Advice (again) Competency based interviews

[Cat Queen]

I posted a bit ago about changes to where I work, basically they are completely restructuring. I am a grade 5 but they will no longer exist in the new structures, so i was put into pools for Grade 6 and Grade 4 jobs. I did think personally the Grade 6 was a stretch too far for me, and would use the whole experience for getting ready for the grade 4 interviews/tests next week.

Well I did the competency based interview for the grade 6 on Tuesday and was told today I didnt get one of the grade 6 posts (i wasnt surprised) but when I went to see the chair for feedback (who is also a guy I have worked for for years) he said I just froze, he said I had good examples to use, but didnt use them to their full potential. He said he knows I can get a grade 4 job, but I need to get my act together for the interview on Wednesday.

How can I overcome my nerves, I NEED to get this job, it is my last chance and the pressure is on now, as I cant afford not to work being on my own with the kids. I am hoping this will spur me on, but how do I go in there, sell myself and not make a total fool of myself because nerves got the better of me.

Any help/advice would be greatly greatly appreciated.

[Bop]

Firstly big ((hugs)) - its horrible having tpo go through stuff like this.

It does sound positive - as though the chair would like to keep you.

I used to do competency based interview and we used the STAR format when interviewing:
S - Situation - a bit of background to set the scene
T - (not quite sure this one is exactly right?) Trouble - what the problem was
A - Action - what you yourself did
R - Result - what the outcome was
So if I asked a question I would look for the person to go through the above in their answer (with some prompting and guidance).

For instance, if the question is "Tell me about a time when you demonstrated excellent customer service", your answer could be something like..
(S) In my current job I deal with customer orders. (T) A few months go, a customer needed a particular item the next day, but had missed the cut off. (A) I spoke to the customer and listened carefully to understand the issue. I realised that the customer lived locally and that we had the item in stock. I offered to drop it round on my way home. The customer agreed, so I took payment, then I obtained the item and delievered it to the customer, as agreed. (R) The customer was extremely pleased to receive the item so quickly and as a result contacted the local paper and the company got some excellent publicity.
(OK, so that is probably an unlikely scenario, but hopefully shows how to structure it!)

Do you know what the competencies are?
If so, think of examples when you have demonstrated them and then work through the above format to get to an answer. Make sure you say whay YOU did and that they show yourself in a positive light. You can actually have all your answers prepared before the interview.

In terms of nerves, do you know anyone who could give you a mock interview? If not, sort out your answers and practice in front of a mirror.

Good luck - you can do this.

Bop

[Cat Queen]

Thanks Bop, in the interview I had this week I took index cards in listed under each competency and some notes on each, but the guy who interviewed me said he thought i was bringing war and peace out! he said it was too much and to take 1/2 index cards in with basic information on to prompt me.
One of the girls who was interviewed and thought she had blown it got the job, so going to talk to her on Monday.
Think I need to try and rein in my nerves and not rush my answers to get the whole thing over with as alot is riding on this.

[Bop]

In that case, maybe concentrate on the "what you did" bit - use short action based sentences.

It is hard to overcome nerves - that's why mock interviews and practice in front of a mirror help - you can hopefully become so comfortable with what you want to say that even under pressure it still comes out OK.

The other thing to think about is its NOT the end of the world if you don't get this job - its actually a great opportunity to think about what's important in life and then try something new - getting made redundant was one of the best things that ever happened to me.

Good luck and lots of ((hugs)) to help you through.

Bop