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interview tips
The two key elements to successful interviewing are preparation and enthusiasm. Preparation is essential and greatly enhances your chances of performing well at an interview. Building rapport and showing you are motivated and enthusiastic helps to create a positive impression. Here are some interview ideas and tips which you may find useful.
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Conduct additional research regarding the organisation. Through reading annual reports and researching on the internet, you will gain an understanding of the organisations products/services, size, locations, financial situation and growth potential.
Make sure you know exactly where you’re going and always be on time. Dress appropriately for the role and pay attention to all facets of your dress and grooming.
Spend at least 30 minutes reviewing your CV / experience and it’s relevance to the position description. Identify the specific examples in your background that are directly relevant to the position description and that demonstrate your ability to do the job. Refresh your memory regarding details of present and past employers and your work history in their companies.
Pay particular attention to how you will describe your most important achievements and practice answering common questions such as the ones below:
What are your career goals?
What de-motivates or frustrates you in the workplace?
Can you give me an example of how you dealt with a complaint from a key client?
Can you give me an example of when you worked with someone who had a different interpersonal style to you and how you worked together?
Talk me through a typical work day and how you organise it?
Can you give me an example of when there has been a breakdown in communication and how you dealt with this?
Be prepared to convey to the interviewer why this role appeals to you, why they should consider you for this role and what makes you stand out from the other candidates.
Prepare the questions YOU will ask during the interview. Remember that an interview is a two-way street. The employer will try to determine through questioning if you have the skills necessary to do the job. You must determine through questioning whether the company will give you the opportunity for the growth and development you seek. Here are some examples of questions you might ask:
What would a normal day in this role look like?
Why is this position available?
How would you describe your organisation’s culture?
What sorts of people have done well in this team/organisation?
How would you describe the management style of the person I would be reporting to?
What is the next step in the process
For more information and costs for Interview Coaching, please contact:jason.yuillproctor@brannigans.co.nz
psychometric assessment advice
From time to time, you may be asked to come in and complete specific assessment with a member of our team. The following information aims to give you some insight into the areas that may be covered, along with some tips to ensure you’re prepared.
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general/graduate reasoning test (GRT1/GRT2)
This timed test assesses your mental ability and consists of three subtests: verbal, numerical and abstract reasoning tests.
verbal reasoning test
The Verbal Reasoning Test assesses your ability to understand concepts expressed verbally and your ability to use words in a logical manner. You may find it beneficial to do crosswords or other deduction puzzles and explore words in the dictionary to prepare for this test.
numerical reasoning test
The Numerical Reasoning Test measures your ability to use numbers in a logical and rational way. To prepare for this test you may find it beneficial to practice basic addition, subtraction and multiplication problems since you are not allowed to use a calculator. It is also worth reviewing other basic calculations such as ratios, percentages, fractions and decimals.
abstract reasoning test
The Abstract Reasoning Test measures your ability to learn concepts and ideas outside your previous experience. The test questions consist of a series of shapes and patterns, and you are required to logically work out the next step in the shape and pattern series. There is no specific way to prepare for this subtest, but some libraries and bookshops stock puzzle books with abstract reasoning problems which may be worth having a look at.
Do not worry if you do not finish all the subtest questions because these tests are not designed to be finished. Instead, try to work as quickly and as accurately as you can.
personality questionnaire (15FQ+)
The 15FQ+ Personality Questionnaire is used to gain information about your most typical personality characteristics, attitudes and values. You will be required to answer to what extent you agree with a number of statements, for example “I’m often the life and soul of the party” or “I like to consider all the facts before making a decision”. This assessment is used to evaluate your ‘fit’ with the characteristics of an organisation and a role.
Respond to the statements as honestly as you can, and please note that there are a number of questions embedded in the exercise which are designed to check the accuracy of your responses.
You have unlimited time to complete this assessment and there are no right or wrong answers. Hence, you cannot prepare for this assessment.
before the assessment sessions:
The night before the assessment try to get a good sleep
If you require reading glasses, remember to take them with you
Plan to arrive five minutes early. Remember to allow time for transport and parking
If for health reasons, you do not feel able to perform to the best of your ability on the day of testing, please inform the test administrator before commencing the programme
Try to remain calm and relaxed! Remember that this is only one part of the selection process
during the assessment session:
Listen very carefully to the instructions given to you by the test administrator. Ask the administrator to repeat or explain any instructions you do not understand
Remember to turn your mobile phone off before beginning the first assessment exercise
If you are completing more than one exercise and require a break between assessments, ask the test administrator for five minutes to get some fresh air
If you feel that you have not worked to the best of your ability on any one exercise, try not to let it get you down and focus instead on the next exercise Remember all exercise results are considered in light of what else is known about you from the interview and reference checking procedure
after the assessment session:
After completing the assessments, check with the test administrator when you are able to receive feedback on your results and what form this will take. Please note that you are entitled to receive verbal feedback and are likely to find this helpful in terms of your own professional development
If you have the time, take a break, relax and put your feet up. Depending on the length and type of assessments you completed, you may feel mentally drained and tired
further information:
For any additional information, or more specific information regarding the assessments you will be taking, you may wish to visit www.opra.co.nz (click on ‘Candidates Preparation’). Through this website you can also take practice tests to familiarise yourself with the testing process.
career coaching
Our Career Consultants are experienced in helping individuals to take control of their career by objectively assessing skills, knowledge and interests, and helping to identify the types of roles which are most suitable.
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Brannigans Career Consultants design an individual program to match your needs. A typical program will focus on understanding where you are now in your career, where you want to go, and how to get there. The programmes provide you with practical solutions and range from one to eight sessions.
Outcomes and benefits of career coaching
Assesses your career drivers – works out what is important to you in your work and what motivates you
Helps to identify your key strengths, skills and competencies so you will be successful at what you choose to do
Helps you find job satisfaction by taking an in-depth look at your interests, values and principles
Gain confidence through the knowledge of the best career direction for you
Enhances your enjoyment through not only a satisfying career, but improving your work / life balance
Learn techniques to help sell yourself in an interview
Develops networking and research skills to reach potential employers
Advice and tips on how to write your CV
For more information, please contact:jason.yuillproctor@brannigans.co.nz
