Preparing for job interview

[HotI]

What is the best way to prepare for a job interview?

It has been a couple of years since i went to one and i am out of practise. What is the best way to the answer questions like 'tell us about a time when you had conflict in the workplace?' i would probably have to make something up

if you are an interviewer what are you looking for, and do you have questions you always ask?

The position is a part time professional one in the allied health area.

And if you feel like sending some positive thoughts my way i would really appreciate it!

[*Infinity*]

Loads of positive thoughts coming your way....you'll nail it I'm sure.

Have you got anyone around who you can role play an interview with? That's always helped me. Its all well and good to have the words in your head, but often its a different story getting them out.

When I recruit I usually ask scenario-based questions like you've included - ie. the 'tell us about a time when xyz happened...' and ask about things like when they've demonstrated leadership or used initiative, improvied a policy or procedure, resolved conflict (ugh), sought advice from a manager, review their performance etc.

I always ask about strengths & weakness and why people are applying for the job and what appeals to them. I ask them what they value in a workplace and its culture.

I tend to try and pose some questions that might also elude to their values and how they fit with our team and the work we do....which is broadly health care based and social services.

If I think of anything else I"ll pop back in.

[Nai]

With the "tell me about a time" questions, they are looking for examples of when you have done something in the workplace to demonstrate a behavior (or competency) that they feel is a requirement for this role.

To prepare the sorts of competencies that they looking for, look at the job ad or position description (if you can) and look at the requirements for the job eg, excellent verbal communications skills, problems solving skills, customer service skills

Then in preparing about your responses use the SAO method - describe the Situation (what was going on); the Action (what did YOU do in the situation) and the Outcome (what happened as a result of your action). This is how you should respond to these questions to give the interviewer a full picture of your competence in that area. The example doesn't have to be anything life changing but it does have to be YOU doing it. Make sure you respond with "I" did not "we" did as they want to know about you specifically.

Some other questions that you might want to prepare are
- Why do you want this job/Why did you apply?
- Why are you the best candidate?
- What are your strengths/weaknesses?
- Do you have any questions about the role?

[Mother Goose]

if you can't think of a work place conflict, tell them that. Tell them you can't recall a specific incident but if you were faced with conflict in the work place, you'd handle it by doing xyz. But remember, it work place conflict doesn't have to be a fight with someone, it can be a disagreement over treatment, or allocation of staff etc.

Make sure you've read the PD - several times. Make sure you know your CV back to front, nothing worse than putting something in it and then not being able to expand on it!

I had an interview just before Christmas and was pooing my pants (REALLY wanted the job and hadn't interviewed for about 4 years!). I was expecting more technical questions specifically related to the role (also health care) but got a lot of questions about how I interact with staff etc.

If you want more specific help, PM me. Good luck with the interview - exciting!

[~ Zarava Flutterby ~]

You will ace it hun, sending all the good vibes your way.
Might try and time it so the girls and i are there visiting DP when you should be finishing up.. good luck

[HotI]

Thank you all, your posts are helping it all come back to me and getting me in the right headspace. THanks for the questions to practise on too.

I had an interview just before Christmas and was pooing my pants (REALLY wanted the job and hadn't interviewed for about 4 years!). I was expecting more technical questions specifically related to the role (also health care) but got a lot of questions about how I interact with staff etc.

I have interviewed at this place before, and similarly the questions were more person based than technical based. I have my CV and the Position desciption printed out and going through it now, picking out examples i can use.