To influence the job interview outcome you first need to determine the level of position you are applying for as each job level requires a different type of answer for the asked job interview question.
Secondly, you need to be aware of how job interviewers perceive you. The ‘Interview Prediction Grid’ (IPG) ©2020 model takes into account your sector knowledge/experience K/E (on a scale of low-high) as well as your job interview level of confidence LoC (on a scale of low-high) The IPG score, created by the combination of KE vs LoC, creates an ‘interview identity’ which affects how an employer perceives you in the job interview. Your ‘interview identity’ has a direct effect on the likelihood of you passing or failing the job interview.
Thirdly, by understanding the level of job and your ‘interview identity’ you can create a perfect job interview answer relevant for the advertised role.
What Job Level are you Applying For?
Generally speaking, there are 4 levels of job roles; voluntary jobs, low-skilled roles, medium-skilled positions, and high skilled jobs. Each level of position requires a different job interview approach, which is referenced in the answers to the job interview question.
Voluntary jobs – charity shops, befriending, soup kitchens
Low skilled roles – retail, fast-food chains, internships, customer service positions, telephone operators, warehouse staff, administration
Medium skilled positions – middle managers, skilled laborer, medical staff, engineer, career advisor, teacher, other degree-level positions
High skilled jobs – chief executive officer, specialist doctor, senior engineer, head-teacher
Job Interview Prediction Grid
The decision of where you place yourself on the IPG depends on two key factors; your level of K/E and LoC. Remember the ‘interview prediction grid’ needs to account for your behavior in a job interview, not in the workplace IE you may be a productive worker but if you struggle to communicate your work ethic in a job interview you will be perceived as having low K/E.
Each of the two axes is on a scale of 2-8; 2 represents low K/E or LoC, 4 is sufficient, 6, medium (required for roles degree level and above roles) and 8 high (expert level) For a detailed breakdown and to check your specific ‘interview identity’ click – Interview Identity.
Job Interview Question – what is your experience?
How to answer the commonly asked job interview question – what is your experience? Depending on your interview identity, formed on the IPG, choose one of the following job interview question answer templates:
Low/Low Employee
In the main, low/low employees have little experience and need to focus on their skill set, personality and any part-time/work-experienced roles. With low confidence it can be difficult to reply to questions, using a 3 step structured process can help them to deliver a strong answer.
Example Job Interview Answer Template
“I am a (add quality), (add quality) individual who enjoys (add skill). When in school I (add work experience/club position/roles of authority) where I (add duties/responsibilities) The reason I am applying for this position (explain why you have applied for this role).
Example Job Interview Answer
“I am a kind, caring individual who enjoys customer service. When in school I was the head prefect where I was responsible for organizing the prefects timetable, organizing the end of year ball and feeding back to teachers. The reason I am applying for this position is because of the high standards of customer service your employees have”
Low/High Employee
As low/high employees possess high levels of confidence (but low levels of experience) making rapport with the interviewer through storytelling can increase likability and job offers, as the stories highlight your expertise and unique selling point.
Example Job Interview Answer Template
“I have over (add years) experience working in (add company name/sector/job role) as you know (add sector related problem) To achieve this I (add solution/unique selling point) an example of this when I worked at (add company name), where I had to (add situation). To solve this issue I (add actions you took) which resulted in (add outcome)”
Example Job Interview Answer
“I have over 2 years experience working in retail, as you know the key to success is maximizing profitability in a competitive market. To achieve this I use my psychology degree to improve my teams awareness of the psychology of sales; an example of this when I worked at Tesco where I had to push an end of line product after the Christmas rush. To solve this issue I taught my team how to embed the psychology of scarcity by using a ‘last few products left’ sign while only displaying a few of the items (which we replenished one by one as a purchase was registered) which resulted in 2 things; selling all of the products and being the areas highest profitable shop for 3 months in a row”
High/Low Applicant
The lack of confidence can create difficulty in communicating your answer. Using models, theories, abbreviation and sector terminology allows you to communicate a high amount of information (inferred details) without physically saying to much.
Example Job Interview Answer Template
“As a (add job role) I use (add model/theory). My success comes from (add strength/unique selling point) I’m skilled at (list several key words related to the job role/industry)
Example Job Interview Answer
“As a project manager, I use the ‘prince 2’ methodology. My success comes from my analytical ability and being able to predict potential, high cost, project problems and communicating this to the customer prior to the initiation of the project. I’m skilled at writing work packages, quality control measures, setting scope, presenting updates in board meetings, risk management, negotiation, trouble-shooting and end of project pass-over.”
High/High Applicant
To create awe, answer questions by giving multiple examples and/or possible situations to help the interviewer understand your level of expertise.
Example Job Interview Answer Template
“I have spent the last (add duration) (add power statement) As a highly experienced (add position) (add specialism/unique selling point) (add result/outcome). Not only can I share my expertise and wealth of knowledge, I can also share with you (add 3 hooks)”
Example Job Interview Answer
“I have spent the last 25 years turning around organisations on the brink of bankruptcy into highly profitable businesses. As a highly experienced consultant I have a track record of implementing ‘lean’ techniques in failing supply-chain management organisations, which has resulted in consistent successes. Not only can I share my expertise and wealth of knowledge, I can also share with you my client list who only hire me as their consultant. I also worked with several logistic companies and suppliers who I have negotiated terms with that help me reduce overhead cost for our customer base and I can promote the organisation on my social media channels where I have over 1.2 million followers.”
Job Interview Advice
