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Science & Technical Interview Advice



Techniques



Think about yourself...



It is important before an interview to think about all the reasons why you are attending it and what you have to offer the organisation. Be ready to discuss both short and long-term career goals, relevant experience/ skills and most importantly - sell yourself!

Gaps in the CV...



You will also need to explain gaps in employment. If you worked in a temporary capacity but didn’t put it on your CV, state the details of which companies you worked with, what you did for them and the length of the assignments. If you did not work but searched for a job, give examples of the research you did and the process you went through to find the position.

Reasons for leaving...



Prepare to discuss the reasons you left your previous jobs. If it was for a better opportunity, explain how it was an opportunity. If you left involuntarily, present the reason in the most positive light you can. Make sure your responses are honest and be positive. Don't be afraid to say your ambitions, as a means of why you chose your particular career path.

Research the job...



Before attending any interview it is a good idea to research the organisation and familiarise yourself with the following:

- Size of organisation, number of employees.
- History, do they belong to an umbrella group?
- General information about their services/products/aims etc.
- Major competitors.
- Job description.
- Understand the skills required for the position.
- Relationship between the open position and other members of staff - have a sense for the department you will be working in.
- Have some questions that would help further your understanding of the organisation e.g. how do you see the organisation or role developing over the future?
- Specifically, for science and technical positions, it would be wise to brush up on your background knowledge of the subject related to the position - maybe get out your old University notes, or borrow a book from the library.


Feedback to your consultant how you thought the interview went and say whether you would be interested in the job if it were to be offered to you.

What is the employer looking for?



You must try to consider how you can display your skills and experience in a good and honest light and provide employers with the evidence that you are the right person for the job.

- Be specific in your answers.
- Avoid rambling or getting off on a tangent.
- Ask for clarification if you are unsure of the question.
- Take responsibility for communicating your strengths. Don’t rely on the interviewer to pull it out of you.
- Consider the types of skills and characteristics you think the employer needs in the applicant to be successful in the job for which you are attending an interview, e.g. attention to detail, diplomacy, leadership, persistence, problem solving and planning, stress management, team building, technical.
- Once you have determined what you think the employer will be looking for, write out examples of situations that showed your skills in those areas. Explain your past successes, the more you can clearly describe the experience, the people involved, the challenge and the solutions, the more you’ll stand out in the interviewer’s mind.