Interview Skills

 

Preparing for an Effective Interview

  • Take the time to read and understand exactly what the job is asking of you and what competencies are required in order to undertake the job.


  • Understand the reporting relationships to this position. If you are in doubt regarding the job requirements as outlined in the TOR, reporting relationships, situation at the duty station, etc. - be proactive and source information to perceived challenges or concerns prior to the interview.


  • Utilize your contacts and networks (practice networks, regional bureaux, Regional Centres, SURF, colleagues and counterparts) to discuss what is critical for the position and to seek advice.


  • Familiarize yourself with the organizational structure of the duty station.


  • Obtain information about the challenges and trends in the job area/specialization that you are applying to by visiting web-sites, reviewing reports and guidelines, and consulting with your networks.


  • Undertake additional research to become up to date with current development trends (MDG, UN Reform etc).


  • Prepare and practice for your interview.

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    Interview Tips

  • Bring copies of your résumé, P11 and CV as they will often be referred to by the interviewer


  • Think about what an employer wants to know and prepare examples. Build your examples on the CAR-story:
      Challenge: Relate briefly what you did,

      Action: Tell what you undertook/did,

      Result: Show the outcome of your action.


  • Find a brief story that best demonstrate your ability to do what you say you can. Be aware of the specific skills your story illustrates.


  • Be certain that you hear accurately what your interviewer says; if not, do not be afraid to ask questions. This is especially important in telephone interviews. The best way to do it is to summarise the interviewer's important information and then ask if your summary is correct.


  • The 'Tell me about yourself' question would best be answered by claiming your strengths. Try a statement like, 'I am Tanaka Iguchi. My most transferable skills are X, Y and Z; the qualities that I bring to my work are A, B and C; and the one driving force that inspires and guides my life is X'.


  • Another option is a 90-second introduction:
      Background/Education (5 seconds)

      Accomplishments/Work Experience (50 seconds)

      Current Situation (5 seconds)

      Future (30 seconds)

  • Be prepared to ask appropriate and well thought out questions. As a rule do not ask about salary. For UNDP positions, most questions on salary and benefits can be answered by the OHR Staff Administrative Services (JPO Service Centre or Benefits and Entitlements).


  • Be enthusiastic: people love to hire individuals excited about their work unit. Be professional; sit attentively to demonstrate your interest, energy and enthusiasm. Positive nonverbal communication reinforces your verbal message.


  • In a competency-based interview, based on the premise that past performance is the best indicator of future performance, be prepared to discuss past performance in detail. To the question 'Tell me about a time when you worked in an ineffective team/less-than-effective team...' explain the situation (don't pick a major disaster and don't dwell on it); always conclude with a positive statement, e.g., 'What I learned from this was.' Golden Rule: never blame someone.


  • Where culturally appropriate, maintain eye contact (it shows attentiveness) and facial expressions (e.g., a smile reflects interest and enthusiasm).


  • Listen carefully. Never interrupt the interviewer; wait for your turn to speak. Make sure you understand a question before you attempt to answer it. It is okay to take a minute to reflect. A minute for the interviewee feels much longer than it does for the interviewer.


  • Share information that you feel is appropriate and relevant. Keep to the point. Be as specific as possible.


  • Do not try to dominate the interview; let the interviewer guide the questions.


  • In a group interview, it is the best to answer the interviewer's questions in turn and maintain eye contact with the individual whose question you are answering. Make an effort occasionally to make eye contact with all of the individuals involved.


  • You are being interviewed and observed throughout the time that you visit the organization or unit, not only during the formal office interview. Do not say or do something which may be seen as 'unprofessional'. You are involved in the interview process from the moment you arrive until the time you depart.


  • From the moment you apply, throughout the interview and after the interview (letters, communication), you are being observed and considered for a position. Be aware of this especially prior to and after the interview for lasting impressions.


  • To the question, usually asked at the end, 'Do you have any questions?' there is only one wrong answer - 'No'. Many hiring managers weigh the questions asked more heavily than the answers provided throughout the interview. Do not worry that asking specific questions might make you sound like you assume you have the position. Such interest helps build your value and shows you are capable and engaging. Note: only ask questions you cannot find answers to yourself.


  • End: At the end of the interview, thank the interviewer(s) for taking the time to meet with you. Make a short, concise summary of your qualifications and stress your interest in the position. You may also want to ask what will happen in the future with respect to your application for the position.


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    What Not to Do

    The following are common mistakes that interviewees often make. Avoid them at all cost:

    • Not asking questions


    • Condemnation of past employer


    • Inability to take criticism


    • Poor personal appearance


    • Indecisive, cynical or lazy


    • Overbearing, over aggressive, "know it all"


    • Being late for interview


    • Failure to look at interviewer while interviewing


    • Unability to express yourself clearly

     

    After the Interview

    Within a few days after your interview (no later than one week), send a short thank-you note or email to refresh the employer's memory of you. Click here for more information.

    Make an assessment of the interview. It can help improve your technique and continue to build your confidence and skills. Analysing the interview, talking about how you were feeling during and after it, can be very helpful in preparing for the next interview.

    Ask yourself:

    • What were my strengths in the interview?

    • What did not go as planned?

    • What can I do differently next time?

    Keep in mind that the art of effective interviewing takes practice.

    Click here to learn more...