Video Script – How NOT to do a job interview:
Pat Deeley – interviewer
Dave Gallagher– interviewee (Keith)
(Pat) Hello and thanks for coming today. I’d like to start by going through your CV and asking you a few questions? Firstly – tell me something about yourself?
(Dave) doesn’t give eye contact, shuffles about a bit, mumbles.
Well I’m 33 years old, I’m married with 3 children Sophie, Mike and Charlie. We’ve got 2 dogs – Fred and Ginger both Rottweillers but really loving. A couple of cats – Tom & Jerry – lovely little things ……………
(Pat) Erm ok – thanks Keith but can you tell me more about your current role with AV is Us?
(Dave) coughs, looks away etc.
Yes no problem, sorry. I’ve been with AV is Us for just over a year now. I’m really fed up, they never listen to me, the targets are way too high and the territory is far too big. I’m always on the road, sometimes it takes me 3 hours to get from one appointment to another – that’s if I can get appointments these days – what with the recession and all that nobody is buying anything!
(Pat) Really Keith ?– that must be disappointing. What are your sales figures for the current year and how do you expect to finish against your target?
(Dave) Well if we could get product out I would be on 200% but there’s never enough stock. Also our accounts department don’t help by not giving credit to loads of my customers – there’s a recession on they should be a bit flexible in this day and age!
(Pat) And your sales figures?
(Dave) Erm let me think. ……………………… I just missed target this month because of all the problems I mentioned and finished on 62% – we had some stock issues the last 3 months but I had a great month in July when I hit 90% of target. Of course I got no thanks for it though!
(Pat) Ok Keith – so what could you bring to our company? Why should we employ you?
(Dave) Erm…….. I am a great people person, I get on with everybody. All my customers enjoy my visits – always have a cup of tea and a good laugh. I’m determined, self-motivated, competitive, have a positive mental attitude and I can make things happen.
(Pat) Wow – that sounds fabulous Keith. Can you give me any examples of when you “made things happen and of your competitive spirit” in the workplace?
(Dave) Erm……………..Good question – I’ll have to think about one!
(Pat) Ok – well do you have any questions for me?
(Dave) What’s your favourite colour?
Summary
We think you’ll agree that Keith probably wouldn’t have got to the end of this interview, let alone a 2nd one or a job offer! Ok we’ve exaggerated a bit! But do remember the points we are making:
- Make eye contact
- Speak clearly and concisely and LISTEN
- Keep still – very annoying if someone is constantly shuffling it shows they are very nervous and you have to show you’re confident
- Unless you are asked personal questions – keep to work related answers – your new company don’t want to hear about your menagerie at home
- Don’t diss your previous companies – the interview is about you not them. It comes across as totally unprofessional.
- No excuses – you are at an interview to sell yourself (whether you are in sales or not) you have to convince the new company that it would be a worthwhile investment to employ you.
- Don’t just use clichés and descriptions that you have picked up along the way – you will need evidence of your achievements
- Do your homework, be positive but sincere, show how you could add value to the new company with examples from your previous positions.