SKILLS TO

SUCCEED
ACADEMY
Interactive, online employability
training program.

ACTIVITY
PACK
Getting a Job 18
Ace Your
Interview

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ACE YOUR INTERVIEW

This pack contains seven activities to help you apply what you have learned in the ‘Ace
Your Interview’ module.

In Activity 1 you will find a checklist to help you prepare for a face-to-face interview.

In Activity 2 you will be given a set of top tips to help you during a face-to-face interview.

In Activity 3 you will find a checklist to help you prepare for a phone interview.

In Activity 4 you will be given a set of top tips to help you during a phone interview.

In Activity 5 you will find a template to help you prepare for common interview
questions.

In Activity 6 you will find a template to help you start thinking about answers to difficult
interview questions.

In Activity 7 you will find a template to help you prepare your answers to common
interview questions.

IN ORDER TO ACE YOUR INTERVIEW, IT IS IMPORTANT TO:

1. Practice and prepare answers for interview questions.

2. Have your own questions for the interviewer to show your interest.
3. Display good body language and make a good first impression.
4. Remember the interview is about your answers and body language.

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ACTIVITY 1: FACE TO FACE INTERVIEW CHECKLIST

Here is a list of some important things that you need to remember to do before and
during a face to face interview.
Check the boxes as you complete the ‘On the Day’ tasks and remind yourself of what
you need to remember to do during the interview.

CHECKLIST

ON THE DAY


✔ Check your route.

✔ Dress appropriately.

✔ Be well groomed – check the mirror.

✔ Take everything you need.

✔ Leave early so you can arrive on time.

✔ Turn your phone off.

IN THE INTERVIEW


✔ Smile and introduce yourself.

✔ Have a strong, confident handshake.

✔ Make eye contact.

✔ Use the interviewer’s name.

✔ Remember to breathe!

✔ Take your time.

✔ Avoid rambling.

✔ Avoid jargon, slang, and swear words.

✔ Avoid negative language.

✔ Thank the interviewer for their time.

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ACTIVITY 2: FACE TO FACE INTERVIEW TOP TIPS

Here is a set of useful tips for your interview.
Read through each point and visualize how you would do this on the day of your
interview. Use a mirror to help play through some of the body language points in your
head.

TOP TIPS

o Smile!
o Look the part.
o Be punctual.
o Remember your research.
o Know what you’ve told the employer (resume, application form, etc.).
o Use the CAR technique.
o Be aware of your body language.
o Be enthusiastic.
o Don’t lie (because it shows!).
o Advertise your strengths.
o Rehearse (but don’t recite) answers.
o Relax, take your time - it’s OK to pause for thought.
o Avoid one-word answers.
o Be confident, not arrogant.
o Ask questions.

Remember: The interview starts from the moment you walk into the building.

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ACTIVITY 3: PHONE INTERVIEW CHECKLIST

This is a list of some important things that you need to remember to do before and
during a phone interview.
Read and complete the ‘On the Day’ tasks. Remind yourself of what you need to
remember to do during the interview.

CHECKLIST

ON THE DAY


✔ Keep an eye on the time.

✔ Make sure you are in a quiet place.

✔ Have a pen and paper in hand.

IN THE INTERVIEW


✔ Answer the phone with your name and a greeting.

✔ Be polite.

✔ Use the interviewer’s name.

✔ Ask questions based on what the interviewer has said.

✔ Avoid jargon, slang and swear words.

✔ Sit upright or stand, this will affect your tone.

✔ Smile (you can still ‘sense’ a smile).

✔ Thank the interviewer for their time.

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ACTIVITY 4: PHONE INTERVIEW TOP TIPS

This is a set of useful tips for your phone interview.
Read through each point and visualize how you would do this on the day of your
interview.

TOP TIPS

o Smile when you dial!

o Be in a quiet place.
o Answer the phone on time.
o Remember your research.
o Know what you’ve told the employer (resume, application form, etc.).
o Use the CAR technique.
o Be aware of your tone of voice.
o Be enthusiastic.
o Don’t lie (because it shows!).
o Advertise your strengths.
o Relax, take your time - it’s OK to pause for thought.
o Avoid one-word answers.
o Be confident, not arrogant.
o Ask questions.
o Remember: Have your pre-prepared answers in front of you!
o Thank the interviewer for their time.

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ACTIVITY 5: COMMON INTERVIEW QUESTIONS

No matter what job you are interviewing for, the same common interview questions
often come up. It is important to prepare for these so that you have strong answers
when asked and do not panic.
Use the template below to record your own answers to these typical questions. Some of
these are company or role specific so it will help to have a job in mind when you fill them
in. You should also think about questions you can ask an interviewer as well – there is a
space for that here too!

QUESTION ANSWER

I am an effective worker who learns things up swiftly. I am

Tell me about yourself? quick-witted and eager to master newly acquired abilities.

Why do you want to work for this One of the most recognizable firms in the nation is this one in particular. It is a privilege to be employed by the company.

company?
What attracts you to this role? To fulfill my duty as an accountant, which I have always envisioned myself to be, is a dream come true.

Why should I hire you? I have a high attention to detail level and am an effective learner. Additionally organized, I am able to complete all of my tasks on time.

What are your strengths? I am an autonomous worker who, when necessary, exercises initiative.

What are your weaknesses? Though I used to find it difficult to accept criticism, I'm gradually becoming better at it.

Where do you see yourself in five I intend to be successful at the firm in five years as a senior associate, and I expect to have excelled in both my position and my work.

years?
What are your hobbies? In my leisure time, I like to read, compose poetry, and record covers of music that I adore.

What qualifications do you have? I graduated from accounting school and have a bachelor's degree.

Can you tell me about any relevant I occasionally pick up tips from my mother because she was a student of accounting as well. I also have some relatives that have an interest in accounting and business administration, so I already knew enough ab

experience?
What do you want from a career? I would like to gain experience and better understanding about the subject.

What do you do on vacation and why? My normal recharge strategy is to spend quality time with friends and family.

What other companies have you In the awful occurrence that my application is turned down, Isla Lipana & Co. would be my second choice.

applied for?
Do you have any questions? What exactly would be a typical work day for an associate? Will I be working with a team?

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ACTIVITY 6: DIFFICULT INTERVIEW QUESTIONS

There are several questions you may get asked that are more difficult to answer. Here
the interviewer is looking for honesty and openness more than anything. However,
make sure your answers are always appropriate.

Start to think about how you may answer some of these questions by filling in the
answer column below. Only choose the ones that apply to you.

DIFFICULT INTERVIEW QUESTIONS

QUESTION ANSWER

Describe your ideal employer and
why?
How would your friends describe you?
Someone who is proactive and has
leadership skills
They might describe myself as someone who is efficient,
quick to pick up new information, open-minded to new
experiences, and has the potential to be a leader.

Can you explain the gaps in your None

employment?

Can you explain the reasons behind I have no criminal records.

your criminal record?
I've learnt how to take criticism properly and that feedback isn't
always negative. It enables us to improve, learn from our errors,
How do you handle criticism? and know what to do differently and differently the next time.

Why were you with your last employer None

for such a short time?
None
Why did you leave your last job?

Do you have any commitments that will At the moment there are none
require you to take time off?
I haven't yet submitted an application for any
Are you applying for other jobs? other employment.

Although I am flattered, I do not believe I am overqualified. I

You seem overqualified for this job. suppose this might be viewed as a plus because I will use
Why did you apply for this position? my education and experience to do a better job.

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ACTIVITY 7: COMPETENCY INTERVIEW QUESTIONS
Competency questions are used in many different kinds of interviews to find out about
your skills and experience. The template below contains many key competencies that
employers are looking for.
Go through each competency listed and think of a relevant example of when you have
displayed this competency in the past. Remember to use CAR (Context, Action, Result)
to help structure your answers.
QUESTION
Tell me about a time when you
displayed leadership?
Tell me about a time when you
displayed organizational skills?
Tell me about a time when you
displayed problem solving?
Tell me about a time when you
displayed resilience?
Tell me about a time when you
displayed responsibility?
What is an example of how you have
worked with stakeholder
management?
Tell me about a time when you
displayed teamwork?
Tell me about a time when you
displayed career focus?
Tell me about a time when you
displayed commercial awareness?
Tell me about a time when you
displayed communication skills?
Tell me about a time when you
displayed flexibility?
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ANSWER
I directed and assisted my teammates throughout a
presentation I led at school. We performed admirably
and got a good rating.
Due to the large number of activities required to pass, I
prepared my schedule so that I would know which of the many
assignments our teachers gave us to complete first.
I once found myself in an unanticipated circumstance. I
simply did what I could and then altered. I realized what
I needed to do and then took the necessary action.
I prefer to concentrate on and make improvements to
the things I am able to influence when confronted with
circumstances over which I have no responsibility.
Doing what is required of them academically, accepting
accountability, and taking appropriate action. Being on time,
completing the necessary responsibilities, and passing it
None
The most important details from this text are that the group project was an advertisement for
one of our classes, and that the lesson learned is that a group needs to have greater
understanding and think as a group in order to function more effectively. This was
demonstrated by the difficulty in setting up the product due to a lack of components and some
of the product being already melted.
My friends prefer to go out on the weekends, and they often
ask me to join them. I occasionally declined because I had
priorities, especially with regard to my career or studies.
The process of comprehending a company. Gaining
understanding about its operations, revenue stream,
management structure, etc.
I pay close attention when I'm being taught rules. In
particular, when I am unsure about what to do, I ask
short questions and speak effectively.
When a team member failed to respond to my messages, I
exhibited flexibility. I remained up late that week, gathering as
much data as I could to understand their role and fulfill them.
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SKILLS TO SUCCEED ACADEMY

The checklists, top tips, and templates in this pack can be relevant for any interviews
you might have, so you can keep them and reuse them when necessary.

Once you have filled in the templates, they can be especially handy to keep hold of, as
this information can be useful in interviews for a wide range of jobs.

ADDITIONAL LINKS

o Job Interview Tips

o Job Interview Tips & Hacks
o Body Language
o JobStreet
o jobsDB
o Philjobnet

REMEMBER

These Activity Packs are yours to keep. Make sure you review them regularly and
keep them updated.

You could also discuss them with advisors, friends, family and anyone else you
trust to provide valuable feedback.

For any questions or concerns on the context, please email us at

contact.ph@s2sacademy.ph

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Copyright © 2019 Accenture. All rights reserved.
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