Marketing your PPLS and other skills and experience to graduate employers – at a job interview

Janet ForsythCareers Adviser

What we’ll cover…..

Brief introduction to interviews – general and PPLS–specific

Interview fears

Opportunity to practice

Conclusions and feedback

Further support

Preparation

Basic Practicalities

Research

Practice

The interview Types of interview-formats Non-verbal communication and body language Your answers: advice Your questions: dos and don’ts Their questions (1):

common questions, strength-based; Technical/vocational unexpected questions; hypothetical;

….. and degree-based and competency Qs……

About your degree….

‘when you consider your courses, don’t just think about the grades you achieved in the end, but the new skills you gained along the way.’

recent PPLS grad

Why did you choose your degree subject /university?What value is the study of philosophy in the workplace?What have you gained from your degree that’s of value/interest to us?How is the study of philosophy relevant to our work?What skills have you developed from your studies that equip you to work with us?

From recent philosophy grads….

‘strong analytical and communication skills, understand formal structure of arguments and weigh up pros and cons , research skills, gather, sift and sort key information….’ grad 2009, Policy Officer

‘Logic skills (accountancy is much more about logic than maths. Balance sheets are just big logic puzzles)’ grad 2011, trainee accountant

‘Time management and self-discipline’ grad 2011, HR manager

‘think rationally and analytically…makes tackling big problems a lot easier.’ grad 2008, creative director

Some ideas for skills……

Philosophy skills:

analyse and construct sound arguments;

distinguish fine differences between views and find common ground;

present ideas convincingly through well-constructed, systematic arguments;

write clearly and persuasively;

generate ideas and come up with solutions to problems;

be open to new ideas and ways of thinking.

General skills:

self-motivation and the capacity for independent study and thought;

the ability to prioritise work and meet deadlines;

flexibility and creativity;

the ability to identify, absorb and sift complex information;

team working;

increased knowledge of IT.

Other PPLS subjects..

Skills / competency based questions

Aim to elicit evidence of a certain skill

Are based on the theory that past behaviour predicts future performance

From your research you can predict the skills they will ask about

Pick and prepare examples from a range of different experiences

• For example: Tell me about a time when you worked effectively in a team? What was your role? How did you contribute to the team’s success?

Using the STAR structure

Situation – be specific and focused

Task – outline the challenge presented

Action – detail what YOU did

Result – sum up positively

Your turn…..! Interview pairs:

Interviewer/observer Interviewee

In pairs choose a job to focus on decide on 2 questions, one philosophy,

one competency (related to role) give interviewee 2 minutes to structure

answers interviewer ask questions; use

checklist for observation give feedback (feedback sandwich) swap roles

Summary

Research

Prepare

Practice

Where to find additional

Information Centre: RED Interview section

Including interview feedback and takeaway booklets

Making an Impact and First Impressions Count - DVDs online,

plus others to view in the information centres

Job Applications & Interviews – from Careers Service website

Practice interviews with an adviser

video practice via Careers MyEd channel

Practice assessment centres

Discussion with a careers adviser (20 mins - bookable on day)