Interview tips

[yuna1971]

I have a Competancy Based Interview next week and I am crapping myself.

Can any one give me any tips on these type interviews. Its a 30 minute interview.

I am pretty crap at interviews and its ages ago since I did one...but last feedback I had from my (then) manager is that it wasn't good..

Its all about what you did, how you did it and end result I know but I end up struggling to think of examples..and then I think, well what if they ask me something where I just don't know the answer. I tend to go all blank in interviews..despite all the research I may have done.

I sweat like a pig too...and repeat myself. Im just crap!

So any tips about these type interviews and if you are a manager or have been a manager and have done these with people - what do you look for, do you score it down if the person is all sweaty and goes blank (lol...)
And what tips can you offer me.

I am already looking for a smart suit. But its when I actually get in there that I end up looking a right pleb!

Any advice appreciated...xx

[yuna1971]

...and yes I know more confidence is needed. But I am pooing myself already. xx

[4chester]

Always read your own cv before hand 😀

[Stellanne]

Rach, I had to do an interview, the first in 13years, after being made redundant. My manager advised me to answer the question generally, then specifically and then give examples of my practice. It is amazing how this works, particularly if you do a bit of 'thinking' time before opening your mouth.

I felt exactly how you describe and was truely dreading an interview, but I thought about my job and what I did and the way I had transformed the area where I worked. Summon up a bit of enthusiasm that always masks how you are truely feeling.

Good luck x x x. Hugs x x

[CherryBrandy]

oooh Rach, I have interviewed for years and years ! there is a real knack to it from the interview side so don't beat yourself up because a lot of the time its the interviewer who doesn't do their job properly - not me of course !! As Stellann says you provide examples not hypertheticals.
Right first things first - write a 30 word presentation about you & what you do (skills set) - stand in front of the mirror and give this 30 word presentation !! - without umming once !!! You can do this ! CB

[yuna1971]

You gotta be kidding xx

[Anita Sayles]

Originally Posted by yuna1971

You gotta be kidding xx

[CherryBrandy]

Seriously just try it - you wont be doing this in public it is just a strategy to get you through an interview. In theory you should then be able to answer anything around this with some confidence....most people can't get past the first line without umming. Ie my name is ..... I am ....of age. I work in ....uuuummmmmmmmm !! Practice practice . Then we will go to next stage....CB

[CherryBrandy]

I've had people hyperventilate in interviews, burst into tears (not my fault !!) the works....we will get you through it ! CB

[yuna1971]

It's not the normal structured interview though, it's called a competency based interview. It's all about your examples relating to their job specification competences and showing your skills match their spec.
I.e What you did, how you did it, end result.
It can't be generalised, nor what your 'team' did. It's what you did.
I'm not sure I'm going to bother...the salary stinks and I'm not too keen on a 2 day induction in London.
There are 2 jobs I've applied for which I really want and if offered an interview for them...of course, I would be madly preparing and motivated.
With this one...I'm just not sure it's worth the time and worry. xx