Preparing for Interviews & Assessment centres
Interviews and Assessment Centres:
Interviews and assessment centres are usually the final stage in the recruitment process
Some will take place in person where you are invited to the company premises' whilst other organisations conduct their interviews online, formats include:
Pre-recorded also known as 'on demand' video interview where you are asked a number of questions and your answers are recorded. Typically these take place prior to being invited to a final interview or assessment centre. Please refer to further information on how to prepare for an 'on demand' video interview.
'Live' and take place via SKYPE, Google meets, Teams or similar. Expect an experience similar to a face to face interview only now it is online!
Assessment centres. Can be in person or online. Be prepared for tasks such as group exercises, presentations and interviews as part of an assessment centre.
What to expect?
Be prepared to answer questions about:
You! 'Tell me about yourself', 'Talk me through your CV' 'What would you bring to the role?'
Your motivation 'Why do you want to work for our company?' 'Where do you see yourself in 5 years time', 'What is your biggest achievement? ' 'What would you like to gain from this internship?'
Commercial awareness 'What do you know about our company?', 'Who are our competitors?' 'What are the biggest opportunities / threats to the sector / business?'
Your skills and attributes 'Tell me about a time when your communication skills improved a situation' , 'Give an example of a situation where you solved a problem in a creative way' , Tell me about a time you worked in a group? What do you find hard about group work?
The STAR technique is a useful way to structure answers to competency questions
Technical Knowledge - refer to the resources below on how to prepare for a technical interview or exercise
What your strengths are? What energises you? How would your close friends describe you? Do you most like starting tasks or finishing them? What makes you tick?
Prepper is a new tool to help you prepare for interviews using an AI interview coach! Practice job-specific questions, get feedback and model answers to help you stand out.
Graduates First provides a range of tests that potential employers may use such as numerical, spatial and situational. To gain access you need select 'continue as current user', and log in via your MUSE account username and password, you will also need to complete your profile in order to gain access to the vast array of tests on offer.
Tech considerations:
Test your wifi connection / connect to the ethernet for a stronger connection
Have the telephone number of the recuiter to hand in case of tech problems
Politely ask your flatmates or family to be quiet and stay off the internet when you have an interview
Make sure your background is neutral / clutter free to avoid distacting interviewer
Dress professionally - as you would for a face to face interview
Practice sharing your screen / have a run through of the platform if you are unfamiliar with it
Consider using a headset for clearer sound/ microphone and to cut out background noise!
Resources:
Read our top tips on How to prepare for Technical interviews
The Careers Service have an online course you can take to help improve your interview skills
