STR 1000 WORKSHOP 5

STARTER INTERVIEWING
WORKSHOPS How to Showcase Yourself
& CLINICS WORKBOOK

The most important quality to have in an interview is PRESENCE which is both

and

In preparing for my performance in an interview, I need to take into account my

1. 4.

2. 5.

3. 6.

Other aspects about performing in an interview that I need to consider

1.

2.

3.
I need to pay special attention to my

Body & Voice Costume & Props

Open stance; orientation to people  Grooming 

Smiling eyes; eye contact  Business attire 

Warm deep handshake  Documents, writing materials, 

Golden mellow voice  business cards

Gestures of listening 

The 3 things that an interviewer wants to find out are

1.

2.

3.

BRING YOUR WORKBOOK TO EVERY SESSION

(R) STAR responses are

The most common activities in Assessment Centres are

1.

2.

Types of Psychometric Tests

BRING YOUR WORKBOOK TO EVERY SESSION

Test Publishers

https://www.practiceaptitudetests.com/
http://www.psychometricinstitute.com.au
https://www.jobtestprep.co.uk/
http://www.psychometric-success.com/
https://www.testpartnership.com/psychometric-test.html

Case Interviews are used for these kinds of roles:

1.

2.

To be ready for Case Interviews, I need to crack at least ______________________ cases.

Free online resources for case practice

https://www.bcg.com/careers/path/consulting/practice-interview-cases.aspx
www.bain.com/careers/interview-preparation/case-interview.aspx
https://www2.deloitte.com/us/en/pages/.../join-deloitte-case-interview-prep-
tool.html
www.mckinsey.com/careers/interviewing
www.consultingcase101.com

To be sure that I never have to renege on an offer, I must say “Yes” wisely by
 Checking if I have any other responses from recruiters
 Asking for a period of time to consider (keep to the request & stay in contact)
 Being honest about my dilemma
 Consulting with my Careers Advisor
 Being aware of familial/peer pressure
 Considering if there is any real difference in the offers
 Not making brand name or salary my only reason
 Going back to my personal inventory of values

BRING YOUR WORKBOOK TO EVERY SESSION

B I N G O
 CAREER
CREATION INTERVIEWING CHEAT SHEET
Get ready in the following ways:

• Physically
o Firm handshake, stand tall, sit up, keep still, maintain eye contact, SMILE
o Business attire, well-groomed (neat hair and nails, fresh and neutral smells)
o Prepare your interview kit (hardcopies of resume & qualifications, application form, pen
and notepad, portfolio, business cards, breath mints)
o Anticipate to spend at least half an hour at the interview – the longer the better, the
more questions asked the better.
• Mentally
o Review your resume; prepare your (R) STAR responses on each of your experiences;
practice to hear the sound of your voice and feel the words and phrasing.
o Review the job scope and the competencies they are indicating that you need for the job.
o Review the company and industry. What are they proud of? What are their current
challenges and opportunities? What is the recent news about the industry?
o Know who you are meeting. HR are less interested in technical skills and more in general
competencies; line managers are concerned about whether they will like you and if you
work well with the existing team. Preview the interviewers’ profiles on LinkedIn and the
company website if possible.
o Psych yourself into wanting to give evidence about yourself. Instead of fearing the
questions you will be asked, welcome as many as possible because they give you a chance
to talk about yourself)
o Prepare to listen actively so that you are constantly on the lookout to be able to apply it
in your evidence.
• Emotionally
o Stay calm and confident-looking
o Smile on the inside before entering the building
o Smile and be friendly to everyone from the moment you enter the building
• Work your way around close-ended questions and one-sided conversations
o Interject by agreement (“I see, what you’re saying is…”, “I understand what you’re
saying…”)
o Interject with questions (“Do you mean…”, “Would that be…”, “Is that because…”)
o Interject by giving evidence (“I see, that’s like when I…”, “I remember doing that when …”)
• Be armed with engaging questions and ask them even if you don’t get invited to by the
end of the interview (“May I ask you a few questions?”)
o Ask questions that cannot be answered by looking at the website
o Ask questions that engage the experience and intellect of the interviewer Ask about the
ensuing selection process and the timeline
o Ask who you can contact if you have any questions later
o Never ask about salary or work hours.
• Follow-up intentionally – write a thank you email. Check in at around the time you are
expecting to hear from them.
 CAREER
CREATION INTERVIEWING CHEAT SHEET
Be able to answer all the following in the (R) STAR (Result, Situation, Task, Action, Result)
format:

Personal Narrative
• Tell me more about yourself.
• What is your most significant accomplishment?
• Why did you choose your degree subject?
• Do you have any questions for me?
• How do you spend your spare time? Do you have any hobbies?
• What will you being to the job / company if we employ you?
• What do your parents do for a living?
• Why are you here today?
• What is your biggest dream in life?
• What did you want to grow up to be when you were 7 or 8 years old?

Self-awareness
• What would you consider your greatest weakness?
• Is there any type of individual that you don’t like to work with? Describe why.
• When do you think it is effective to work in a team or work alone?
• What are the driving factors that make you go to school every day?
• What is important for you in your work place?
• Tell me about something that recently annoyed you.
• Do you make mistakes?
• What makes you mad / angry?

Self-care
• Describe the things you do for self-improvement, professionally for personally
• What do you do to de-stress?

Drive & determination

• Why do you want this job?
• Why should we hire you? What can you do for us that others cannot?
• Where do you see yourself in 3 years’ time?
• What personal goals do you have and how are you going about achieving them?

Resilience
• What was your biggest setback? (How do you deal with adversity?)
• Can you give an example of when you failed in a task?
• Why did it go wrong? How would you have done it today?
• Have you ever needed to give up on what you believe in – Why? Looking back on it today, would
you have done it in a different way?
 CAREER
CREATION INTERVIEWING CHEAT SHEET
Pragmatism
• What do you want to earn?
• How many hours do you prefer to work?
• How do you measure your own effectiveness?

Initiative & sense of ownership

• Describe a situation in which you took responsibility.
• Tell me about a time when you had to go above and beyond the call of duty to get a job done.
• In what type of situation do you seek advice from others?
• Are there examples of situations when you have taken responsibility that was not expected of
you?

Interpersonal; collaboration skills

• Describe a situation in which you dealt with confrontation (for example a difficult project
member).
• Tell me about a time when you disagreed with your team but you still managed to get your point
across.
• Describe the working climate in team. How is your team interacting with each other? How are
decisions made and how are responsibilities shared?
• Can you give examples of situations where you have had to work hard to get ideas through?
• Give an example of when you had to settle a dispute between 2 individuals
• What qualities do you have that enable you to work well in a team?

Political acumen
• What would you do if you realise that your boss is giving the wrong information to a client during
a meeting?
• How do you like to be managed / not like to be managed?

Resourcefulness & Creativity

• What would you do if you are on shift and you encounter a problem that you don’t know how
to resolve?
• Give an example of when you have done something different that was not in the mainstream?
Did you need to fight for this? How did you make it happen?
• Can you give an example of how you changed the working processes?
• What was your contribution in this?

Openness & Divergent Thinking

• How do you deal with individuals who have approached you with extreme / daring ideas?
• What things would you still improve in your present studies? What can be done better and how?
• Do you think sustainability is important to consider when doing business? If yes, why?
• Have you worked on any sustainability assignment? What was your learning out of it?
• Can profit be the only indicator of the success of a firm? What can be the new additions to this
list?
 CAREER
CREATION INTERVIEWING CHEAT SHEET
• What is your favourite property in Monopoly, and why?
• Why are manhole covers round?
• Explain a database to your 8-year-old nephew in three sentences.
• You are shrunk to the size of a pencil and put in a glass blender. The blades will turn on in 60
seconds. What do you do?
• How would you investigate a technology without letting anyone know you were investigating it?
• Explain to me what has happened in this country in the last 10 years.
• How many golf balls can fit in a school bus?
• What would you do if you just inherited a pizzeria from your uncle?
• A prototype vending machine takes a $1 bill and gives $0.75 of product, but isn't giving change.
What's wrong with the system?

Leadership
• Describe a project that was implemented primarily because of your efforts?
• How have you as a leader encouraged your team members to be creative and bring out new
ideas?
• Can you describe how you make your team members take responsibility?
• What differs the role / task of a leader from other co-workers?
• Describe a manager you have had that you like the most and your relationship to him / her?
• Describe a manager you have had that you least liked and your relationship to him / her?
• Describe your leadership style?
• What qualities do you have that enable you to be a good leader?
• Would you rather be respected or feared?

Questions for the interviewer

• Can you tell more about the team I would be joining?
• May I ask what you personally look for in a person joining your team?
• May I ask what you enjoy about working in this organisation?
• What is a typical day like?
• What kind of training program does the company offer? Is it highly structured or more informal?
• How does your company differ from its competitors?
• How do you determine or evaluate success?
• How does the company recognize outstanding accomplishment of its employee?
• What systems are in place to enable employees to give management feedback and suggestions?
• Which is more valued in the organisation: creativity or efficiency?
• Is your team expected to function autonomously, or do they require supervision and direction?
• If I performed well at this company, where would I expect to be in five years?
• What work-related values are most highly esteemed in your company?
• What is the most important thing that someone planning to enter this role should know?
• What does the company do to contribute to its employees' professional development?
• What does the company do to foster innovation and creativity?
• How would you describe the atmosphere at the company? Fairly formal or more laid-back and
informal?
 CAREER
CREATION
ASSESSMENT CENTRES CHEAT SHEET
Assessment
Centres

Group In-tray /
Presentations Role-plays
Discussions e-tray

Business Case Individual

Common Assessment Centre

activities employers use in
General Topic Group
recruitment

Format of Assessment Centres

• Usually less than 20 candidates with 8 to 12 in group discussions
• Lasts about half a day
• The day may include a social ‘event’
• Approximately one Assessor to 2 or 3 candidates who are both line and HR
• Candidates are randomized so that Assessors are not just looking at one candidate
• Results can be immediate or later

How do the Assessors assess?

• Against desired competencies (different for different activities)
• Assessors record observations, not judgements
• Tagging of assessors onto candidates randomized to avoid bias
• Assessors’ integration of observations at the end of Assessment Centre
 CAREER
CREATION
ASSESSMENT CENTRES CHEAT SHEET
Typical competencies you are being assessed on are:

Find out more about Assessment Centres:

http://gradsingapore.com/graduate-careers-advice/assessment-centres
https://www.assessmentcentrehq.com
https://targetjobs.co.uk
https://www.wikijob.co.uk
https://www.assessmentday.co.uk

GROUP DISCUSSIONS
These are the common types of Group Discussions and the competencies that Employers want to
identify in candidates.

These Competencies are translated into Desirable Behaviours that Assessors want to observe in
candidates.
Desirable Behaviours in Group Discussions

Discussion
Cracking the Case Communication
Dynamics
 CAREER
CREATION
ASSESSMENT CENTRES CHEAT SHEET

Some of the behaviours include the following:

Cracking the Case Discussion Dynamics Communication

• Allocating reading time • Volunteering for roles • Contributing graciously

• Speed reading • No longer reading; • Being clear and audible
• Making notes with page looking up & engaging • Listening and
#’s • Confirming the question comprehending
• Noting charts & numbers to solve • Being concise,
accurately • Confirming the summarising, ‘weaving’
• Being prepared for deliverables • Being inclusive and
additional data later cordial
• Sifting out irrelevant
information
• Always keeping focus on
the QUESTION

It often helps to develop a Cheat Script for yourself – things that you would comfortably say that
demonstrate the Desirable Behaviours of Communication that Assessors are looking for.

These phrases and non-verbal behaviours need to be practiced for them to become second-nature
to you.

BEHAVIOURS WHAT YOU CAN SAY / DO

Contribute graciously • Listen for breaks in speech
• Interject with “I have a question”, “I was wondering”, “What do you
think”, “Could I clarify for a minute”, “Would it be fair to say”
Be clear and audible • Interject to get the ‘mike’; then articulate thought
• No need for fully formed statement before speaking; but don’t be
halting
• Contributions have to be coherent
• Assessors need to hear you; not just the other candidates
Listen and • Eye contact and affirmation gestures – nodding, “Yes”, “I see”, “Fair
comprehend enough”, “You’re right” (avoid looking like a stony-faced Sphinx)
• Repeat words for confirmation; rephrase and summarise
Be concise, • “Can I quickly summarise what we have discussed?”
summarise, ‘weave’ • That sounds like it would work well with your suggestion.”
• That sounds like a good way to proceed. Shall we agree?”
Be inclusive and • “… I thought you made an important point there”
cordial • “… can I clarify what I understand you said?”
• “… based on what you said, would it make sense to…”
 CAREER
CREATION
ASSESSMENT CENTRES CHEAT SHEET

To demonstrate Servant Leadership in the context of Group Discussions, you would:

• SET CLEAR GOALS & STAY ACCOUNTABLE

Delegate; split the job up but keep focus on objective
• ACKNOWLEDGE EFFORTS
Let others shine; build on the efforts of others
• REDIRECT & SUPPORT
Know what’s going on; bring in the discussion; ask what else is needed

These behaviours demonstrate that you function with Intention, Observation and Reflection

PRESENTATIONS
Whether your Presentation is scheduled before Assessment Day, after the Group Discussions or on
the day itself, these are the elements of great presentations that you need to master.

Also, remember that the best presentations are told as stories.

ASSESSMENT CENTRE ETIQUETTE

• Be ready to switch ‘on’ immediately – there is no warm-up time
• Be confident, professional and enthusiastic
• Watch your food and drink consumption – no alcohol, eat small amounts of non-messy food
• Interact with candidates & recruiters during breaks because you are being observed at all times.

FINAL PREPARATIONS
• Be rested – it will be a long day
• Stay up-to-date on current issues and trends especially those related to the employer’s industry
• Immerse yourself in the company – read everything you can; develop curiosity & some questions
to ask
• Practice your mental math; get familiar with typical conversions
• Get a good watch; learn how to use the calculator on your phone; get a good pen; practice
scribing
• Crack as many cases as you can!
 CAREER
CREATION GROUP DISCUSSION EVALUATION
CASE ANALYSIS YES NO REMARKS
Reading time as adequate & adhered to
Notes made were sufficient & easy to refer to
Analysis was adequate & relevant to objective
Key & relevant information extracted
Ideas were logically structured
Demonstrated facility with numerical data
Integrated new information presented
DISCUSSION (PERSONAL) YES NO REMARKS
Demonstrated familiarity with industry/issue
Contributed graciously
Audible
Clear, articulate speech
Grammatical, formal register (no colloquialisms)
Fluent (not halting)
Overall, coherent & understandable
DISCUSSION (INTERPERSONAL) YES NO REMARKS
Listened actively (eye contact, gestures)
Engaged fully in discussions
• Contributed relevant & interesting ideas
• Asked relevant & interesting questions
• Gave relevant & interesting answers
Steered discussion appropriately when needed
Responded well to criticisms & comments
Included everyone in the group
Acknowledged contributions by others
Overall, engaged & participative
Scribe
• Legible writing
• Summarised ideas & comments
• Accurately reflected discussion points
Timekeeper
• Kept time accurately
• Communicated time effectively to others
Leader
• Delegated & empowered effectively
• Drew on insights from others
• Stayed aware of discussion direction
OTHER REMARKS
 CAREER
CREATION PRESENTATION EVALUATION
CONTENT YES NO REMARKS
Structured & coherent ideas
Ideas relevant to the topic
Supporting data & information
• Accurate
• Sufficient
Novel ideas and perspectives presented
Overall, strong & relevant ideas presented
VISUAL AIDS YES NO REMARKS
Uncluttered & crisp (not too wordy)
Clear & legible
Attractive & interesting
Supported information presented (not detract)
Fully utilized
Overall, good use of visual aids to enhance
VERBAL COMMUNICATION YES NO REMARKS
Maintained eye contact with audience
Well-paced
Referred to visual aids (but not reliant)
Engaged with questions
Appropriate expressions & mannerisms
Audible
Clear, articulate speech
Grammatical, formal register (no colloquialisms)
Fluent (not halting)
Overall, coherent & engaging
OTHER REMARKS
 CAREER
CREATION INTERVIEW EVALUATION
PRESENCE YES NO REMARKS
Upright, open stance
Smiling, looking enthusiastic
Friendly eye contact
Warm handshake
Appropriate expressions and mannerisms
Overall, came across pleasant & confident
PREPARATION YES NO REMARKS
Professionally attired
Groomed & neat
Interview kit ready
• Resume
• Writing materials
• Business cards
• Calculator (optional)
VERBAL COMMUNICATION YES NO REMARKS
Audible
Clear, articulate speech
Grammatical, formal register (no colloquialisms)
Fluent (not halting)
Overall, coherent and understandable
CONTENT OF COMMUNICATION YES NO REMARKS
Conveyed competencies relevant to the position
Answered in full & in line with the question
Listened to questions and comments
Thought through answers (no rote answers)
Indicated knowledge of & interest in the industry
Asked appropriate & interesting questions
Responded well to any criticisms/comments
Conveyed enthusiasm & curiosity
Overall, came across conversational & engaging
OTHER REMARKS
 CAREER
CREATION INTERVIEW JOURNAL
DATE OF INTERVIEW INTERVIEW # COMPANY

INDUSTRY JOB TITLE TYPE

INTERVIEWER #1
NAME DESIGNATION CONTACT ADDRESS

INTERVIEWER #1
NAME DESIGNATION CONTACT ADDRESS

QUESTIONS ANSWERS

INTERVIEWER'S FEEDBACK SELF-REVIEW

FOLLOW-UP
IMMEDIATE #1 #2
DATE

PERSON

FORMAT

DATE OF REJECTION NOTICE