Hi,
So I've gotten through to the second round and having an 'initial' interview on zoom/MSteam meeting.
Been told to expect 2/3 questions……
A) I've never done this method before,
&
B) I haven't had a job interview in like 15 years…..
Does anyone have any ideas on what they might ask/be looking for?
TIA
Interviews aren't my strong point 😞
Link to your motivational podcasts please. TIA.
Still brushing up on the modern day 'finna cap bet' lingo to be relatable. Give me another decade or so.
No cap advice kinda fire, David finna get that w. fr fr
it really depends on where/what the job is. If it is a government job then the interview answers will definitely be assessed to determine how will you meet the selection criteria in the candidate kit.
Most governments (state or fed) do single interviews only, unless it's for senior executive.
agreed. For me the wording from the OP is not clear, was the first round the job application, second round interview, etc or have they already attended one interview?
Watch out for the "we can't hear you, turn your Mute OFF" and the obvious "do you have any questions for us?"
I'm not a cat - Sir Cat
Check there's nothing weird in your background and wear a nice shirt (unless you're planning on standing up in the interview; you can get away without needing to wear suit pants)
2/3 questions, could be those behavioural style ones.. 'tell us about a time you had to…'. If so you want your response to be S.T.A.R - situation, task, action, result.
If you are interviewing for a government/council job, you will absolutely have to do S.T.A.R method.
Does anyone have any ideas on what they might ask/be looking for?
What's the job for?
They're probably going to ask you a few standard questions. Why do you want this position, examples of your experience, questions about your skills and how they relate to the position you're applying for. If you haven't done an interview in 15 years, definitely practice the answers beforehand. Answer to yourself in the mirror, in the shower, while driving, wherever. You will feel like an idiot (especially the first time) but it will make you infinitely more comfortable when you're asked the question in the real world. Best way is to find another person to actually do that with you. Really think about what technical skill you want to bring to the job and come up with an example of that in a previous job you can talk to.
Also gives you a chance to time your answers. Go for around 2-3 minutes since there's 2/3 questions. It helps you cut down on the bits where you're rambling but also makes sure you're giving some depth to your answers.
Go read everything about the company on their website as well. People who haven't even bothered to look at the company website stand out like dogs balls. Have a look at their values, look at what you like about the place, come up with 2-3 questions of your own to ask.
FYI, I work in a recruitment team (although in data analytics) but I talk to the recruiters all the time. Most people seem to just wing interviews, yet spending a couple of hours preparing for a job you may work for for years will put you way above everyone else.
First question is always some version of "tell us about yourself". Do not tell them that you like fishing and have two kids. Tell them what it is about your work experience that makes you perfect for the job. Basically, go through your resume and explain how everything there is relevant to the job you're applying for and how perfectly your work experience matches what they're looking for.
The second question will be some variation of "why do you want to work here". This is an opportunity to explain that you've actually read the position description, how the job fits with your career goals, how much you like the company, which tasks you're particularly looking forward to, and how this would be the perfect job for you and therefore that you are never going to leave.
The third question will be "have you got any questions?" Do not ask about salary, flexibility, job security, hours or anything relevant. The only correct answer here is "when can I start?"
Even if the questions they ask for #1 and #2 don't immediately sound like the answers you have rehearsed for #1 and #2, answer the question in a couple of sentences and then move straight into the exact same answers for #1 and #2 that you have already rehearsed.
Do not come across as smarter than the people who are interviewing you. You are open to new ways of doing things and eager to learn. If you're unclear how to answer a question the best response is to give some context as to how something like that would likely have been dealt with at a previous job, but ultimately you would seek advice from a manager. Do not come across as a know-it-all, come across as someone who is eager to work as part of a team and who respects and will not undermine management.
Personally I prefer zoom or teams interviews.
If you are nervous or out of practice it gives you the chance to take a second to centre yourself in a familiar and safe environment - and if you feel the need, post-it’s around the edge of you monitor can help.
Good luck!
Thanks all for your input and time! I won't disclose the position just in case one of the interviewers is a Die hard Oz bargainer 😉
There's a lot for me to practice on, and I feel more confident knowing what the 'initial interview' will entail, it's certainly nothing I've come across previously, it's usually straight to a face to face interview if shortlisted.
Maybe in the not too distant future they'll have AI screen resumes and spit out the shortlisted applicants?!?! 🤷
Cheers
D.
in large recruitment processes there have definitely been instances where the job applications have been shortlisted by computers scanning for key words
And having sat on a panel very recently, it was easy to spot the ChatGPT written applications.
If you want a background during your Zoom session you should set that up in the Zoom app first.
Video interviews are pretty common. At this way you can have notes in your eye line.
However some people use chatgpt ir bard to answer questions…
They'll ask you questions that relate back to the KSC. Like tell me about a time when you xxxxx. Just create some examples in your head that you can draw upon and adjust slightly dependant on the question itself. Tweak here and there and practice.
Typo, KSP, Kerbal Space Program
Zoom/Teams interviews are very common these days. All interviews in our company are over zoom.
Whom is the interview with? Is it with the internal recruiter/HR? Usually the initial one is with their recruiters, if so - this will be a screening. Their job is to weed out those who are definitely not the right fit, so expect generic questions about your understanding of the company, their products and the role, relevant experience, expected compensation. This will be a good chance to ask about the hiring process, timelines, the role history. Other than high level, recruiters won't know much about the actual job so better leave any detailed questions about that to a later stage with the hiring manager or team member.
It's become a bit more common I think since COVID. I've done many interviews via Zoom/Google Meet while finding people and getting a new role myself.
I hired a guy who did the interview from his car at lunchtime while doing another job. He was hired and he has been a great employee! It was during COVID so Face to Face was a bit harder, but still, don't regret it or the process.
When I moved jobs, it was 100% remote/WFH so it was all done via multiple Google Meet calls and it was great.
Tips?
Good luck with the job move! Its nervous when you have been in a role for such a long time, I have taken the leap after 6.5 years and it has been great.
It is a conversation on a subject which you are the World expert….yourself.
Most interviews are more about a vibe check and confirmation of your character and suitability rather than actual assessment.
There will be basic questions to verify the contents of your CV and hear you explain your skillset and experience first hand.
Other questions like "why do you want to work here", "what do you think makes you a good fit for the role" and "where do you see yourself in 5 years" etc. The answers themselves don't necessarily matter, but how you respond to them does. They're picking up cues on your communication.
Stay cool and calm, let them finish talking before answering, take a second breath before answering and just trust yourself to respond in an honest but professional manner. Go over the job description a few times too. You'll do great!