INFOGRAPHIC: Anatomy of a Job Interview

Here is an interesting infographic on the types of interview questions asked, both common and most uncommon. As well as some useful tips that you can apply to your interviews. Please share this and tell others about this blog.

Left and Right brain

There is a left and right side of the brain. These sides determine whether we are analytical (left) or creative (right). You can discover whether you use your left or right sided brain by doing a simple "brain test". Look at the video below: if the dancer is turning clockwise you use the right side if your brain; if the dancer is turning counter clockwise you use the left side of your brain more.

The Left Brain

• uses logic
• detail oriented
• facts rule
• words and language
• present and past
• math and science
• can comprehend
• knowing
• acknowledges
• order/pattern perception
• knows object name
• reality based
• forms strategies
• practical
• safe

The Right Brain

• uses feeling
• "big picture" oriented
• imagination rules
• symbols and images
• present and future
• philosophy and religion
• can "get it"
• believes
• appreciates spatial perception
• knows object function
• presents possibilities
• impetuous
• risk taking

Interview technique

Recently I had a job interview with a marketing company. This was the second interview I had had with the firm and so was prepared for the questions they were going to ask. I decided to write this post for those of you that may be asked the same style question so that you may be more prepared for a job interview.


Some of these questions included:

1. If I were to run into a friend of yours at a cafe how would they describe you?
2. The theme for a fancy dress party is fantasy, fear and fairytale, what character would you go as?
3. Why did you leave your last job?
4. Describe a time where you showed your leadership skills, teamwork skills and organisation skills?
5. Do you have any major commitments that may affect your ability to perform well when you are working for us?
6. Are you available for a follow up interview between [Date] and [Date]?

A lot of the question are very much personality based, the employer wants to know that you will fit in with their company culture can get jobs done and have the personality to work under the job conditions, e.g. if the job has a tendency to be stressful or requires long hours. 

Preparation

Before going into a job interview look at the job advertisement again, pick out keyword, think of how you best match these keywords and think of examples where you have displayed these attributes. This will prepare you for any questions that require you to back-up what you have said in your resume or cover letter.

You need to feel comfortable with what you are going to say in the interview. Have a friend or relative prep you on some questions before the day of the interview. The interviewer knows that you are going to be nervous and that you want the job over the other 50 applicants, but also know that they have to pick the best person for the job. You need to make yourself memorable. This means you need to pick appropriate clothing, say the right thing and do not do something inappropriate during the interview.

1. When picking what cloths the wear looking at the company colours. Research has shown that if you go to an interview dresses in company colours the interviewer subconsciously looks at you as fitting in with company culture, putting you in a better position than other applicants. Wear something smart, be a little more formal. Suit pants and a shirt if you are a man, or a business skirt or suit pants and a shirt if you are a woman.
2. As mentioned earlier, be prepared for some of the interview questions that the interviewer may ask. Get a friend to help you go over some of the questions, write your answers down and go over them on your own. This will improve your speaking skills during the interview and make you more memorable to the interview, which is what you want when they submit their report.
3. DO NOT DO SOMETHING INAPPROPRIATE: this category includes not texting during the interview or taking a phone call, turn your phone off before you go in. Don't ask the interviewer on a date, yes they may be good looking but in the end you will only appear to be forward and too keen, not putting you in the probable list, probably just in the bin.

Arrival

Find out where the interview is, how long it'll take you to get there and decide on the most appropriate route. You will then know when to leave home, how your going to get there and how long it will take you to get there. Punctuality is key when arriving for the interview, you may not be remembered for it but you will be if you are late. Also remember to thank the interviewer for their time and hope that you hear from them soon.

Follow up

So you have been to the interview, come back and time goes by you hear nothing. Not an email, not a call, nothing. It may only be a couple of days but remember that they will have a lot of applicants to get through. Follow up with an email asking how it is going and where you application is.

Sample emails could be:

Dear [interviewer name],

I had an interview with you on the [date and time]. I was just following up on how the application is going.

From [name]

Clear, simple and to the point.

Food for Thought

There are certain foods that do make you smarter. These foods can generally be cheap as well, so absolutely excellent for university or college students living away from home. It is important when studying to improve short term and long term memory. Five foods that are cheap and good for your mind and body include:

#1 Oats

Yes this is what we give horses, but it is also what we make porridge out of for ourselves. Oats contain glucose that is the only sugar the brain can absorb, it is responsible for your concentration and memory. You can buy Oats relatively cheaply from Woolworth's for $1.19 (AUD).

All you need to make porridge is:

• 1 cup of Oats
• 1 cup of milk
• 3 cups of water
• Pinch of salt

Put it all in a pan and cook until boiled.

#2 Rice

Rice is also a good food containing glucose and reasonably cheap. You can cook it for a dinner meal and mix it with beans, carrots, capsicum and fish. The good thing about rice is that it can be stored for the week in a airtight sealed container in the refrigerator and reheated for the rest of the week. Similar to oats it improves concentration and memory.

#3 Fish

Fish have two essential chemicals that are good for your body overall and your brain function. EPA which reduces blood clotting and decreases the chance of heart attacks and DHA which enhances leaning ability and mental development. Tuna is cheap to pick up at any supermarket, it is ok to get the cheap or homebrand tuna or salmon, especially when you are at college or uni. But you can also pick up relatively cheaply frozen fish. Fish is something that can be made for lunch, dinner or a snack, so a really good all round food.

#4 Eggs

The yolk of an egg contains Choline, which makes up the greatest percentage of the brain. This chemical is responsible for memory prompting. Eggs are also cheap to pick up around supermarkets and are a good all round food. A nice quiche recipe involves:

• 3 medium sized eggs
• 1 finely chopped onion
• 1/2 finely chopped capsicum
• 2 Tbs of butter or margarine
• Splash of milk
• 1 sheet of puff pastry

Heat the oven to 180o C. Butter a baking dish and place the puff pastry in the dish. Combine all other ingredients and in well together. Pour into the dish and place into the oven for 30 minutes or until cooked right through.

#5 Water

Your brain is made up of about 30% water, therefore it is important to stay hydrated. When you get dehydrated you may increase your memory loss and reduce cognition. Water is the cheapest thing you can drink. Most tap water contains fluoride, which is also good for your teeth. Buying water is an expensive way of drinking, if you are at college of university then it is a good idea to buy a bottle and fill it with tap water.

Goal Planner

My previous post on HSC Student Resources mentioned setting out goals for during and after High School.
Here is a goal planner for those of you that may need an extra hand getting yourself in order for your future. Either in terms of education or life in general. This planner is free to download in a word document or PDF.

Goals Planner by Emily

Assessment grid

In a previous post I mentioned setting up an assessment grid to keep track of your assignments, their due dates, prioritising and organising your semester, as well as seeing how far you have come and how far you have to go. I have created an assessment grid, which is adaptable to your semester and subject offering. It is available for free download for you to get started with the new semester organised. Simply click download below the image or embed if you would like to put it on your blog.

Assignment Grid by Emily

Similar documents are available by Newbie_pro on Scribd. Along with some study notes on brand management and business strategy.