Reality in Recruitment
In a recent article, Employment King said: “The metaverse will bring enormous opportunity to individuals who want to work from homes and employers will be able to test how the employee would work remotely (and in the metaverse) and collaboratively on projects.”
Virtual reality recruitment and training is already here.
Deutsche Bahn, the Berlin-based mobility and logistics company, in 2015 needed to hire 10,000 new employees. To help with recruitment, they would take VR headsets to assessment days and career fairs, allowing candidates to virtually observe a train electrician and engineer doing their job. The result was a massive increase in applications.
A Forbes article talking about AR and VR trends explained how Walmart used tech to train 17,000 staff in compliance and customer service. While going on to discuss the US Army’s deal with Microsoft to use Hololense technology in military training.
Metaverse Recruitment
Recsite design, in July 2021, discussed the increase in VR recruitment: “According to a study carried out by the Employment Law Advisory Services, 43% of companies that employ VR use it to help introduce new members to their existing teams.”
The British Armed Forces saw a 66% rise in applications after using a Samsung Gear VR headset to let candidates experience driving a tank.
Recruitment is as much about the applicant finding a suitable employer, as it is about an employer finding a suitable applicant.
The Metaverse will help applicants and employers find their match.
It is highly likely that future job fairs will be held virtually. Initially, in-person job fairs will use VR tech to allow future employees to view what it would be like to work at the organization by having them view the workplace with a VR set.
The natural evolution will be a live screen, via a VR set, of the workplace. Before long, the candidates will be meeting current employees, take part in a workplace walk around to better understand the company culture, and try out company benefits such as ‘cinema rooms’ or ‘skill training’ sessions all via the Metaverse.
Job Interviews Conducted in the Metaverse
It is predicted that staff recruitment, staff training, and staff onboarding will be some of the most commonly used functions, for employers, during the early days of the Metaverse.
Candidates, in the metaverse, will be able to ‘show off’ their competencies. Interviewees avatars can manipulate objects, create images, write and interact with other avatars.
Being able to physically move around (in the Metaverse job interview), applicants will demonstrate their skill set, from a retail candidate dealing with a simulated customer complaint to a surgeon demonstrating an operation in real-time.
Sounds farfetched? VR for training surgeons has been around for many years: “In 2009, a Halifax-based professor of neurosurgery, Dr. David Clarke, performed the first-ever virtual reality (VR)-based simulated surgery to remove a brain tumour”
Many recruitment processes, for high-skilled positions, have an assessment stage. Now, VR will take this one step further to help a hiring manager predict the job performance of a candidate through human and AI observation and interaction.
Scenario-based simulation exercises will test an interviewee’s skills and competencies, reducing any job interview deceit, white lies, or extensions of the truth, as increasing levels of complexity will be tested throughout the assessment, checking the level of each candidate’s abilities and knowledge.
Part of the recruitment process will be observed and assessed by humans, but as AVIs – Asynchronous Video Interview continue to be ever more popular with employers, AI bots will continue to play a large part in the hiring of new staff, reducing time and money employers spend on staff recruitment.
The 5 Stages of a Metaverse Job Interview
Much research is showing an increase in the number of stages of interviews for a high-skilled position, and the increasing use of artificial intelligence in the recruitment process.
The result of AI robot interveiwers, and the required interview stages to check the candidate’s suitability, will create a blended AI and human recruitment process in the Metaverse.
Metaverse Interview Stage 1
The initial interview stage is likely to be a short screening interview via an AVI – Asynchronous Video Interview AI bot.
Job applicants will enter the companies metaverse recruitment room and be given a short introduction to the AVI.
The AVI will last for around 15 minutes, and job candidates will be able to choose their own date and time to conduct the interview – ideal for career professionals applying from countries with different time zones.
The AVI will ask 3 job interview questions to check suitability. The questions will vary, but in the main, they will focus on the essential criteria for the job role.
During the interview, the AVI will ask each question in turn. Currently, interviewees have 60 seconds to digest the question before recording their interview answer which has a limited time capacity of 2 minutes.
As AVI technology advances, it is highly likely that the candidates will answer the interview question in real-time without a time limit attached to their answer.
Staff retention is a big issue for many employers, as younger generations don’t consider a job for life and are more likely to job-hop at a moment’s notice. The great resignation is evidence of this new attitude.
To improve staff retention, employers will focus part of the recruitment process on selling the benefits of the organisation to increase demand for the position, allowing the employer to increase the number of first-choice applicants accepting the position.
Stage two of the Metaverse interview will be a virtual walkaround of the organisation. The virtual walkaround will be miles away from a simple VR walk-through of an office. Instead, interviewees will be able to visit, in live-time, the employer’s Metaverse workplace.
The walk-through could consist of visiting work-stations, observing meetings, attending auditoriums, lecture halls, and checking out the company benefits: relaxation rooms to de-stress after a hard day in the office, or a creative space for generating ideas. Companies will also have game rooms and specialist areas of increasing skills such as a brainteaser room or access to hundreds of volumes of industry-related books, academic research papers, and company history.
The main focus of the walk-around will be to showcase the company culture and its values. Employers, by highlighting how they conduct business as usual, their vision, and current projects, can attract career professionals with a similar attitude, helping to create high-performing teams.
Metaverse Interview Stage 3
From an employer’s perspective, the recruitment process is designed to predict the potential job performance of each applicant, resulting in the hiring of the (potentially) best performing interviewee.
Currently, assessment centers use standardized tasks that gather relevant information about an applicant’s capabilities.
In the Metaverse the assessment stage of the interview will go one step further. Imagine, in the near future that a high proportion of work-related tasks are completed partly or fully within the Metaverse.
AI will be able to replicate a previous project in the Metaverse, including the personalities and potential reactions of team members. Interviewees will then be asked to complete the task which is assessed on two levels. Level skills and competencies, and level 2 how the applicant would fit (or not) within the current team.
Employers will be able to observe the interviewee’s actions, but also compare the outcome from the tasks with the actual outcome from the original completion of the task in real-life. It is this comparison that can help a candidate to stand out.
Tasks that will be assessed will be the main duty for the job role, and could include:
Project planning meeting for a project manager
An operation for a doctor
Customer service scenareo for a retail assistant
A high risk situation for an air traffic controller
The delivery of a lesson for a teacher
In the future, large employers won’t hire for a particular role. Instead, global companies will have a constant recruitment program, via the Metaverse, to search for and hire exceptional career professionals.
For these exceptional professionals, job roles will be created for them.
In the assessment stage of the recruitment process, the assessment of a task will increase in difficulty to test an applicant’s ability allowing the human resource team to find the right role for each successful applicant.
Assessment centers will test for:
Creative problem-solving
Leadership
Communication
Stress indicators
Values
Temperament
Industry knowledge
Strengths vs weaknesses
Attitude and work ethic
Metaverse Interview Stage 4
The first three stages of the Metaverse job interview will be designed to reduce the number of applicants who are put forward for a human delivered structured job interview.
A structured job interview, research shows, is currently the best predictor of an applicant’s job performance. This is because each candidate is asked the same interview questions in the same order with answers being marked against a specific scoring system on the interview scorecard.
The human interview will also be conducted in the Metaverse, as the Metaverse will be part of day-to-day life.
Some interviews will be conducted by the employer’s hologram or their avatar, depending on the job sector.
Interviewers are quite likely to receive an ’employability suitability’ report prior to the interview based on the previous rounds of interveiwers, created by AI big data program.
Applicants will be asked 8-10 job interview questions by a member of the human resource department – a trained interviewer.
Why did you choose that particular avatar and what does it say about you?
How do you decide what tasks to complete in the Metaverse and which duties to complete in the phyiscal work palce?
Give me an example of collaberating in the Metaverse?
What percenatge of your working week do you expcect to spend in the Metaverse?
How do you monitor your motivation and stress levels?
Give me an example of how you priotise Metaverse tasks?
How do you keep work orgnaised when working in the Metaverse?
What Metaverse ‘skills’ do you have?
Metaverse Interview Stage 5
The final round of job interviews will be only available to 5 successful candidates.
To be offered the position, the final job interview round will be conducted by the applicant’s future line manager – an expert in the job role/industry.
The interview questions will be focused on the business as usual tasks and the candidate’s sector knowledge.
Interview questions will include:
What do you expect the daily tasks to look like?
What is your approach to (task)?
Describe the theory for (task/process)?
Give me an example of doing (task)
If (problem) happned what would you do?
How you would you handle (X) situation)?
What would you prioritise first (X) or (Y) and why?
Give me an example of collaberating with stakholders?
The job interview process is evolving.
Over the past 12 months, there has been a significant increase in AVI – Asynchronous Video Interview and ATS – Application Tracking Systems with over 98% of the top fortune 500 companies using recruitment automated software.
And where large companies lead, small to medium size businesses follow.
Progress in creating recruitment tech that can be used in the Metaverse as well as applications for completing work-related tasks virtually is happening all the time.
It is clear then that the future of job interviews will involve the use of AR and VR technology.
Job Interview Coach and Author of ‘what is your interview identity’
Chris Delaney
Chris Delaney is one of the leading job interview coaches in the country, helping career professionals to successfully pass job interviews. Delaney is the author of several job interview reference books including ‘what is your interview identity’
The recruitment process is changing due to issues such as the great resignation and the global job market.
Since the start of the pandemic, career professionals have been reflecting on how their employers have treated them.
The great resignation is an economic trend that started in the United States which saw a large number of employees resign from their job roles.
With a high number of vacancies on the increase:2.4% of job roles were vacant in quarter 1 of 2021, career professionals are feeling confident when it comes to job-hopping.
Depending on the employer, businesses are being affected in various ways.
For small to medium-sized companies, the advice is to shorten the hiring processes as the number one choice applicant gets bored and quits the application when it is long and slow.
This ‘quit and jump’ strategy is a big problem when it comes to filling a position. Indeed state that the average number of days a job is live is 30 days and other sources indicate it is more like 42 days, which has led to employers having to sweeten the deal by increasing salary and company benefits.
Global brands are on the opposite scale with businesses receiving a record number of applications for an advertised role that has led to the increase in automated recruitment processes.
One reason for this is the global job market. With advances in technology and remote working becoming the norm for employees, career professionals living in one country can apply for a position in a second country.
Technology is set to change the workplace with tech giants like Mark Zuckerberg investing in the metaverse – a digital environment where multiple people can interact in a 3D world, which could lead to a future where many jobs take place in the virtual world, from the comfort of your won home.
In an article on Microsoft, they stated how they received over 7 million visitors to the career section of their website.
As global brands see a year-on-year increase in the number of applications they receive for each job vacancy, many of them are turning to automated recruitment options such as asynchronous video interviewing and application tracking system software.
The great resignation and the global job market have resulted in employers testing new job interview processes.
Top 5 Job Interview Processes
Below is an outline of the various and most common job interview stages an applicant may have to attend to land their dream job.
Preperation is key to a successful job interview. To prepare, career professionals must understand the various steps in the recruitment process.
Asynchronous Video Screening Interview
Global brands, big businesses, and high-paying employers are receiving record numbers of applications.
The extremely high volume of applicants is simply too much for a human to contemplate. Rather than hiring additional human resource staff to read and interview each career professional who has shown interest in the vacancy, organisations have turned to technology.
AVI – asynchronous video interviews are used as a screening process.
The AVI interviewed won’t be scheduled on a particular date and time. Instead, the applicant can choose a time most suitable for themselves (as the interviewer is an AI programme, not a human).
Each AVS lasts for around 15 minutes.
During the 15 minutes the interviewee has time to prepare themselves; check the voice and video systems are working correctly, take a practice interview test, before being interviewed by the AI programme.
The actual interview takes around 10 minutes, with an average of three job interview questions being asked.
The interview question will appear on the screen and the candidate will have one minute to prepare for their answer.
After the minute is up, the video recording takes place. During the recording, the interviewee has only two minutes (on average) to answer the interview question, before the recording stops, in readiness for the second or third interview question.
As the 2 minutes are coming to an end the AVI will let the interviewee know that there are 30 or 10 seconds left to go.
Employees, more than ever before, job hop, resign out of the blue, and are approached online by recruiters and employers if a suitable vacancy is available.
Global problems such as the bank crisis and Covid19 have shown how a business one year is a success, but the next year is making redundancies.
No job is safe.
Employers, to help recruit the most suitable and ideally long-lasting employees are turning towards a new way of recruiting based on the values of the organisation.
The ‘values’ job interview is designed to hire staff members who are likely to 1) go above and beyond for the company and 2) improve staff retention as the job interview asks questions about the applicant’s own values before cross-referencing their answers against the values of the company.
In the main, the interview questions will be about the company values:
Can you name the 7 company values?
Which of our values would you say in most important to you?
When working in a team what is your main priority?
What does success sound like to you?
What motivates you to get out of bed on a Monday morning?
How do you know when you have done a good job?
How would you (value) when working on a project?
Research is required for a values job interview. Without an awareness of the employer’s company values it is unlikely that any of the job interview answers will state enough relevance to gain a high-scoring mark.
A number of employers are embedding strength-based job interviews into their recruitment processes.
Similar to the ‘values’ job interview, the strength-based job interview is looking at suitability from the perspective of the ‘company fit’.
Each strength-based job interview question is about the employee’s preference – the way they prefer to work, their natural motivators and are crossed reference against the company culture.
There is an obvious cross-over with company culture and values which is why a values job interview and a strength-based one are similar.
In the main, but not always, the questions are asked about preference:
Do you prefer to work independently or as part of a team?
What is more importnat to you starting or finishing a project?
Do you like variety or routine?
How do you work best, when you are woking on one importnat task or when you have to multitask?
Choose a statement that best suits you: I prefer creativity or I prefer following processes and procedures?
When do you excel when being told what to do or when telling other people how to do things?
The final two job interviews that will be discussed are both from the structured job interview family.
Both the behavioral and situational job interviews are well-known and well-used recruitment tactics.
Previously, employers, especially in small to medium-sized organisations where the interviewer is the potential line manager, not a trained HR interviewer, the interview panel asked a mixture of behavioral and situational job interview questions.
More recently, employers are understanding the importance of how they frame a job interview question, as the frame can influence the type of answer an applicant gives.
This understanding has led to organisations using a specific structured job interview: Behavioural or situational. Amazon, as an example, is known for asking behavioral job interview questions and even going as far as referencing this on their career page.
“Behavioral job interview questions are questions framed in the past tense. The idea being, that past behaviors predict future actions – a zebra cant change it stripes”
Chris Delaney author of What is your interview identity
Behavioral job interview questions sound like this:
Tell me about a time when you were faced with a problem that had a number of possible solutions?
When have you learnt from a mistake?
Describe a time when you took the lead?
Tell me about a time that you collaberated with others?
Have you ever gone above and beyond?
Situational Job Interview Questions
Situational job interview questions are future-based scenarios.
Behavioral job interview questions are ideal when an employer is recruiting a highly experienced and skilled employee, someone, who must demonstrate their work experience.
On the other hand, many roles are suitable to a qualified individual without the need for several years experience:
Graduate positions
College jobs
Internships
Newly created roles/job sectors (as no one will have direct experience) created through the advancement of technology, politics, and globalisation
Situational job interview questions sound like this:
What would you do if you were working on a project and (X) happened?
If you were hired as a team member what would your first priority be?
How would you go about solving (X) problem?
How would you motivate your team?
What do you forsee the problems to be?
Other Types of Job Interviews
Technical Job Interview
Technical interviews assess the candidate’s technical ability to complete a certain technical task.
Some technical interview questions look at skills required for the technical role: problem solving or numerical reasoning, with some questions being in the form of a brain teaser.
Common in engineering, science, and IT roles.
Group Job Interview
Team to group interview tasks are common during full-day assessments.
As part of the recruitment process interviewees will be put in groups to complete a simple task.
Several interveiwers will observe the groups and mark each person on their communication, leadership, and teamwork skills.
The task normally lasts around 30 minutes.
Role Play Interview
The use of actors and/or hiring managers acting a part and situation that the interviewee has to deal with while being observed and marked by additional interveiwers is very common in leadership and high-paid positions.
The idea is for the employer to see in real-life (or as near to as possible) how the applicant will react in the (common) situation.
The person playing the part/situation will often be having a problem or being disruptive, and it is for the interviewee to show their professionalism and skill set to find a solution to the problem.
The recruitment process is changing.
There will be an increase in automated job interviews and resume/CV selection.
Large employers will continue to see an increase in the number of applications per vacancy.
Competition (for many roles) will be global.
Technology will continue to change the jobs on offer.
Many employers will use multiple stages of interviews to help recruit a high-performing team.
Hiring managers will ask more interview questions around company values and culture.
Employers will continue to adopt the structured job interview process as it has been proven to be the best indicator of a candidates job performance.
It is highly likely that recruitment will be completed in the metaverse or as part of a virtual reality interview process.
A large number of organisations are choosing job applicants not just based on their experience and knowledge, but also on their personal values.
More importantly, employers use ‘values’ interviews to review if the candidate’s values, their behaviors, and their likelihood to fit within the company culture.
Both, strength-based and values job interviews are often part of a longer recruitment process. Either used at the start or end of a 3-4 stage hiring process the idea behind the values interview is to help avoid recruiting an employee who may be, at worst, disruptive or simply not a good fit within the team.
How to prepare for a Values job interview
Value interview questions, in the main, are asking – do you embody the company values?
More specifically, the vales job interview questions ask – how do you embed the company values into the day-to-day operations?
There are two approaches to asking value interview questions:
An obvious first step to prepare for the values interview is research.
Any organisations adopting this job interview strategy will showcase the company values on their website.
Some businesses will have a dedicated values page (often an indication that values questions will be asked at some point direction the hiring process) or on the ‘about us’ page.
Once armed with the company values, the career professional must understand their own values. As each interview value question will be about how the applicant’s values match the employers.
Values are the drivers of motivation – you are motivated to action because of your values.
An example of value motivation is working overtime. One employee will work overtime because they value money (the additional pay for the extra hours) whereas a second employee may value customer satisfaction (the overtime results in a completion of a task on time that makes the customer happy).
Career professionals all value different things. There are no good or bad, right or wrong values, instead, it is (often) an unconscious trait that motivates that person.
Values can include:
Quality
Quantity
Finance
A job well done
Being quicker/better/more knowledgebale than others
Praise
Fame
Caring for others
Independence
Collaberation
The end result/finishing a task
Professionalisum
Trust
The bigger picture or specfic detail
Processes and procedures
Values are often viewed in the behaviors of colleagues and the language they use within the workplace:
Detailed value: “I like to cross the Ts and dot the Is”
End result: “Lets fisish what we started”
People: “Look how happy they are with (product)”
Finance: “One more sale and I will have made my bonus”
Praise: “I know my (manager) wil like that I did this”
Carer professionals can identify their own values by asking:
What five things are important to me in my job?
Which is more important A or B? (ask this for all 5 values)
What motivates me in the workpalce?
What demotiavtes me?
What makes me the most fulfilled?
Which sectors use value interviews?
There has been an increase in the use of value job interviews, as more employers are taking steps to hire long-lasting employees.
By hiring a career professional whose values are in line with the organisations values (and their vision) the new employee is likely to be happy, and therefore stay, with the employer.
The following industries are adopting the values job interview:
Healthcare
Sales
Education
Animal care
Science
Finance
Job Interview Structure
As mentioned, there are two types of value job interviews – direct value questions, and embedded questions.
A direct value job interview is when the employer asks questions based on their company values.
Direct value interview questions can include:
Can you name the company values?
Which of the company values most resinates with you?
What are your personal values and how do they relate to the company values?
Other direct questions ask about the implementation of the value into business-as-usual tasks:
An example of this is when an employer values quality. The interview question may be: “How would you ensure the quality of (product/service) while increasing the number of outcomes?”
Or, as a second example, an employer who values integrity, could ask: “Describe a situation where you have demonstrated integrity?”
The hiring manager in a direct values job interview will ask one question for each of their list of company values.
Indirect job interview questions
Embedded value interview questions are hard to detect.
Hiring managers ask standard job interview questions:
“Tell me about how you would fit this role?”
“How do you make a decision?”
“How do you manage conflicting deadlines?”
“Tell me about a time you have made a mistake?”
“What would you do if a client gave an unrealisitic timeframe?”
On the face of it, the questions seem to be one of the most commonly asked job interview questions. The difference is, the employer is making note of the job applicant’s values, preferences and motivations.
The framing of job interview questions
Clues to what an employer is looking for, what will score high, is leaked by the structure of the interview question.
An employer who asks: “Have you ever gone the extra mile to satisfy a customer?” is quite likely to value customer satisfaction.
Whereas an employer asking: “how would you say no to an unrealistic customer demand without running the customer relationship?” may be more quality or process-focused.
Employers who ask: “Are you willing to work overtime?” would only ask the question if they require flexibility in their workforce.
Value job interviews often last for around 30 minutes and are conducted by a trained HR practitioner.
Remember value questions can be, and often are, embedded within a behavioral or situational structured job interview.
Chris Delaney
Chris Delaney is one of the leading job interview coaches in the country, helping career professionals to successfully pass job interviews. Delaney is the author of several job interview reference books including ‘what is your interview identity’
Data has highlighted how today’s workforce isn’t scared of job-hopping, leading to employers having to constantly recruit new staff.
An increase in advertising the same job roles, time and time again, has resulted in a shortening of the recruitment process with hiring managers looking to streamline procedures, but some employers still enforce a 4-6 stage job interview process.
Employees are willing to quit their jobs
In a recent article on MRI Network, talking about the cost of a slow recruitment process, shared staggering HR statistics: “25 percent of people quit their jobs in 2021; 65 percent are currently seeking out new opportunities.”
A Gallop post, sharing statistics from a report, back-up’s the job-hopping data: “21% of millennials say they’ve changed jobs within the past year, which is more than three times the number of non-millennials who report the same.”
In the same post, it goes on to explain how 50% of millennials believe they will switch employers within a 12-month period.
The job sector the advertised job role is in, as well as the demand for a career professionals skill-set, experience, and qualifications, impacts the likelihood of an employer recruiting a long-lasting suitable employee. The MRI Network article explains: “In any market, first-choice candidates always tend to disappear quickly, as they have multiple options to pursue.”
First-choice applicants are interviewees who can communicate their competencies confidently, creating a strong ‘interview identity.’
Long vs short recruitment processes
Even with a need to hire staff quickly to fill the gaps left by job-hoppers, some employers embed long recruitment processes.
On a list of HR facts in a Zoom Shift HR Stats article, they explain how: “60% of applicants quit filling out application forms due to complexity or length. (SHRM)”
The MRI article talking about ‘slow hiring’ says: “These days, employers need to act quickly and decisively, particularly when candidates are currently employed or need to relocate.”
Recruitment processes vary by sector. A detailed study, by Linkedin, of over 400,000 confirmed hires between 2020-2021 shows the duration of hiring times:
The graph shows how industries that value ‘precision’ have a longer recruitment process. But why? The Linkedin article explains: “Companies in the tech industry tend to value precision — sometimes false precision — over speed…. can mean putting candidates through endless technical interviews, assessing deep textbook knowledge that’s far beyond what jobs may require.”
Demand drives change
Some organisations have a higher number of applicants than others.
If a high number of career professionals seek to work at a particular company, that organisation can have a longer recruitment process without the worry of missing out on first-choice applicants.
In a Glassdoor article they explain: “On average, each corporate job opening attracts 250 résumés. Of these candidates, four to six will be called for an interview and only one will be offered a job.”
A recent press releasehighlighted the high number of applicants for global brands: “1 million people applied for a job at Amazon as part of Career Day 2021”
An advice article about getting a job at Google on the Independent shared eye-opening Google recruitment stats: “Google receives more than three million applications a year and hires just 7,000 people”
The automated job process
The extreme number of job applicants has resulted in HR teams utilizing artificial intelligence robots to screen applicants and to act as job interviewers.
An HR research report from 2020 started: “a third (of HR teams) – 33% anticipate high or very high use of AI in two years.” Whereas other information shows how the pandemic has already created a faster move towards the use of asynchronous video interviews.
Algorithms have a cost-saving advantage over humans, as the AI bot is able to scan a higher number of applications per day than a human HR staff member.
Chris Delaney is one of the leading job interview coaches in the country, helping career professionals to successfully pass job interviews. Delaney is the author of several job interview reference books including ‘what is your interview identity’
An asynchronous video interview (AVI) is a job interview conducted by a computer algorithm.
In an AVI, the interviewee is filmed answering a set of pre-determined interview questions. Each interview answer must last between one or two minutes. Post two minutes and the video recording ends, even when the job applicant is halfway through their interview answer.
Never heard of an asynchronous video interview? You soon will!
AVI’s have been around for a while.
In a BBC article, they explained how some industries have already tested AVI’s prior to the recent increase in common usage: “AVIs were being used as the first stage of recruitment in the healthcare, pharmaceutical, tech, business and finance sectors..”
In 2012, around 10% of ‘top positioned’ businesses used any type of video interviewing. An article in the Financial Times by Sarah O’Connor, talking about the impact of AVI’s, said that: “Of those employers using video interviews in the UK in 2019/20, 46 percent were doing them with an interviewer, 30 percent were using automated video interviews and 24 percent were using a mix of both, according to the Institute of Student Employers.”
A poll of 334 HR leaders by Gartner found that covid increases the usage of AVI’s with 86% of organizations incorporating new virtual technology to interview candidates.
Artificial intelligence being used in the recruitment process is nothing new
Large organisations have been using Application Tracking Systems (ATS) to shift through candidates’ application forms for many years.
In a Slate article, they explain how AI is embedded into the recruitment system: “Artificial intelligence has played a growing role in recruiting and hiring for some time, as both a timesaver and a matchmaker. A.I. has been used to generate job descriptions, to post and share jobs, to automate candidate searches, and to scan résumés and cover letters..”
Mid to large companies use ATS if they receive a high number of applications for multiple job positions. AI can sort the weak from the strong, the unsuitable from the suitable, a lot quicker than a human can. ATS mainly makes decisions based on keywords embedded throughout the application form.
Recent research by JobScan found that“at least 494 Fortune 500 companies use an ATS, we were able to identify the exact ATS for 482 of them. This means that 98.8% of Fortune 500 companies use an ATS”.
Artificial intelligence, from an employer’s perspective, is about saving time and money. But where does this leave the job seeker?
Which Organisation use AI Interviewers?
A high number of large companies are known to be using asynchronous video interviews, including:
PwC
Unilever
Kingfisher
Hermes
JP Morgan
Amazon
Different Trypes of Asynchronous Video Job Interviews
Understanding the platform the employer chooses to use is deemed as being highly important.
In Slates ‘should robots be conducting interviews’ article, they explain that the various algorithms used by the various programmes look at various criteria: “Like humans, these bot recruiters have their own unique styles of interviewing. Some are merely seeking logistical information, like availability and ongoing interest, while others might be looking to assess drive, initiative, team-working skills, adaptability, or even your tendency to job hop.”
The BBC go-on to explain some of the challenges when interviewed by an AI system: “There are challenges; AVIs can vary in the amount of time allotted for each answer, and not every programme will give candidates unlimited preparation time or allow them to re-record a section if they are unhappy with their first attempt”
Some robot interviewers choose candidates based on their interview answers (keywords that match the job criteria), with others reading facial expressions and the candidates tonality.
A researcher, speaking to the Mirror, shared concerns that working-class applicants could be at a disadvantage when a robotic interviewer analyze voice and tonality of a job candidate, if the working class interview doesn’t have “beautifully compiled grammar”
How to Prepare for an Asynchronous Video Job Interview?
Each job applicant should first reflect on their past job interview performances and take the interview identity test to understand how they are viewed by an employer.
Specifically for an AVI recruitment process, job applicants must:
1. Set up the interview environment and IT systems
A full guide to setting up for an online interview can be found here: Online Job Interviews.
The biggest question asked is “what happens if my internet signal drops during the asynchronous interview?”
Luckily, the designers of AVI’s have tackled this potential problem. As an applicant’s signal starts to dip, a warning indicator pops onto the screen. When the signal is lost, the interview will atomically stop and only resume once the candidate’s internet signal strength is strong.
2. Practice speaking to camera
In the online job interview article, it explains the importance of looking at the camera, not the screen, to help improve eye contact.
For systems that monitor facial expressions, feeling an emotion (excitement, joy, happiness) will automatically show on the applicant’s face.
Many applicants worry about the turnaround from entering the virtual interview room and being monitored. In most cases, an interviewee can access the AVI, take a deep breath to relax, before actually starting the interview.
In fact, many AVIs have a practice interview question to help the candidate prepare and ready themselves.
3. Predict the job interview questions and preapre answers
In advance, the employer will send details of the AVI. This will include the date/time of the interview – this is often optional over several dates.
As there are no human interviewers, the job interview isn’t on a specific time on a set date.
The career professional needs to log in, often within a seven-day period, 24hrs a day, and complete the interview at a time convenient to them.
Candidates will also be told the number of interview questions they will be asked – with the average being three questions. And the duration of the interview answer, which is often one or two minutes per answer. Sometimes this information is present once the candidate logs onto the AVI.
The three interview questions will be chosen to gain a better understanding of the job applicant’s suitability for the role. In most cases, AVI’s are used to reduce the number of applicants, which can be as many as 20,000 for global companies to a manageable number of interviewees who will be invited for a face-to-face interview with a human.
One question will be a generic question on suitability “Tell me why you are suitable for the role?” or “Tell me about yourself?” or “What can you bring to the role?”
The additional questions will be more specific, based on the key job criteria: “Give me an example of when you did X?” or “What is your experience doing X”
How do you speak to a robot interviewer?
Research shows how a nervous job applicant will self-disclose weaknesses, give shorter responses and use excessive filler words.
The key to being seen as suitable is through a confident delivery of the interview answer.
Confidence is one element that creates a strong interview identity. A job interview identity is created by a mixture of content and delivery. An employer will have a positive view of a job applicant who they perceive to have a high level of knowledge and experience and who delivers answers with confidence.
AI interviewers have built-in software to understand mispronounced words, and to understand local slang.
But the advice is to always speak clearly and to pace yourself. Talk slower than you would when naturally speaking and focus on diction.
As with a human interviewer, be self-promoting, enthusiastic (especially if the bot is monitoring your tonality), and stick to the time frame of the interview answer.
Are AVI’s here to stay?
The test results aren’t in yet.
There are many concerns around biases with AI interviewers, as they are programmed by humans and data that are filled with biases.
Many people on social media talk about how being interviewed by a robot increase job interview anxiety.
But with one large grocery chain in the U.S. using an AVI to interview about 20,000 people a day for stocker and cashier jobs, it sounds like there will be an increase in robot job interviews.
Chris Delaney is one of the leading job interview coaches in the country, helping career professionals to successfully pass job interviews. Delaney is the author of several job interview reference books including ‘what is your interview identity’
Job interview preparation is key to a successful job interview outcome.
Each job applicant should first reflect on their past job interview performances and take the interview identity test to understand how they are viewed by an employer.
Once a career professional is aware of their interview identity, the next stage is to understand the commonly asked job interview questions.
With a list of interview questions, the job applicant is then ready to write, edit and practice their interview answers using the templates below.
Interviewees must add their own stories, real-life examples, facts, and figures, plus embed industry jargon.
To pass a job interview, a successful applicant only needs to score higher than the other (on average) 6-7 interviewees.
A large list of job interview questions and answers
Each interview question will come with an explanation of how to answer the question, to help each applicant highlight the value they can offer a new employer.
Remember hiring managers are looking for a potential employee to stand out – What can you offer that others can’t? What is your industry knowledge and expertise? What personal skills would add value?
Job Interview Question:
Tell me about yourself?
The most commonly asked question during the recruitment process.
You will be asked this interview question in some form.
Give a short statement about your education, experiences, and skills relevant to the job position you are applying for.
Highlight your main strength and/or achievement and your duration in the sector and/or education
Keep each selling point brief, as you can explain each point again in more detail throughout the interview
End this answer with a reason why you’re looking for a new job
“In total, I have over X number of years experience working as a (job role). In (year) I gained a (qualification). Throughout my extensive work experience in (sector), I have (key selling point) and (second unique selling point). I have applied for this role because (company interest) and due to my passion for (job duty).”
Job Interview Question:
Why did you leave your last job?
Be positive when answering this tricky job interview question.
Stay away from any negativity or complaints about previous managers, working conditions, or colleagues.
Hiring managers like to hear that you left for a good opportunity or reason, rather than a tall tale.
Start the answer with a postive reflection on the previous workpalce
Explain what excited you about your last position
End with a (positive) reason for leaving
“I enjoyed working at (company name) as I was able to (achievement). The (aspect of the company culture) was good as this allowed me to (positive action), which resulted in (positive result). The work was exciting, as I was able to (work undertaken) which allowed me to gain (skills). It was a difficult choice to make, but I am leaving the role because (positive opportunity).”
Job Interview Question:
What experience do you have in this field?
State criteria on the job specification
Frame the answer in the positive
Relate previosu experiene to the duties of the new job role
“I have over X number of years working in this field. During my time working as a (job role) I have successfully been able to (big achievement). This is because of my ability to (skill/action). During my time in the sector, I have undertaken a number of roles/worked on projects including (name specific duties, projects, and achievements). What I can bring to your team, is the ability to (key actions and skills).”
Job Interview Question:
Do you consider yourself a successful person?
Never give a short ‘yes’ answer. And never, ever, answer with a ‘no’.
The job interview panel is looking for evidence of sector-related knowledge and experience that they can reference against the job interview scorecard.
This means that the job interview answer requires substance.
Talk about industry success, relating the answer to the job criteria.
“I am highly successful. Throughout my career I have been (involved/a leader of/part of a team) that was responsible for (overcoming a barrier/facing a job-related challenge). An example of this was when I was working at X, and I had to (actions) to help achieve an (outcome). The secret of my success is my ability to (unique selling point)”
Job Interview Question:
How would your colleagues describe you?
To make a lasting impression, use quotes rather than just stating that employees would be positive towards you.
Quotes sound more powerful, more believable.
“I’m lucky, throughout my career I have worked with some great people which helps to be successful within a task or when working on a project. My previous colleagues have always had respect for my dedication, work ethic,and (add third skill/quality). In my previous position, I was always known as (positive attribution). (Name of manager), my line manager, would often say (positive quote). In fact, this reputation has been with me throughout my career. When I was working at X, my manager there would also say (positive quote)”
Job Interview Question:
Are you applying for any other jobs?
It’s rare that a career professional only applies for one position.
In truth, once a job hunter starts searching for positions they are likely to apply for at least 10 roles.
The ‘number of other jobs’ interview question is asked to check if the applicant will have loyalty to the organization – if the applicant is only applying for this one role, they must really want to work for the organization.
So, the reality (employees applying for numerous positions) and the employers ideal (the applicant only applying for the one job role) is a mismatch.
“I have applied for a few positions. For each job I come across, I research the company to check if we could collaborate successfully together. I am always interested in (company culture/projects/reputation). I was really excited to receive the job interview offer for this position, because during my research I learned (amazing fact) about the company, which helped me realise that this is the type of company I would want to work for above all the other vacancies I successfully applied for”
Job Interview Question:
What salary are you looking for?
Prior to the job interview, in preparation for the ‘salary’ interview questions, career professionals must:
Check the salary average for the advertised role
Complete the interview identity test to understand how an employer perceives them during the recruitment process – as this affects the salary offer
Check if the position is one that high salaries can be negotiated – as for many roles, the negotiation is within a salary band, not open.
“Due to my extensive experience within the sector, where I have the (skill/experience) to (unique selling point) which can result in (financially linked selling point) as well as having (second unique selling point) I am looking for a position with a salary of (add amount)”
Job Interview Question:
How long will you stay with our organisation?
Employers spend around 33% of their profits on recruitment.
The employment duration interview question is based on the requirement to employ staff members who won’t leave after a short period of time.
What an employer is looking for here is reassurance.
“I am looking for a position within an organization that I know I can add value to. I prefer not to jump from job to job, and only take offered roles where I can see myself staying for a long period of time. I really like the sound of the (company/job role) and if I was successful I would hope to be here for many more years to come.”
Job Interview Question:
If you could, would you retire right now?
Some job interview questions do, on the face of it, sound a little random.
Successful interviewees also reflect on a potential interview question to better understand the hidden reason for the said question to be asked.
Everyone wants to retire, don’t they?
The truth is not everyone does wants to retire. In fact, for some career professionals, their job is their life.
This is what is at the bottom of the ‘retirement’ interview question. What is really being asked is – are you passionate about your chosen line of work or is it just a pay ticket?
“No, I wouldn’t retire. I am very passionate about what I do and I am especially focused on (long-term achievement). For me, a job isn’t just a salary it’s about (state passion/reasons for working in the industry).”
Answering the ‘what are you looking for in a job question?’ with salary, working near home, or any other ‘wants’ will only result in a lack of job offers.
Employers will score high interview answers that state a liking for the job criteria.
“The three key things I look for in a job are (generic criteria 1, 2 and 3). More specifically I excel in (describe company culture). Because I am skilled at X, I always work well when (state a duty/task you perform well).”
Job Interview Question:
What motivates you to be your best?
This interview question is looking at an applicant’s personal motivation.
The motivational traits must match the job criteria.
As an example, stating that you are motivated while working with others as part of a team would score high for a team role position but not when working in a job role that requires an employee to work on their own initiative.
A second way to answer the ‘motivation’ question is by focusing the answer on a vision – the same vision the company has.
“I am a highly motivated person who enjoys (sector-related outcome). I am at my best when I (job-related criteria 1, 2, and 3). What helps to keep me motivated is my personal goal to (a goal linked to the employer’s company vision).”
Job Interview Question:
Are you willing to work overtime?
The ‘overtime’ question is only asked in a recruitment process when the employer needs employees to have a flexible approach to their working hours.
If asked the overtime question, and offered the position, there will be an expectation for the applicant to work more than their standard hours.
“Yes, I am always happy to work additional hours. In my last position, we would often work overtime during busy periods such as Christmas or at the financial year-end. I understand the importance of not letting customers down, which sometimes means the team needs a flexible approach.”
Job Interview Question:
Are you happy working on a shift pattern?
Unlike the ‘overtime’ question, the shift pattern question isn’t asked as an unwritten rule that employees, once employed, will be expected to work on a shift rota.
There is a legal amount of hours an employer can force an employee to work, hence why the hiring manager checks flexibility.
If the employer only recruited shift workers, those hours would be made clear in the job advert.
The ‘shift-work question then is asked by hiring managers who recruit a large number of employees; some working shift patterns and others on a more traditional 9-5 schedule.
The question is often asked during a large recruitment drive and, in the main, doesn’t affect the hireability of the candidate.
Answers, then, should be honest.
If you are unwilling to work shift patterns let them know, and if you prefer a shift pattern (that often comes with a higher salary) then state this preference.
Even if the answer to the shift-pattern interview questions affects the likelihood of being recruited, honesty is still the best policy. If you dislike shifts and get recruited for a position that works on various shifts, it is unlikely that you would enjoy the role.
“I read that the role might include shift work and I am very happy to work on a shift-rota”
Job Interview Question:
Are you willing to relocate?
When an employer requires you to relocate, they would have stated this in the job specification so the questions shouldn’t come as any real surprise.
What is sometimes not clear is the location or locations where the job role may be.
“The idea of relocating is one of the elements that drew me to this role. I researched the (location) and I am really excited about the idea of living there. To help me decide whether or not to apply for the role I undertook some research to check things like house prices, crime levels, and general living conditions – did you know that (share positive fact about location)?”
Job Interview Question:
Are you willing to put the interest of the organisation ahead of yours?
Hard-hitting job interview questions are, in the main, only asked for high-paid and high-skilled job roles.
For this level of employment, hiring managers need a career professional who will go above and beyond, an employee who isn’t just applying because they need a salary.
High-level positions will require decisive action when problems occur. During a big crisis, for example, a company-level hack, the IT project manager would be expected to come back from leave to help solve the problem.
“Of course, at this level, it is important to hire someone who has the company interest at heart. When I work for an organization, I give it my all. As an example, while working at X a (problem) occurred. At the time I was (on holiday or other situational problem) but due to the urgency and risk of the (problem) I (actions taken). My actions and my commitment to the company interest resulted in a (positive outcome).”
Job Interview Question:
Describe yourself as a person?
This question is perfect for rule two of a successful job interview; be a self-promoter.
First, think about the job specification, the duties you will perform, and the culture of the organisation.
When selling yourself, talk only about the skills and qualities you have that are relevant for the advertised position.
“I am a (quality) (quality) and (quality) individual who specialises in (skill). When working on (sector-related task) I am able to (achievement) due to my (skill/quality). Colleagues and stakeholders describe as (quality) due to my ability to (achievement). My key strength is my ability to (skill/achievement) which I achieve due to (skill/quality).”
Job Interview Question:
What is your philosophy for working?
A career or working philosophy is similar to an organisations mission.
A one-line that accomplishes who you are and what you want to achieve in your career.
Think of the philosophy, as a career identity.
Don’t be tempted to give a deep long answer here, keep it short, sweet, and positive;
“I would say my work philosophy is (add selling line, as an example – completing tasks on time and to a high standard”
Job Interview Question:
Would you say that you are overqualified for this position?
Why are hiring managers concerned about an applicant’s level of qualification?
The truth is, one of the elements of the hiring decision is the likelihood of the duration of the candidate’s time employed within the organisation.
A high-level qualification in a specific field is generalized as the applicant, ideally, wanting a job in the sector related to their degree.
This means, from the employer’s perspective, if the highly qualified applicant is offered the advertised role, they are likely to hand in their notice within the year, leaving the employer to re-recruit.
The interview answer, therefore, must reassure the interview panel that the applicant is passionate about role/job sector/company.
“No, not at all. My qualification is in a completely different field. This was a sector I was previously interested in when I was a lot younger. My goal is to work as a (job role) which is why I applied for this position. My qualification did teach me (knowledge) which can be used when doing (job duty for new role). I am also thinking of undertaking a qualification in (qualification relating to new role).”
Job Interview Question:
How would you describe your work ethic?
Work ethic is becoming a key recruitment factor.
In fact, more employers are using strength-based job interview questions as part of the structured job interview.
Work ethic basically means – how hard-working are you?
The ‘work-ethic’ interview question is another opportunity for an applicant to sell themselves.
Answers with examples do well for this job interview question.
“I have always been a hard worker. When I am working on a task I put my all into it, as I enjoy seeing the end result from my hard work. As well as meeting deadlines and targets, the quality of my work is also important to me. I always ensure that tasks are completed to the best of my ability and I never take shortcuts that would risk the quality of my work. An example of my work ethic is (give example).
Job Interview Question:
What do you enjoy doing outside of work?
An applicant’s character can be an indication of their work ethic.
The ‘what do you enjoy doing outside of work?’ question is a sneaky way of asking about a person’s characteristics.
Common mistakes when replying to this interview question, include saying:
Socialising with friends
Nothing really
Watching TV
Bars and clubs
On the web
When answering the question, focus on areas of your life that highlight skills, qualities, and work ethic. This could include:
Volunteering
Having a side hustle business
Self-published author
Fundraising
Being a carer
What is important is to detail the skills, knowledge, or experience gained from the task that can be of use to the new employer.
“I currently do X. What I like about this role, is that I have gained (skills/qualities) which would be of use when performing (task). For the last X number of years, I have also been involved in X which has taught me the value of (skill/quality). While doing X I was praised for (skill) and was lucky enough to gain a (qualification in X).”
Job Interview Question:
Why did you apply for this position?
The interview answer to the ‘why this role?’ question can be split into two sections.
First, talk about your passion for the job sector/job role and how this is part of your long-term career objective.
Second, explain why you want to work for their organisation. Make this personal – you don’t just want any job, you want a job with (employer).
“My career goal has always been to work in (sector). For the past X years,I have been working as a (job role) gaining (skills and experiences). During this time I have gained (sector-related qualifications) that have given me the knowledge to (job duty). As a highly skilled and experienced (job role) I am able to (future achievement). I applied for this particular role because I have always wanted to work for an organisation that (describe company culture, projects the company works on, or the company’s mission and vision).”
Job Interview Question:
Where do you see yourself in 5 years time?
Employer requirements, for a new member of staff, vary depending on the size of the organisation, the industry the employer is involved in, and the type of job being advertised.
Some employers will look for an employee who will grow and be promoted within the company, while others need a skilled applicant who will work long-term in the one role. One employer may require an innovative individual, while a second needs someone who will follow strict processes and procedures.
The answer to the ‘5 years time’ question will vary depending on the above criteria. This is why rule 1 of a successful job interview is, identify the job criteria. As knowing what is important to the employer will assist in the decision of what to reference during the interview.
In all cases, the employer is wanting to hear that the candidate is wanting to stay within their organsiation.
“Before applying for the position I researched your company and found that (state three things you like about the organisation). It was the company’s (reference something from the company’s values/mission) that inspired me to apply because I am also motivated by (reference the value/mission). As I am passionate about (job role) and I feel this company is the perfect fit for myself, I can see myself working here, successfully collaborating with yourself to achieve (outcome).”
Skill related job interview questions
Employers will ask a number of ‘skill’ related job interview questions to understand how competent the potential employee will be once employed.
Job Interview Question:
Are you a good team member?
Team member interview questions are asked in a high number of job interviews.
Even for roles where, in the main, the employee works alone. In this situation, the employer is looking for a ‘big picture’ understanding – how the various departments are part of a larger team.
Most commonly, the teamwork question is asked to applicants who are applying for a team role.
“In all my previous roles I have worked as part of a team. I enjoy teamwork as collectively the team has a wider range of skills and experiences that they can bring to a project. Within a team, I often take the role of a (add role) as I am able to (actions) that help the team to achieve an objective. When need I can (2nd team role). As an example when working in a team to achieve (outcome) we faced (problem) and I (state actions took) which resulted in (outcome).”
Job Interview Question:
Why should we hire you?
For every advertised role, around 6-8 applicants are interviewed.
Each applicant has the skills and/or experience for the advertised role. The ‘why should we hire you?’ interview question, is really asking ‘why should we hire you and not one of the other interviewees?’
To pass a job interview, an applicant only needs to score higher – be seen as more employable, than the other 6-7 interviewees.
To answer this interview question, highlight your unique selling points.
“By hiring me you will gain an employee who has extensive success of (achievement). In addition,I have a proven track record of (A and B). As an employee, I am (add a list of qualities). But the main reason why you should hire me is because of my ability to (unique selling point).”
Job Interview Question:
Why did you leave your last job?
Many hiring managers believe that past behaviors predict future actions.
Employers request the reason for leaving a past employer, to compare the answer to their own company culture.
In addition, many hiring managers will review the number of positions an applicant has held over a small number of years.
The frame of the interview answer must be positive. Avoid, at all cost, any criticism of past employers.
“I enjoyed my time at X company. While working there as a (job role) I was involved in (projects) which gave me experience in (duties). Throughout my time there, I have gained a variety of skills, including A, B, and C. I am now in the position to use this collective experience in another role, which is why I am here today applying for the position of (job role).”
Job Interview Question:
In what way would you be an asset to us?
The ‘asset’ question allows an applicant to discuss any unique selling points not already covered throughout the recruitment process.
For the ‘asset’ question give a look forward – draw a picture of you succeeding in the workplace.
“As someone who is skilled at X, I know that we would work well together. As an example. If you imagine me working for you in 3 months’ time on a (project). I would first (state actions) as this would (state benefit). Then to gain a (positive outcome) I would use my (skill/knowledge/contacts) to gain (outcome). Finally, when ending a (project) I would (action) to help any future tasks.”
Job Interview Question:
Tell me about a suggestion you have made?
Many of the interview questions asked during the recruitment process, give an insight into the culture of the company.
As an example, some industries are process-driven whereas others are more creative.
The ‘suggestion’ questions indicate that the employer is looking for solution-focused and innovative employees who can see the ‘big picture’.
“There have been a couple of times that I have made I suggestions to (overcome a problem) that have been taken up by the company. An example of this is when I was a (job role) at (organisation). One of the problems we faced was (problem) At first the company tried to (action) but this only resulted in (very little change). Due to my (knowledge/experience), I knew that (potential solution) would work, I suggested this and created a plan of action/project plan which resulted in (positive outcome).”
Job Interview Question:
Do your co-workers ever irritate you?
The frame of the interview question can easily influence the job applicant to answer with a negative answer.
Instead, re-frame the interview answer by focusing on how you work well with colleagues.
“I am a people person, so generally I get on well with everyone. As a professional with X number of years experience in (industry),I have worked with a variety of colleagues and stakeholders. The experience has helped me to understand the various personalities people have, and how their temperament makes people react in a different way to the same challenge. This knowledge of people’s personalities helps me to build rapport with others.”
Job Interview Question:
What makes a successful manager?
This is a management role question, but the question is asked across all job roles – with the hiring manager replacing the job title at the end of the question.
Answer the question by discussing the skills the (position) requires and the criteria on the job specification.
End with an example of you being successful.
“There 3 key skills that make a good (job role). this first is A, the second B, and the third C. A (job role) task is to (main objective). By doing (A, B, and C) a (job role) will be successful. An example of me being successful is when I was working at (company name) and I had (task). To ensure a good result I (took action) which had a (positive outcome).”
Job Interview Question:
What are your strengths?
The ‘strength’ question is one of the most commonly asked job interview questions.
The openness of this interview questions gives the candidate the opportunity to talk about their unique selling point.
When creating an interview answer, the interviewee should think about the job criteria, the main skills and strengths required for the job role, and any additional information that makes them stand out from the crowd.
“I have been told by my previous manager that I am highly skilled at (task). But when I reflect on my key strengths, two come to mind. My first strength is my ability to (task). When working on (task) my (skill) and (quality) ensure (a positive result). My second strength is related to (job duty). I have always been skilled at (skill) which helps when I (task).”
In the main, a job applicant will fall into the trap of listing several weaknesses or areas of development.
A focus on negatives will only result in a low-scoring answer, or at worse the employer believing the applicant is unsuitable for the advertised position.
What the ‘weakness’ interview question is really asking is, ‘how do you develop yourself?’
“Everyone has areas of development. What is important, is to be able to reflect on the actions taken for previous projects and then review weaknesses and learning needs. As an example, when working at (company name) my team’s task was to (add detail). After completing this task I realised that I need to improve (knowledge/skill) so I undertook (training/research/mentoring)to develop this (skill/knowledge). Whenever I recognize a professional development need, I always take action to resolve this, as I am keen to become the best (job role) I can be.”
Job Interview Question:
What is your dream job?
A common reply to the ‘dream job’ interview question is: ‘This job!’.
Employers hate this type of interview answer as it comes across as trying to please. And, it is something a dishonest interview identity is likely to say
What a hiring manager is really trying to uncover, with this interview question, is the specific reasons for applying for a job in the employer’s industry.
“What is important for me in a career is the chance to (achieve vision). I really enjoy roles where I can (job criteria) and (job criteria). In all my previous roles I have been drawn to positions that (job criteria), as this meets with my (skillset/values/mission). “
Job Interview Question:
What would a past employer say about you?
Hiring managers use the ‘past employer’ question to catch an applicant out, depending on their previous working relationships.
For a future employee who only has praise from previous managers, this great becomes an excellent ‘selling’ answer.
“They would want me to come back! All my previous employers hold me in high esteem. This is because of my ability to (complete tasks), as well as my (personal skill) and (work attitude). I remember in my exit interview with my last employer, they said (add positive quote).”
Job Interview Question:
If you were the interviewer, what type of person would you look for?
Describe yourself, without making it too obvious.
When talking about personal skills and experiences, make these relevant to the job criteria.
“As the main objective of this role is to X, the ideal applicant would need to have experience in X and be highly knowledgeable on (subject). As well I possessing this industry knowhow, I would look to hire someone with (personal skills and qualities) to ensure the team collaborated successfully together.”
Knowledge and Competencies Interview Questions
Industry knowledge and experience are one of two axes that create each of the sixteen interview identities.
To be seen as being employable, each candidate must highlight a high level of knowledge around the job role.
A hiring manager only knows about the candidate, what they have been told by the candidate.
Job Interview Question:
What do you know about this organisation?
Research is key prior to preparing for the job interview, especially when asked the ‘about us’ interview question.
Research the company and become knowledgeable about the following criteria:
The duration the organisation has been in business
Why the company was formed
Thier vison and mission
What services/products the company offers
Future projects or collaberations
“The reason I applied for this role in the first place was due to your (vision) and this is in line with what I want to achieve as part of my career. What I also like about the company is that it was formed because of (reason) and is now successfully in its (year) of operation. You have a reputation for being (positive trait) and for (second positive trait).”
Job Interview Question:
Why do you want to work here?
Stand out from the crowd, by using the research gained from the ‘about us’ question to state an answer to show a real understanding of the company.
“As a career professional, I’m not just applying for any job. I am only attending interviews for a position in an organisation that I can see myself succeeding in. I choose (company name) because I follow your company and I know, from my research, that long-term you want to (long term business objective). The barrier you will face will be (state problems to objective). My skills and experience in (job sector/role) will help you to achieveyour objective by (state knowledge and experience you can bring to the team).”
Job Interview Question:
What have you done to improve yourself over the last 12 months?
Globalisation, technology, customer demand, and artificial intelligence, and big-data are rapidly changing the career market and business operational strategies.
Employers, therefore, require employees who are willing and proactive in their continuous professional development.
“I am constantly reflecting on my work, skills, and knowledge and looking at ways to develop myself, both professionally and personally. Over the last 12 months, I have undertaken several development opportunities. The first was (work-related CPD) this taught me the importance of (learning). The second was to help me with (personal skill) as I know this skill is highly important when (job duty) and the third was (knowledge related CPD) which has allowed me to understand why (potential barrier).”
Job Interview Question:
Do you know anyone who works here?
Association plays a big part in this answer. At a basic level, the min takes short-cuts and jumps to conclusions.
The employers ask this interview question because by knowing another employee you will have a better understanding of the job role and company culture, meaning that you are happy with the working conditions.
But by referencing you know an employee, who has a strong work-ethic reputation, the positive association from the employee you know is transferred to you the applicant.
“I know (name) who works in (department). He worked on (project/team) for the last (number of years)He explained the company culture, the vision of the organisation and how you (selling point). He made me excited about wanting to apply for a job here.”
Job Interview Question:
Have you ever had to fire anyone?
This management interview question is just one of several job interview questions that is asking for a specific experience. In all job roles, across all job sectors, job applicants will be asked for examples of how they can complete or have completed various job duties.
Examples are best used here. Or an explanation of the steps you would take to complete the task.
“While working at (company) one of my team was constantly not meeting her targets. To support staff member I (actions taken) and work closely with the staff member to (improve). Over several months I supported the staff member and did notice a slight improvement but nowhere near the average number of (sales/referrals/etc). At this stage, it was the company procedure to implement their warning process which included a creation of an action plan, regular meetings, and (any other requirement).
In the end, we felt we had done all we could to support the member of staff and in the end had to let her go. The member of staff actually agreed this was the best choice and thank us for all the support over the last several months”
Job Interview Question:
Have you ever been asked to leave a position?
As employers can request references, it is important to be truthful here.
This type of interview question is asked during an informal job interview and can come out of the blue. So be ready.
If you have never been asked to leave a previous position, simply say: “No, never”
If you have been in a situation where you were asked to leave the organsiation, answer with:
“X number of years ago, I was asked if I would like to leave the job role. It was a (make the job seem less important: part-time job, my first job after leaving school, a secondary job). The position didn’t suit as I am a (add skills relevant to the new position) and the company focused on (add a re-frame IE quantity over quality).”
Job Interview Question:
What kind of person would you refuse to work with?
Interview questions that talk about other staff members are designed to uncover if the applicant would fit in well with the current team and the culture of the company.
“As a people person, I always get on well with everyone I meet. Throughout my career, I have worked successfully with people who have different experiences, knowledge, and personalities. So I am happy to work with most people. Obviously, I prefer not to work with someone who is lazy or demotivated, But sometimes my personality actually motivates colleagues to work harder.”
Job Interview Question:
Have you ever had a problem with a supervisor?
This question must be answered positively to have any chance of being offered the job role.
“No never. Communication is key for a good working relationship with a supervisor or manager. If there is any negativity in the workplace I can quickly resolve this by having a conversation and looking at what we can do together to overcome any problems.”
Job Interview Question:
How do you approach a project?
Project approach questions are asked in job interviews for all types of positions, not just project management roles.
When answering the question, state a step-by-step process that the applicant utilises.
“The first step is to review the (project brief/task objective). I will often then look at lessons learned from previous (projects/tasks). The project is then broken down into manageable steps, with each step having a deadline date. I look at the risk of each step and if needed create a risk plan. Finally, I delegate and distribute workloads, and set up regular reviews.”
Job Interview Question:
What has disappointed you in a previous job?
Some interview questions sound like a trap. Each interview answer must be framed as a positive to help create a high-scoring answer.
“I have enjoyed all my previous roles. In some positions, the job was challenging but I enjoy the pressure of a challenge. An example of this is when (challenge) and I was able to (actions) that ended with a (positive outcome).”
Job Interview Question:
Can you work under pressure?
Pressure for one person is viewed as a negative, while for others they thrive under pressure. The answer, therefore, needs to state how you handle pressurised situations.
“All jobs have pressure points. Preparing for pressurised situations comes down to how you manage workload. To manage my workload I (explain how you prioritise tasks). I also work with others to (collaborate/delegate to) and I use (technology) to help manage day-to-day tasks. This organised approach takes the pressure off. “
Job Interview Question:
How do you know when you have been successful with a task?
There are many ways to monitor success, depending on the industry the job is in. Employers are looking for applicants to understand when they are working well within the role:
The job has been completed on time
The task has been completed to a good standard
When your customers walk away happy
When you employer tells you
When you have job satisfaction
“There are two ways I monitor my success, one is through (a data related example) and the second is (through a personal satisfaction or customer feedback).”
Job Interview Question:
Give an example of learning from a mistake?
Behavioral job interview questions require an example.
Focused the answer on what was learned, rather than the mistake itself.
“When I was part of a team working on (project name) the group didn’t have (knowledge/experience) to complete (task). As I knew this was an area of development for myself, I decide to action and undertake (training/qualification/research). A year later, the same team working on another (project/task) came across a similar problem, but this time due to my ability to learn from past mistakes, I was able to (give advice/take charge/share knowledge).”
Job Interview Question:
Do you have any blind spots?
The blind-spot interview question is another way to ask about weaknesses.
With the weakness question, which is asked more in a structured job interview, the ideal answer will focus on ‘lessons learned’. For the informal question ‘do you have any blindspots’ the answer can be shorter and more to the point:
“Not that I know off, if I ever discover a weakness I quickly take action to improve this area of development.”
Job Interview Question:
Do you have enough experience for this position?
This follow-up interview question is most commonly asked when an applicant hasn’t been given detailed enough answers that show a high level of competencies.
Employers, who may have been initially impressed by the interviewee’s application form, is having doubts. The interviewee is likely to be viewed with a weak interview identity.
This means the career professional must reinforce their suitability.
“Yes, I do. You are looking for an employee who can (main job criteria) and I have been working as a (job role) for (number of years) completing (main job criteria). In fact, I excel at (main job criteria). Let me share with you an example of this: When I was working at (company) my main task was (main job criteria) where I had to (state duties). In addition, I am skilled at (second job criteria). After (x number of years) in the sector, I have spent (X number of years) completing (second job criteria). There isn’t a (problem/task) in this role that I don’t have experience in.”
Job Interview Question:
What qualities do you look for in a manager?
Use a generic positive answer for ambiguous job interview questions.
“A boss who is knowledgeable, fair, loyal”
The skills needed in a specific sector are recorded on the job specification if the hiring manager requires someone who is creative (or any other job criteria) say:
“A manager who will allow me to be creative (criteria) ..”
Job Interview Question:
What is your role when working in a team?
Talking about a specific role within a team, offers the job applicant a chance to showcase a variety of skills relevant for teh advertised position.
“My natural role within a team is (state role). This is due to my natural ability to (task) and (task). I have a (personal quality) that allows me to easily (task). In addition, as a team member, I am skilled at (supporting role) which is due to may (quality) and (quality).”
Job Interview Question:
What would you say is your biggest achievement?
Only discuss work-based achievements that are relevant to the job role. Ideally, talk about overcoming a well-known industry challenge.
“As you know one of the biggest barriers we face in our industry is (sector-related problem). When working at a previous company, they also struggled with this particular problem. I was given the task of finding the solution. To find the solution I first (generated ideas), tested my theory, and then created a plan of action. The result was (positive outcome).”
Job Interview Question:
Why did you choose this career?
This interview question is a great opportunity to highlight your passion for your job sector.
“I have always wanted a job in (sector) as I am highly passionate about (industry). This started when I was young, I had (explain how you came to know about the sector) and really like the idea of (completing task). The job role really suits my temperament, as a (quality) person, I enjoy (job task). So, this job is perfect for me.”
Job Interview Question:
Tell me about the most fun you have had at work?
Give a specific example of enjoying overcoming a problem or finishing a large project/task – think job satisfaction.
“When working at X, we were working on (task or project. This was a difficult task due to (problem/barrier). We all had to work together, sharing ideas, trying new ways of working, and learning from mistakes. But the hard work and dedication paid off, as, in the end, we were bale to (outcome) which gave me a high level of satisfaction. It was the process of overcoming a big barrier that made this task fun.”
Job Interview Question:
Can you tell me about the gaps in your application/CV?
There are many reasons for gaps in your employment history, which include:
Gap year
Working on short-term contracts
Redundancies
Being a parent
Being a carer
Working in various roles
Think about the generalization an employer may have from the ‘gap’ and reframe this into a positive.
“In (year) I worked at X as a (job role) and then in (year) I started at X company. In between these two job roles I was (reason). This opportunity helped me to gain (skill/experience) that I now use when (completing job duty).”
Job Interview Question:
Do you have any questions?
Most interviewers ask this question and generally towards the end of the interview. Remember to prepare for this, as asking questions will be a great end to an excellent interview.
Don’t ask about salaries or holidays etc until you have been offered a job position.
“Do you have any future plans to expand the company?”
“Does your team work well together?”
“What do you like about working here?”
“Do you have an example of how the company embeds its values in to day-to-day duties?”
“Have you put in any new bids for any new contracts?”
“What is the company’s policy on personal development and training?”
“Where do you see the company being in 5 years time”
“What are you looking for in an employee?”
“What would my first day/week look like?”
“Why did you choose this job/company?”
“What or who is the company’s biggest competitor?”
“How is advancements in technology going to affect the organisation?”
If you are struggling with questions you can end with “I did have several questions planned to ask you, but you have answered these throughout the interview.”
Job interview preparation is key to a successful job interview outcome.
I know that statement sounds obvious, but research shows that unsuccessful applicants spend an average of 45 minutes in interview preparation, whereas a regular winner of job offers will spend at least 4-5 hours in dedicated interview research, writing answers and practicing public speaking.
The minimum 4-5 hours, for high skilled job roles, should be extended to at least 10 hours due to the level of ability of the competition. For high paid positions other job applicants, with a high level of experience and confidence, will be viewed as a charismatic interviewee.
It is hard to beat a competitor who is seen as highly employable, without adequate preparation and practice.
Each job applicant should first reflect on their past job interview performances and take the interview identity test to understand how they are viewed by an employer.
The 3 Areas of Interview Preparation
Understanding the type of interview they will be attending
Delivery of job interview answers
Content of interview answers
Types of Job Interviews
The duration of the job interview can often hint about type of interview the employer will perform.
Knowing the type of job interview gives a prepared applicant an advantage as they can prepare for specific interview tasks.
A 20 minute interview is often an informal job interview, where there are no set questions – the interview is more of a natural conversation.
The common 45-60 minute recruitment process is a panel interview – a structured job interview, where answers to questions are marked against a set of specific job criteria.
Full-day job interviews consist of an introduction and walk-around (of the premises). A group activity, a practical test, and a panel interview.
These long interview days can be tiring and need additional preparation. Simple tips like eating a healthy breakfast and keeping hydrated can really pay off.
Multiple day interviews are rounds of interviews, where successful applicants are invited back for a second, third, or even fourth interview.
Each interview round is delivered by a specialist who can include an HR member of staff, the direct line manager of the applicant, and an industry expert.
In addition some job interviews will consist of:
A presentation or introduction
Literacy and numeracy test
Demonstration of technical skills
Role play – very common for leadership roles
Problem solving tasks to observe stress resistance
Or, deliver answers to a artificial intelligence recruiter. The AI interview comes in several formats, from the bots guessing at personality traits to applicants having to record interview answers on a video.
No matter the type of interview, the key criteria for a successful job interview outcome is the candidate’s level of confidence.
A confident delivery of answers, the data shows, increases job offers.
Confidence creates a self-fulfilling prophecy. The applicant believing in themselves will give a more detailed answers, will have stronger eye contact and their relaxed appearance is the platform for building a natural rapport with the hiring manager.
Confidence is an expression in non-verbal communication, such as the use of gestures and the candidates posture.
Relaxation increase confidence and confidence improves relaxation (or calmness).
To be more relaxed in a job interview:
Gain job interview exposure
Exposure therapy shows how being exposed to the same stimuli, in our case the job interview environment, reduces the associated anxiety.
The exposure of a job interview – attending a high number of recruitment days and/or mock interviews with an interview coach creates familiarity and familiarity leads to the feeling of control.
This is why preparing interview answers for predicted job interview questions is a key pre-interview preparation. It creates a familiar feeling – I know the answer to this question!
In fact, this is why the career professional who spends 4-5 hours, or more, preparing for the forthcoming interview is more successful than the under-prepared 45-minute applicant – the longer interview preparation often equates to higher number of times to applicant has repeated their interview answers.
Become a skilled orator
The structure of the interview answer, plus the tonality, volume, and pace of the speaker is just as important as the content.
Recruitment research, time and time again, shows how a structured job interview helps to predict the job performance of the pool of interviewees.
This is why a high number of hiring managers have turned to behavioral and situation job interview questions.
Each of the applicant’s answers are marked against the scoring criteria on the employer’s job interview scorecard.
In simple terms, to gain a satisfactory score the job applicants must reference the job criteria.
This is why content is king.
There are three ways to present content:
As a story (giving an example)
Using facts, figures and data
In a logical sequence
Ideally, the savvy interviewee will use a mixture of ways to showcase how they meet the criteria for the position.
A job interview identity is a mixture of content and delivery. An employer will have a positive view of a job applicant who they perceive to have a high level of knowledge and experience and who delivers answers with confidence.
Job Interview Stories
Research using MRIs shows how two people’s brains synchronize when one person is telling a story to another.
Job interview successes come down to the communication of competencies, which is influenced through likeability, unconscious bias, and rapport. “The stronger the coupling, the better the understanding,” said Uri Hasson, a professor of psychology and neuroscience at Princeton University.
Giving examples, or stories, activates the brains ‘social interactions’ regions, where the mind becomes focused on what the character is thinking and feeling rather than the sequence of events itself.
In short, the employer when listening to a story or example, will be more able to predict the motivations, emotions, and beliefs of other people – the suitability of the applicant vs the culture of the company.
Facts and Data
Facts, figures and data shouldn’t be ignored.
The conscious part of the mind can process 50 bits of information per second, but the brain receives around 11 million bits of information per second.
The mistake career professionals make, when presenting data, statistics and figures, is that they overwhelm the employer with numbers.
Most information received, is stored in the short-term memory for around 20-30 seconds. The short-term memory is limited to the amount of data it can store. Psychologist George Miller found that people can store between on average 7 items in short-term memory, give or take 1 or 2 items.
Numbers don’t create high-scoring interview answers, stories do. The data, is the evidence to make the story believable.
When presenting data during a job interview, the applicant needs to first give context – the beginning of the story.
Percentages, statistics, data and facts and figures are valid tools to use in a job interview, as the numbers given can shock, inspire or create intrigue.
The framing of data creates a short-cut that influences how the employer hears the evidence, as a positive or negative. An example of this is the marketing frames food products use. One yogurt brand states “This yogurt contains 20% fat” and the other: “This yogurt is 80% fat-free“ Same information, different frame.
Humans like the numerous ways numbers are presented, as the data makes it easy to understand complex information.
The employer’s assumption is: ‘the numbers speak for themselves even though specific evidence may be missing.
Logical Sequence
A second barrier, during a recruitment process, for the short-term memory is being able to follow the interview answer and therefore understand the point the job applicant is making.
The lack of preparation, alongside the anxiety created in an interview environment, often results in interviewees vomiting meaningless information that doesn’t make logical sense.
When asked a question, the human brain is hard-wired to find a response.
In an article on Medium they said: “With the conditions set for the brain to respond to the question, there’s a rush of dopamine. This can have two opposite effects. On the one hand, it might trigger our reward mechanism and we are motivated to go in search of the answers. On the other hand, we might fear giving the wrong answer which makes it more difficult for us to think in a way that will help us provide a worthy response to the question.”
Once asked a question, it is hard for the mind to focus on anything but the question.
The rule of thumb is that an interviewee will be nervous, attempting to find a suitable response that won’t be rejected by the hiring manager.
It is the fear of rejection and the pressure of time, needing to respond to the question instantly, that results in a mind-dump. A mind-dump is when an applicant says whatever comes into their heads.
The problem here, is that humans think of options. If I ask you what restaurant would you like to eat at for your Birthday? You would probably think of several options.
This same thought process happens in a job interview. Once asked a question, the candidate will have several scenarios popping into conscious awareness.
A prepared and practice interviewee doesn’t suffer from a mind-dump, as the repetition of answering predicted questions creates an automatic response; the interviewee starts the delivery of the interview answer without conscious awareness.
What is often misunderstood is the logical sequence required for a high-scoring interview answer.
The nonsensical answer, is created by a splatter-gun approach of random bits of information, data and parts of stories, all confusing the employer.
By having a logical sequence, not only does the employer follow the answer clearly, the interviewee feels more confident.
Employment King delivers a number of job interview courses, including face-to-face courses in Manchester, virtual training sessions, and 1-2-1 online job interview coaching sessions.
The job interview workshops are designed around the 5 key aspects of a successful job interview:
The 3 Rules of a successful job interview
Increasing job interview and public speaking confidence
How to create high-scoring job interview answers
The psychology of job interviews – how to build rapport and the barriers of unconscious bias
Understanding your interview identity – how an employer views you during the recruitment process, based a new book of the same name
Job Interview Workshop Locations
Employment King delivers three types of job interview workshops
Face-to-face workshops delivered in Greater Manchester
The course will cover the 3 key areas to create a successful job interview outcome:
Identifying the job criteria
Be a self-promoter
Communicate with confidence
Sessions are delivered by Author and career advisor Chris Delaney will host a job interview workshop to help career professionals increase job offers, based on his new book ‘What is your interview identity‘.
Delaney will share his 20 years of experience to help you improve your job interview performance.
Identify the job criteria
Learn how to predict the job interview questions – gain the advantage of preparing high-scoring interview answers that meet the job criteria on the interview scorecard
Learn how to structure any interview answer – the interview structure, how you present your answer or example, is the key to gaining a high-scoring answer
Learn how the take advantage of the structured job interview – 99% of employers use a structured job interview process, by understanding the steps an employer goes through can help give better-scoring answers
Also, learn about the new style of 1st round job interviews, delivered by AI interview bots.
Be a self-promoter
Learn how language can impact the interview outcome – increase job offers by framing your experiences in a more positive way, showcasing your unique selling point
Learn how the interviewer perceives you – take the interview identity test, get feedback on how you are viewed as confident or nervous, professional or unprofessional, skilled or needing development
Learn how to sell yourself with each interview answer – job interview promotion is key to winning job roles. Gain an insight to what an employer views as being important
Communicate with confidence
Overcome interview anxiety quickly – increase confidence when speaking in job interviews using techniques from hypnotherapy, NLP, and solution-focused therapy
Increase communication confidence in face-to-face and virtual job interviews – mock interviews are the number one way to increase confidence. Feedback and reflection can double job interview confidence
Build rapport with interviewers to increase likeability – understand the psychology at play and what actions can improve rapport building
Chris will share research on the job interview process and explain the hidden psychology in play that neither the applicant or the interviewer is aware of, and how you can use this knowledge to your advantage.
Understand:
How unconscious bias affects the interview scorecard
What ‘what is beautiful is good’ bias is
Why a structured interview is better placed to predict job performance over an unstructured job interview.
Finally, you will get the chance to ask questions to help you pass your job interview.
Job Interview 1-2-1 Coaching
Employment King also offers 1-2-1 job interview coaching, delivered virtually by a video platform.
Who should attend a public speaker workshop?
Anyone who constantly fails job interviews
Anyone who fails to present their knowledge and experience
Anyone who lacks confidence
Anyone who struggles with public speaking
Anyone who can’t express themselves during their interview answers
Check for upcoming dates for the next job interview workshop here: upcoming workshops.
