In another B&E event held by Bangor University, I discovered why the Interview doesn’t have to be a nightmare that keeps you awake at night.
In the Assessment Center I was put into a practice Interview situation of firstly, being the interviewer then the interviewee. The position in question, manager of a slipper factory.
Now although this position is not at all related to my degree, it was used to try and help how my experiences could be applied to different situations.
Then under timed conditions set questions were asked from the panel. These questions were ones that were typically asked by employers which are in the biological field.
For example, how can the work from your dissertation help you in this job? These styles of questions paired with the job role catalysed my thinking: What has university also taught me since joining?
Organisation, Responsibility, Confidence
Organisation (time management) and responsibility have of course been improved by University work and lifestyle.
But the knowledge that I have been taught has also raised my confidence, which in a professional manner, can be key to a good interview “performance”.
What I also learned from the Interview…
Be Quick But get Straight to the Point.
You need to respond with structure but not leave them waiting for too long or else you are just wasting time.
Not all interviews are timed but they shouldn’t have enough time to think about their next supermarket shop.
Here is where your expertise should shine through.
Application of Knowledge
You may be applying to a well known biological company but there is a good chance the questions aren’t going to be straight forward.
Employers often like to ask questions that only the top candidates will be able to adapt their knowledge too.
Personality assessments
Some companies will ask you to take personality assessments to see if they are getting their desired member of staff.
Now although I personally have my doubts about tick-box tests, these sorts of assessments have been pioneered since the early 70’s and have a good level of credibility.
Belbin is one of the first who started advertising these assessments, and which a lot of employers still use to test what sort of employee they would be getting in you.
Don’t fear, as explained in the video below there are no right or wrong answers to this test…
In my opinion, before going into an interview you should not only be doing research about their company but critically analysing the skills you learned from your degree. Whether it is the practical techniques like PCR or life skills like time management.
From this I have found that another good way to ensure a good interview is to know who you are.
Sorry for cliche but it can really help your style of conversation type and persona in an interview situation. This, as I found from this event, can really shine through to the listeners which can make you more engagable and talkable to put that real polish on your interview.
Although this event hasn’t changed my career path, I have now got a clearer understanding of the content of interviews, giving me a slipper in the door to my future job.