Guidelines for Job Interview for the Interviewee

Guidelines for Job Interview for the Interviewee
Why have an interview?
The aim of a job interview is to EXCHANGE information between:
1. You the applicant, so that you can show yourself in the best light to the
manager, and
2. The employer (manager) so that he/she can select the best person for the job,
and
3. Your goal - is to show the employer that you can do the job.
Before the Interview
1. Find out exactly what the work itself involves and as much as you can about the
ward/department. Make sure you receive a job description and read it
thoroughly.
2. Work out for yourself the things you have done (in or out of work) that relate to
this job.
3. Think about questions you may be asked about, eg
3.1 why do you want the job?
3.2 what relevant training and experience you have had.
3.3 what you did in your last job
3.4 what you think you will be doing in the new position.
4. Prepare questions that you can ask the interviewers about the job.
5. Make sure the interviewers have all the information they need before hand, ie
provide a copy of your curriculum vitae with your application form. You may like
to present written information or examples that give evidence of the quality of
your work.
6. Aim to arrive on time, even early for the interview and in the right place.
7. The interview panel will consist of the appointing manager (the employer) and a
supervisor. Others may be invited to attend at the manager's discretion ie,
another staff member or some other person who the manager feels can advise
on the appointment. Don't be surprised if there are up to five people taking
part. You will be asked a series of questions by the panel relating to the job.
These will have been worked out beforehand.
8. Remember you can bring a support person(s) with you. Just let the Unit
Manager know before the interview.
9. If you feel nervous, relax your body and sit in a comfortable position. This will
help you to feel and look calm. Remember some of the interview panel may feel
nervous too. They have a big responsibility.
10. Direct your answer back to the person who asked the question.
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11. LISTEN to the questions you are asked and answer them clearly and directly.
12. If you do not hear or understand a question properly, ask the interviewer to
repeat or rephrase it. It is fine to ask for a moment to think before you answer.
13. Be open and say why you are the best person for the job. Present yourself in
the best way that you can. Be honest. It's OK to refer to your own notes if you
wish.
14. Remember to ask any questions that you have - write them down and bring the
paper into the interview if necessary.
15. If you are not told, ask to know exactly when you will be contacted with the
result of the interview.
Follow-Up
1. Ask yourself:
1.1 What did I learn from this interview?
1.2 What did I do well?
1.3 What could I improve on for next time?
2 If you are not contacted as promised, do not hesitate to phone back.
3 If you don't get the job you can, if you wish, ask the Human Resources Manager
or appointing manager concerned for some ideas and advice to help you with
future applications.
4 The job market is very competitive nowadays. If you handled the interview well,
count it as a success, WHETHER YOU GET THE JOB OR NOT! Even if you were
unsuccessful, it doesn't necessarily mean you were a bad applicant but that on
that day someone else met the person and job specifications more closely.
Whanau Interviews
The role of the Whanau/support group is to:
• Formally present the application.
• Lay the foundations for the interview to be conducted in an appropriate manner.
• Offer relevant information about the applicant including their background and
any additional value or responsibilities that may result.
The important thing is to discuss the form of the interview with the whole group to
establish the input from the support people. They may be happy to provide a
summary at the end - reference - or add point during the interview.
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