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There’s no doubt that interviews can create some nerves, however, if you are prepared and practice this can help you feel more relaxed and ready to take on your interview. This page will help you to understand different types of interviews, interview techniques and link you to a useful tool to help you practice your interview skills.
Types of Interviews
Types of Interviews
When you get an offer of an interview you will be told what type of interview it will be, or if you aren’t you can ask.
This page will help you to understand what it is and what may be included. Some interviews may also be done virtually as well as face to face.
Panel
Panel
This is when there will be more than one person interviewing and each person will ask you a set of questions and they are normally assessing you on different things. These might take place virtually or in person.
Group
Group
Normally, you will be with other candidates who are also interviewing for the role. In a group interview employers can see how candidates work together, what roles people take and how candidates communicate.
Normally in a group interview there will be different tasks to complete and an employer will be assessing problem solving, communication skills, leadership and team work. Often, these are linked with a panel interview.
Assessment Centre
Assessment Centre
Similar to a group interview, assessment centres are normally a series of assessments and tasks, which look at a variety of different things and you will normally work as a team.
Each assessment centre will be different but there will be similarities.
This is a great opportunity to show your personality and passion and throughout the day you will be assessed through different tasks normally on how you achieve results, team work, communication, teamwork and how you include others into the group, influencing and problem solving, to name just a few.
Interview Preparation
Interview Preparation
So you have got the interview and you know what type of interview you will be taking part in. This means it’s time for interview preparation which you need to do before you even get to the interview. Preparation will help you to feel calm & focused.
So you have got the interview and you know what type of interview you will be taking part in. This means it’s time for interview preparation which you need to do before you even get to the interview. Preparation will help you to feel calm & focused.
o Research the company! There is a good chance you will be asked what you know about them, or if not you can impress the interviewer by linking your answers to the company. You want to look at the company’s values, what social reasonability projects do they do? I.e., do they take part in charity days, help the local community etc. Are they working on a large project? What is the company’s vision?
o Research the company! There is a good chance you will be asked what you know about them, or if not you can impress the interviewer by linking your answers to the company. You want to look at the company’s values, what social reasonability projects do they do? I.e., do they take part in charity days, help the local community etc. Are they working on a large project? What is the company’s vision?
o Check the location of the interview, plan on how you will get there, how long it will take you and what time you need to leave. It is always good to leave early and give yourself plenty of time!
o Check the location of the interview, plan on how you will get there, how long it will take you and what time you need to leave. It is always good to leave early and give yourself plenty of time!
o Prepare what you are going to wear before the day. This means you can check that your clothes are clean and appropriate for the interview. It also helps you not have to spend time thinking about it that day.
o Prepare what you are going to wear before the day. This means you can check that your clothes are clean and appropriate for the interview. It also helps you not have to spend time thinking about it that day.
o Get a good night’s sleep. This will help you to feel more energised and focused which will help you to think about what you are being asked and communicate clearly.
o Get a good night’s sleep. This will help you to feel more energised and focused which will help you to think about what you are being asked and communicate clearly.
o The interview starts as soon as you get to the premises. Think about your body language and be polite to people you meet as the interviewer may as for feedback.
o The interview starts as soon as you get to the premises. Think about your body language and be polite to people you meet as the interviewer may as for feedback.
o Remember to practice your interview techniques!
o Remember to practice your interview techniques!
Interview Technique
Interview Technique
You won’t know what you are going to be asked beforehand, but practicing your interview technique can help you to remember how to give relevant information.
Take a short pause before answering the question, so you can replay the question in your head and have some time to think of your answer.
If during the interview you are unsure what the employer is asking, don’t be afraid to ask them to repeat the question for you or explain it. It is better to give your answer fully than to try and bluff your way through.
If you have not had the experience before, you can say that so - but do not give a one word answer. Instead tell them how you think you may do something or complete that task. This shows the interviewer that you are willing to learn.
Make sure you have a question for the interviewer. By having a question for the employer it shows you are interested in the role and the company. You wouldn’t usually ask about pay or holidays at this stage so a question around training or possible progression would be good.
The Star Technique
The Star Technique
Most questions will require an example with the answer. For example – ‘Tell me about a time when you had to work as part of a team’.
The perfect answer will include the following:
S - the situation
T - the task you were doing
A - The action you took
R - The end result
If you consider the "STAR" example above you should give a great answer. Here's an example:
"When I worked at Costa (the situation), I worked as part of the Barista team and had to ensure that customers were served as quickly as possible (the task). I would take the order and payment and get the customer their food so that my colleague could make the hot drinks. If my colleague was busy, I would make the drinks that were cold to ensure the queue was moving (the action). By working as a team, we ensured customers were served quickly and there wasn't a big queue (the result)."
Interview Nerves
Interview Nerves
Everyone gets nervous at interviews and this is totally normal.
It is great to practice your interview skills. The more you practice, the better prepared you will be and this will help you to feel more relaxed.
Use the Interview360 tool on Epass+ to practice.
And why not get family or friends to interview you for more experience.
finding out MORE
finding out MORE
This is only a brief guide to help you
There are lots more resources on the Epass+ platform. Check out the Interview360 tool which lets you practice lots of interview questions and gives you AI feedback on your performance. It also signposts you on to a wealth of useful tips and advice on the whole interview process.
You can also practice your interview skills here: Barclays life skills
Please speak to your Progress Tutor or a member of the Learning Curve team for further advice!
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