INTERVIEW SKILLS

for CANDIDATES
 Objectives
• To understand the purpose and format of
a selection interview
• To sell yourself on an application form
• To understand the steps required to
prepare yourself for interview
• To develop the skills required to present
yourself for interview positively and
confidently
What is the purpose of an
Interview?
 Purpose of an Interview
• Fair & equitable selection process.
• Assess candidates’ skills, knowledge &
attitude against person specification.
• Assess suitability of person to fit in with
existing team.
• Opportunity for candidate to assess the
organisation.
• It is not a comparison of one candidate
against another.
 Format of an Interview
• Interview panel with chairman
• May be formal or informal
• Tour?
• Introductions, explanation of format
• Standard questions for all candidates
• Provision of essential information e.g. T&C
• Opportunity for candidate’s questions
• Set task, if appropriate e.g. presentation, skills test,
psychometric tests
 Outcome of an Interview
• Offer the position to the most suitable
candidate.

• Not selection of the ‘best of the bunch’.

• Reappraisal of position if none of

candidates is suitable.
Application form - Review your CV
details
Need to convince the short-listing panel:
• You would be able to do the job competently
• You have the required knowledge, skills,
attitude etc
• You can bring enhanced benefits
• You are worth interviewing

Information is anonymised e.g. names, equality

data removed prior to short-listing
 Application form - Review your CV
details
• Obtain job description and person specification (and
KSF outline)

• Assess your skills, experience, strengths, limitations

against person spec. Think about examples.

• Consider your main achievements - Achievements

needn't be grandiose or specifically related to your job
as long as they can demonstrate your good qualities
and show that you have the ability to succeed.

• Think about what you want to write about before

completing the form
 Application form
• Complete all the required boxes.

• Qualifications: State essential qualifications first

• References: Check with referee that they are happy to provide

a reference

• ‘Further details’ section – chance to sell yourself. Include areas

to show that you meet the essential criteria if not identified
elsewhere on the form.

• Ensure you record on the application form how you meet the
essential criteria (and if possible, the desirable criteria). Give
brief examples on the application.

• Re-check what you’ve written for spelling, grammar, before

submitting.
E.g. Person specification
Factors Essential Desirable
Skills, •Effective oral and written •Understanding about the
communication skills NHS
knowledge,
•Excellent organisational •Customer service skills
abilities skills
•Demonstration of being a
team player
•Excellent interpersonal skills

Attitudes / •Methodical with good

attention to detail
aptitudes /
•Enthusiastic
characteristics
•Self-confidence
•Self motivated
•Patience & diplomacy
•Demonstration of good time
management
•Prioritisation skills
Interview Preparation
 Stages of Preparation

• Prior to the day

• On the day

• On arrival at the venue

 Initial Steps
• Confirm your attendance (or non-attendance)
– Phone or letter, as appropriate

• Ensure you have all essential information

– Date, time, location, directions, contact no
– If not, ask for details

• Ensure interview administrators know of any

special requirements you may have
– e.g. Disabled access
 Preparation Activities
• Be knowledgeable about the position
– Gather information about job/organisation
• Review your application / C.V. details
• Anticipate questions you may be asked - Plan
your responses
• Consider the questions you want to ask
• Prepare any required task e.g. Presentation
• Organise clothing, petrol, bus routes etc.
1. Review application / CV details
Check information provided on application form

Review STRENGTHS
• Re-assess your skills, experience, strengths, limitations,
personal preferences – helps to focus your mind.

• Consider main achievements

Review WEAKNESSES
Either:
• Identify a few weaknesses and explain how you would
overcome them Or choose weaknesses that are unlikely to
concern the interviewer
• Have a few well-prepared, confident answers.
2. Anticipate questions you may be
asked (plan responses)
The questions will relate to your ability to perform the job and enable you to
demonstrate your skills and knowledge in relation to the post.

Look at person specification as being assessed against this.

For example

Good team member What skills and qualities do you have that make you a
good team member?

Experience in hospital What skills and experiences can you take from any
or community pharmacy current or previous role and apply to the
technician post?
Knowledge about the Tell me about what challenges the NHS faces at the
NHS moment

• Why do you want this job?

• What are your strengths? Weaknesses?
 Equal Opportunities
• Laws aimed at providing living & working
environment free from discrimination and
harassment
• You can decline to answer questions on:
Race/Colour Marital Status
Ethnic/national origin Disability
Religion Political Affiliation
Gender Age
Sexuality Medical Condition
 3. Consider the questions you
want to ask
For example
– Things about the position or job
responsibilities that are important to you
– What support or guidance is available
– Training and development opportunities
– How often your performance is reviewed
– Main challenges faced by staff at present
 Consider the questions you
want to ask
• Questions to avoid
– Trivial or Cliché questions
– Questions that give the wrong impression

• Don’t cover areas already covered in interview

(can ask for things to be explained in more detail, or
clarified)

• Don’t have a long list of questions

• Make them relevant

 4. Prepared Presentation
• Ensure you know what facilities will be
available e.g. PowerPoint, OHP, flipchart
• Ensure presentation does not exceed
time allowed
• Practise
• Allow for questions from panel
• Prepare handout for the panel members
 Preparation on the Day
• Mental preparation
– Positive attitude
– Stay calm
• Appearance
– Appropriate, smart, clean, comfortable
• Time
– Don’t rush
– Allow extra time in case of hold-ups
 Preparation on the Day
• Ensure you have correct documents,
etc.
– Directions
– Contact name/number
– Notes of your questions
– Prepared task, e.g. presentation materials
– Items you have been asked to bring e.g.
Right to work documentation, ID
– Something to read while you wait
 On Arrival
• Check in with reception
• Locate room & essential facilities
• While waiting
– Don’t pace around
– Sit & have something to read
• Stay in control

• Tour? – ask questions, appear interested

 Staying in Control
• Nerves/butterflies are normal
– adrenaline helps us handle difficult situations
• Fight or flight mechanism
– increased blood flow, shallow fast breathing,
sweating, tense muscles
• Calming techniques
– slow deep breathing
– tense & release muscles
– aromatherapy
The Interview
 The Start of the Interview
Impression you make are made up of:
• Body language, tone of voice, and image
(65-90%)
• What you say (10-35%)

First Impressions very important:

– Confident entry
– Greeting & firm handshake (make eye
contact)
 The Start of the Interview
What panel chairman should do:
– Make you feel welcome & comfortable
– Introduce panel members
– Explain format of interview
– Check documentation
– Ask questions (record responses)
– Opportunity for you to ask questions
– T&C
– Take notes
– Explain what will happen after the interview
 Your Aims
• Sell yourself
• Emphasise your strengths
• Show how you meet the knowledge, skills etc
• Present a professional image
• Don’t ...
– bore the panel or waffle
– bluff or lie
– pretend to be something you are not
 Verbal Communication
• Speak with clarity and confidence
• Consider your response
• Measured pace (slightly slower than
normal)
• Modulate tone (avoid a monotone)
• Address all panel members
SOUND
Positive, Confident & Enthusiastic
 Non-verbal Communication
• Open body language
• Be alert & attentive
• Eye contact with all panel members
(don’t stare)
• Sit up with arms relaxed
• Smile - naturally
LOOK
Positive, Confident & Enthusiastic
 Active Listening
• Look & sound interested
• Confirm you have understood
• Seek clarification if unsure

Asking Questions
• Open questions
– To seek maximum information
• Closed questions
– To seek confirmation or clarification
• Relevant
• Informed
 The End of the Interview
• Ensure you know what will happen next
before you leave

• Thank the panel

• Take all your things with you

• Don’t relax to soon

 Job Offer
• Decide whether the job is right for you
NB: if you accept a post do renege on it
• Good news
– May be by phone or letter
– Accept or decline the offer
– Check what happens next e.g. CRB
• Bad news
– Accept gracefully
– Ask for positive feedback
 Do’s Summary
• Always adopt a professional and business-like
manner. (Adapt to lead of panel)
• Communicate clearly and effectively.
• Listen intently. Make sure you give the
interviewer your full attention
• Wait for them to finish speaking before you
answer the question
• Check that you understand everything that has
been said
• Use strong positive language.
 Do’s Summary
• Ask relevant questions. Make sure you ask open
questions to ensure you get full answers
• Show the interviewer that you would relish the
challenge of working in their organisation and
make it clear that you feel confident in being able
to rise to that challenge.
• Be honest.
• Remain calm and don't rush your answers.
• Wear a smile but be natural.
 Don'ts Summary
• Ensure that you don't smell of any strong
odours, e.g. alcohol, garlic or even perfume.
• Don't fidget or play with your hair, clothing,
items in your pockets etc.
• Avoid negative phrases such as: "I don't
know" and "I'm not sure".
• Be unprepared for the interview - you should
always prepare thoroughly before any
interview (this will also make you feel more
confident at the interview).
 Don’t Summary
• Have a poor/limp handshake

• Say unfavourable things about previous

employers - the employer will be
wondering what you will say about them
when you leave their employment.

• Act aggressive or act in a superior way.

• Make excuses for failings.

 In Summary

• You want this job

– it’s up to you to prove you are the right person

• Thorough preparation pays dividends

• First impressions last
• Be confident, positive & enthusiastic
• Good luck !