GUIDE TO SUCCESS AT
INTERVIEWS
Postgraduate Study in Economics:
Hints for Economics Undergraduates
GUIDE TO SUCCESS AT INTERVIEWS
• Preparation for the interview
• The day of the interview
• Learn from feedback
2
PREPARATION FOR THE INTERVIEW
• Make sure you are well informed about current events
that relate to the firm or job
• For example, what is the state of the economy,
unemployment rate, inflation rate, eurocrisis, market
conditions, etc.
• Regularly read a major newspaper that has comment
3
PREPARATION FOR THE INTERVIEW
• They will use your CV/application as a basis for some
questions. Make sure you know your CV and can back
up any claims.
• Make sure you know a lot about the firm, government
department and the job. Do some detailed research
• Have prepared questions about the job. What are the
tasks, training, progresssion in the job (ie will you be
given more responsibility)
4
QUESTIONS THEY MAY ASK
• Think about why you want the job and have a good story
• Think about the skills necessary for the job and how you can
show that you have the skills, eg numeracy, data handling,
communication, problem solving, analytical skill, team work
under stress
• Have examples (two for each skill?) of where you have used
such skills and do not use the same example each time, eg last
year’s internship
5
THE INTERVIEW DAY
•
Give yourself plenty of time to get there
•
Be positive about yourself and your achievements
•
However, do not over sell yourself. You will not be in charge of the
company in the near future.
•
Dress appropriately
•
It is difficult to be a different person to your natural character. Be
yourself
6
THE INTERVIEW
•
Go into the room and look at the interviewers
•
Answer their questions directly
•
Keep eye contact with the person asking the question but look at
the others
•
Do not be weird!
•
Do not give too short an answer. They will be trained to ask more
than yes/no questions
7
THE INTERVIEW
• Do not give too long an answer. They will ask for detail if
necessary
• If they ask a question you have not expected or totally
floors you. Give yourself time to think. This is good, they
do not want bull-shitters who say and act too quickly
• If confused ask for clarification if necessary and relax
8
THE INTERVIEW - TYPICAL QUESTIONS
• What are your strength and weaknesses?
• How have you worked in a team? (give examples)
• How have you worked under stress? (give examples)
• What do you want to be doing in 5/10 years time? (give
examples)
9
THE INTERVIEW- POSSIBLE QUESTIONS
• Odd ball questions, have you ever cheated/lied and why?
• What mistakes have you made in your life?
• Money or quality of life?
10
CONCLUSION
• Prepare yourself well
• Be yourself, you cannot pretend for a long time
11