1. careers
2. job search

INTERVIEWING SKILLS
Presented by: Ganess Dirpal
Interviewing Skills - Purpose
• Interviews allow both the employer and the job seeker to
determine if there is a correct fit between them.
• In our case : the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and YOU!
• First impressions can make a lasting impact for both the
interviewer and the job seeker.
INTERVIEWING SKILLS PURPOSE
Employers
Is the candidate qualified?
Are they a good fit for the Ministry?
Determine of you are invited back for a second
interview and ultimately whether you are offered a job.
Job Seekers
Opportunity to meet and connect with the prospective
employer.
Sell your skills and abilities.
Help you determine if you are a good fit for the Ministry.
Interviewing Skills - Process
• Job Interview – 3 Step Process
• Preparation
• Presentation / The Interview
• Post-Interview Follow Up
• Process begins when you start sending out resumes/filling
out applications and extends past the actual interview
Interviewing Skills - Preparation
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PREPARATION
1)
Know yourself
Know your resume inside and out
Be prepared to answer questions, give examples or tell
a story about every job you have held and every
achievement and education noted on the resume
Provide skills and strengths that you possess that are
relevant to the job
Know your personal and professional goals and how
they will fit with the company goals
BE TRUTHFUL. Don’t exaggerate or give inaccurate,
misleading information
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- 1st Step
Interviewing Skills - Preparation
• PREPERATION
2) Research Your Prospective Employer
• It is VITAL that you research the company, as well as the
position for which you are applying.
• Knowledge is power- it can help set you apart from the
competition
• In general, the higher the level or greater the responsibility of
the position, the more extensive your research should be.
• Areas to focus on:
1. General Information – Mission/vision,
2. Key d services – challenges and opportunities
3. Current issues / events – new developments.
4. Organizational structure
6. Corporate Culture
• Sources for Research: Internet, Company webpage,
• e-bulletin boards, blogs, Google searches, library,
• professional trade associations, current employees
Interviewing Skills - Preparation
• PREPARATION
3) Perfect an Elevator Speech
• Everybody engaged in a job search needs an Elevator
Speech
• Brief introduction that you always have ready when
someone asks you, “So, tell me about yourself…”
• Omit personal information. Should only contain job
related information
• Write the speech and then practice it until it’s second
nature and you can deliver it smoothly and naturally
without sounding overly rehearsed
Exercise
• Create your “Elevator Speech”
• Your Goal
• Your Experience that has prepared you to reach that goal
• i.e. Education
• i.e. Career Progression, School Projects, etc
Example
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Michelle R. Agnew, SPHR
My interest in Human Resources started in College. I
graduated Summa Cum Laude, number 3 in my class in only
three years with a B.S. Degree in Business Administration,
with an emphasis in Human Resources. While in school, I
completed two internships: one in Recruitment at Affina and
one in Employee Development at Caterpillar. I have over 8
years of experience in Human Resources Management,
working in both the private and public as well as profit and
not-for profit sectors. I am a generalist by trade and
thoroughly enjoy the Employee Relations and Strategic
Management aspects of the field. At this point, I am looking
for a challenge in my career, focusing on facilitating
strategic partnerships with senior
leadership.
Interviewing Skills - Preparation
• PREPARATION
4) Study the job description thoroughly and
develop success stories from past jobs,
achievements, and experiences
• Behavioral interviews offer the perfect format for success
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stories
Truthful tale that illustrates your skills and value to an employer
Best success stories connect with the employer’s needs and
demonstrate that you have done it in the past and can do it
again
Provide the challenge/problem…action taken…result/resolution
Include quantitative details
Understanding responsibilities required in the position will help
you select the most appropriate stories to discuss
Be SPECIFIC- answer with how you have handled
this in the past- not “I would”.
Interviewing Skills - Exercise
• Tell a success story in response to the following question.
• Question: What are your 3 best strengths?
Interviewing Skills - Preparation
• PREPARATION
5) Practice answering questions that may be
asked during an interview
• Practice – Practice – Practice
• May make the difference between a good or poor
interview and may ultimately result in whether or not you
get the job
Interviewing Skills - Preparation
• PREPARATION
6) Be prepared to ask questions of the interviewer
• Indicate your level of interest
• General rule – ask 2 to 4 questions
• Bring a list of questions to refer to, selecting the most relevant
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Sample Questions to Ask:
What would you like to see accomplished in the position in the next 3 to 6
months?
How do you measure success in this position?
If I’m selected, what would be my 2 -3 highest priorities in the near future?
What would you identify as characteristics of a top performer in this position?
Don’t ask about salary, benefits or time off
until after a job offer has been made
Interviewing Skills - Preparation
• PREPARATION
7) Professional References
• Use professional references unless asked to provide
personal references by the employer
• Never use a reference unless you have obtained
permission from them
• Develop solid references that can speak with firsthand
knowledge about your ability to perform the job
• Generally you want to choose former supervisors,
teachers, or ELITE team leaders
• Have accurate, up-to-date information for references,
such as name, daytime phone, e-mail address and
relationship to you
• You should have no less than 3 references
Interviewing Skills - Preparation
• PREPARATION
8) Wardrobe and Grooming – You never get a second
chance to make a first-impression
• Simple truth- appearance matters
• Know the corporate culture (part of the research process).
• General rule of thumb is to dress for the interview at a level that
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is one step above the position for which you are applying.
You may not need to dress this way once you get the job, but
dressing appropriately for the interview is very important.
Be mindful of your breath. Carry mints with you.
Be careful of colognes, perfumes, lotions and aftershave. Use
sparingly.
Review how you look both standing up and sitting down to
ensure you look professional.
Interviewing Skills - Preparation
• PREPARATION
Wardrobe and Grooming Tips for Women
• 2 piece suit with skirt or pant or a dress is recommended. Solid
blue, gray or black is best with neutral, solid color blouse
• Closed toed shoes or pumps are best. Make certain they are
not scuffed and heels are not damaged. No Boots
• Hosiery should be neutral in color with no patterns. Make
certain there are no runs. Carry an extra pair.
• Jewelry: subtle and compliment your outfit, not distract from it
• Don’t carry a briefcase and a purse- choose one.
• Hair should be clean and neatly styled.
• Light make-up and perfume.
• Neatly manicured, clean nails.
Interviewing Skills - Preparation
• PREPARATION
Wardrobe and Grooming Tips for Men
• Solid color suit. Navy or dark grey.
• Long sleeve shirt. White or solid color coordinated with
suit.
• Coordinating tie and belt.
• Dark socks that coordinate with suit.
• Leather shoes that are shined.
• Neat, professional hairstyle.
• Go conservative with jewelry; well-groomed beard and
mustache if have them.
• Neatly trimmed, clean nails.
• Portfolio or briefcase
You have chosen your footwear. What
about the rest of your clothes?
Or…if you are a woman
Interviewing Skills - Preparation
What if I don’t have a suit?
• Dress slacks (or khakis) and a nice shirt are ok in most
environments if a suit is not available
• Other guidelines still apply
What not to wear!
• Jeans and tee shirts
• Shorts
• Casual sandals and tennis shoes
• Remove facial piercings and cover tattoos.
Interviewing Skills - Preparation
• PREPARATION
9) Final Phase – 3 Important Things
Know where you are going & how long it will take
to get there.
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Do a practice run during the time you will be driving the route
Know where and how long it will take to park & walk to building
Always plan to arrive 15-20 minutes early
NEVER arrive to an interview late!
Remember what to take with you
• Copies of your resume, completed application, reference sheet,
copy of the job posting, directions to the destination,
writing/note materials and other research materials you have
accumulated
Interviewing Skills - Preparation
• PREPARATION
What not to bring to the Interview with you
• Friends, family members or children
• Cell phones- if you have them, turn them OFF.
• Ipods or any other electrical devices
• Food
• Drinks
• Cigarettes
Be prepared for the unexpected
Be polite and cordial to the receptionist
Interviewing Skills - Presentation
• PRESENTATION – 2nd Step
• Actual Interview
• If you have done your research, know the job position
thoroughly and have practiced, you may be nervous but
you will be much better prepared for questions that will be
asked of you.
• Familiarize yourself with the different interview styles used
by employers. If possible, when scheduling the interview,
try to obtain what type of interview will be conducted.
This will also help you to prepare for the interview.
Interviewing Skills - Presentation
• Presentation - The first few
minutes are crucial. Studies have
shown that interviewers can form an
overall impression within the first 4
minutes of the interview.
• Introduction
• Shake hands firmly with the interviewer. A firm hand
shake is important and OFTEN mishandled.
• While shaking hands, make good eye contact, smile and
greet the person with “Pleased to meet you, I am…”
• Be polite; use the formal address of Mr., Ms.,
unless invited to do otherwise.
Interviewing Skills - Presentation
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Body Language
Stand Tall
Sit straight and tall and look attentive and enthusiastic
Listen attentively but avoid staring at the interviewer
Place all material you brought with on the floor beside you
with the exception of a note pad
Nod when appropriate to demonstrate interest and
evidence that you are paying attention
Remain calm; Don’t fidget
Be careful not to speak too quickly
Respond to questions appropriately
Be warm and conversational, but don’t ramble
Smile
Interviewing Skills - Presentation
• Sample Questions
• Common Questions – Be careful, practice to “obvious” questions are
often overlooked by job seekers and result in weak answers.
• Can you tell me about yourself? Use the Elevator Speech
• Why do you want to work here?
• (do not reply with- I need a job)
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What are your goals?
What are your strengths?
What experience do you have that’s directly relevant to this position?
Why should we hire you?
What are your salary expectations?
What do you know about our company?
Interviewing Skills - Presentation
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Sample Questions
Difficult Questions
What is your greatest weakness?
How would you describe your personality?
Have you ever been fired?
Why have you been out of work for such an extended
period of time?
• Have you ever had a disagreement with a coworker or
your boss, and if so, how did you handle it? BE
CAREFUL… never speak negatively of past or current
jobs or employers…. Also- be honest… employers know
people have disagreements!
• What did you dislike most about your last job?
• What was your biggest failure?
Interviewing Skills - Presentation
• Employers invest in a variety of interview approaches,
which they believe will most effectively identify the
candidates who will fulfill the role and responsibilities for
the position and will be a good fit for their organization
Interviewing Skills - Presentation
• One-on-One Interview – Traditional interview
• Serial or Sequential Interview - Candidates are passed
from one interviewer to another throughout the course of
the day. Sequential may last day, weeks or longer.
• Panel Interview – Appear before a committee or panel of
interviewers
• Group Interview – Interview simultaneously with other
candidates for the same
position
Interviewing Skills - Presentation
• Behavioral Interview - Many companies
are increasingly using the behavioral
interview.
• Systematic process that ensures a fair selection process
• Use candidate’s previous behavior as an indicator of future
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performance
May involve standardized assessment instruments, such as
personality, aptitude and interest inventories
Involves directive and probing questions
Questions may ask you to describe problem-solving skills,
adaptability, leadership, conflict resolution, stress management,
etc.
Involve what you thought, felt, did and the
resulting outcome
Interviewing Skills - Presentation
• Sample Behavioral Interview Questions
• Describe a time when two of the members of your team
did not work well together? What did you do to get them
to work together?
• Give me an example of a project that best describes your
organizational skills.
• Tell me about a time when your work was criticized. How
did you respond?
• What is the most difficult decision you’ve had to make?
How did you arrive at your decision? What was the
result?
Interviewing Skills - Exercise
• Answer Behavioral Question
• Gives a specific situation
• Contains the tasks/objectives that needed to be done
• The action(s) you took
• The results/outcome i.e. what happened
• Question: Have you ever had to deal with an upset
customer? If so, what how did you deal with it? What
happened?
Interviewing Skills - Presentation
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Factors Rated By Employers During Interviews
Education – As it relates to the position
Cognitive Abilities – Judgment, logic, thought processes etc
Manner, Personal Traits – Social poise, sense of humor,
mannerism, self confidence, listening skills etc
Appearance – Grooming, Dress, Hygiene, Health
Attitude – Enthusiastic, outlook, willing to work hard, ability to
accept criticism, interaction with work environment /
people
Level of Motivation – Initiative, energetic, ambitious, goal
oriented, accomplishments and achievements
Leadership Qualities – Mature, responsible, stable
Interest – Interest in position and company
Overall Impression
Interviewing Skills – Post Interview
• POST-INTERVIEW FOLLOW UP – 3rd Step
• Thank you Notes
• Whatever the results of your interview, a follow up thank
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you note to the interviewer (s) is a nice gesture.
Can be a typed or hand written letter or note. An e-mail is
also acceptable. Customize the note.
Free of spelling or grammar errors.
Should be completed within 2-3 days of the interview.
Highlight key points you want to reiterate or forgot to say,
information you learned about the company, express
enthusiasm about the opportunity.
If you have decided that the position is not for you, it is
perfectly appropriate to thank them for their time but
respectfully
ask that your name be removed from further
consideration.
Ministry of Foreign Affairs
• To promote, safeguard and defend the national interest of
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Mauritius
To contribute towards the building of a secure, equitable
and democratic international community
To foster economic growth through the expansion of
trade and to fully integrate Mauritius into the global economy
To work towards sustainable development through the
deepening and acceleration of regional integration
To provide consular services and assistance to the
Mauritius diaspora and National abroad
To develop a modern, effective and excellence-driven
Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Regional integration and
International Trade
Values
Achievements
• Schengen Visa Waiver Agreement
• Circular Migration
• TIFA, AGOA(African Growth Opportunity Act), including
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the Third Country Fabric Waver
Co-gestion of Tromelin
Election of Mauritius and Mauritian Nationals to important
international bodies
Membership and Presidency of the UN Security Council
Joint Submission with Seychelles for an Extended
Continental Shelf in the Mascarence Plateau region
Successful Peer review of the Mauritius APRM Country
Report
Role of Second Secretary
• Assist Head of Mission in the day-to day management of
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the Mission
To project the right image of Mauritius and to represent
and safeguard its interest in a most effective manner
To collect and process information to the formulation of
foreign policy
To carry out research on contemporary international
political events and assess their possible impact on
Mauritius
To represnet Mauritius in International for a, conferences
and socio-cultural activities
To perform protocol duties
Preparation for the interview-What to
expect?
• 3-4 essay type questions on international events: e.g Ebola and trade,
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China, Chagos etc..
How cam Ebola affect trade? Or its impact on our economy?
Tell me about the sugar protocol?
The interview: Sample questions:
1. What is you know about regional trading blocks such as SADC,
IOR, COI etc?
What are their roles and functions?
What are your expectations from this job? Travel, security issues, no
social life, receiving Ministers at odd hours presenting them to the
President etc…
Spending 3 years abroad travelling mostly..
Key: confidence, administrative management skills, work-life balance,
provide advice.
Interesting site
• http://foreign.gov.mu/English/AboutUs/Pages/default.aspx