When it comes to graduate jobs, it may be a sellers' market just now, but that doesn't mean that doing interviews has got any easier.
In fact, interviews are becoming far more sophisticated processes than they were in the past. Indeed, wafflers are now less likely to talk themselves into jobs than they may once have done, says John Hannon, careers adviser at NUI Galway. "The process has gone towards behaviourist interviewing," he explains. "That means that interviewers want to see if a person's history - not just work history, but interests, activities and achievements - correlates with the abilities needed in the work place." Involvement with a football team, clubs and societies could, for example, indicate a good team member. "It's not just a matter of telling an interviewer about your qualities, you have to provide the evidence," says Loretta Jennings, careers and appointments officer at NUI Maynooth.
Interviews have definitely become more sophisticated, confirms Sean Gannon, director of the careers advisory service at TCD. A number of employers are now using the telephone interview as a selection process, he says. Certainly, companies operating call centres find it a useful means of gauging an applicant's telephone manner. More elaborate assessments are also employed by recruiters. These can take a half-day and involve a mix of interviews, psychometric testing, which is meant to indicate how a candidate would fit into an organisation, and other exercises - including group discussions, presentations and case studies.
You could face, for example, the "in-tray" exercise: you'll be asked to prioritise the contents of a manager's in-tray - letters, reports and so forth. Or you could find yourself in a group of eight to 10 people working on a particular task. Employers will be looking for particular skills - leadership, teamwork or the ability to listen to or influence people, Hannon notes. "Rather than simply exploring generalities, employers will pose specific questions about how you would cope in a given situation," Jennings explains. Interviews nowadays can be challenging and hard work, says Gannon. His best advice is to be prepared. "Look up their websites, read brochures about the company and find out about the type of job you're applying for."
A major complaint of employers is that students are turning up at interviews with minimal knowledge about the company. Check the newspapers for a few weeks: if you're applying for a job with a particular organisation which is in the throes of a major takeover battle about which you're completely ignorant, you're going to look pretty lame at the interview.
Make sure you're familiar with all aspects of your CV and that referees are lined up - ideally, Hannon says, one academic and, if you work parttime, your employer. When it comes to interview dress code, it's best to err on the side of the conservative, the careers officers advise. For jobs in the financial services sector you'll definitely have to wear a suit, but in other areas you may may be able to wear something less formal - a jacket rather than a suit for men, for example. Fashionable is fine, but trendy is a no-no, Jennings confirms. "It's important not to dress too young," she says. Investing in a set of suitable interview clothes will pay dividends and you'll have something appropriate to work.
Arrive early for the interview - to avoid becoming flustered if you're behind time - but not too early. Sitting for a long period in reception can make you nervous. During the interview, sit in a relaxed position in the chair - don't sprawl - and keep up eye contact with the interviewer. If you lose track of what you say, avoid waffling. Simply ask for the question to be repeated.
If you don't know the answer to a particular question, you have two options, says Jennings. "You can either say you don't know or you can prove you don't know. It's far better to be honest and say you don't understand a question or are unfamiliar with the terms used. Trying to bluff could cast doubt on what you've said before." Take time to answer the question and don't be afraid to ask for clarifications, she advises.
During the interview, Hannon says, it's important for candidates to focus on what the company is looking for. "Don't focus on yourself - you may become negative." If any difficult questions are likely to arise - e.g. "why did you fail that exam?" - it's important that you have practised your answer and that it's plausible.
Always have ready some questions about the company or the job, because you're sure to be asked. Failing that, use the opportunity to weave in information about your relevant experiences or project work. Finally, it's worth remembering that employers are out there to recruit, and they're anxious to employ good people. If you get as far as the shortlist, it's your personal qualities that will count.
