Chapter 1
Start here
What interview training is, who it is for, and how to use this guide whether you have booked with us or not.
3 minute read
Our interview training and mock interviews are tailored to your needs and cover all types of interviews. They are run by experienced interviewers with backgrounds in business mentoring, communications, media and human resources. Teaching is one of our specialist areas.
This guide is public on purpose. If you are weighing up whether to book, read it and see how we think. If you have already paid for a session, read it beforehand and bring your workbook with you, the session will go much further.
Chapter 2
The three ways to prepare
One-to-one training, a realistic mock interview, or both together. Here is what happens in each.
5 minute read
You have an interview coming up and you need to sharpen up so you can give the best possible account of yourself.
Read moreA realistic mock interview covering competency-based and traditional formats, with written and audio feedback.
Read moreWant to give yourself the very best possible chance? Book interview training and a mock interview as one package.
Read moreOne-to-one interview training
Our sessions are tailored to suit your needs. The approach: we focus on what the organisation is actually looking for in the successful candidate. We use the job specification, research the organisation, and set out the experience, education and attributes you have that meet those requirements.
You complete one of our prep forms depending on whether you are facing a competency-based or traditional interview. We then run the session and work on how you tell the employer or college that you fit the bill. During and after, we expand what is in the form so it becomes your constant companion in the build-up.
Mock interview
Want interview experience before the big one? Our mock interview covers competency-based and traditional formats, structured as the interview you are preparing for.
- Completely in character. Dress as you would for the real interview, we ask the questions they are likely to ask.
- Around 40 minutes.
- Immediate feedback afterwards, written and audio, on where you did well and what to change.
- Evening appointments available.
Training and mock together
For real peace of mind, book a training session and a mock interview together. We can run them across two different days so you have time to absorb the feedback in between.
Chapter 3
The 4-Step method
For traditional interviews. A clear shape for every answer you give, so you never trail off.
6 minute read
Used for traditional interviews. A clear structure for every answer you give: answer the question, prove it with your past, connect it to their future, then close.
- Step 1Answer the Question
- Feed back the language of the question
- Deal with the kernel of the question
- Make a strong statement / claim
- Step 2Me - The Past
- My examples
- My evidence
- My stories
- Step 3Them - The Future
- Their needs
- Their reality
- Their organisation
- The nuances of the job / organisation
- Step 4Summary & Finish
- Yes, I have what you are looking for in this instance…
- I hope I have given you examples…
- I have shown you how I feel this can apply to your role / organisation
Chapter 4
The START method
For competency-based interviews. Five beats, each with its own colour, so your examples land.
8 minute read
Used for competency-based interviews. Structure every example around five clear beats. Tap a letter to jump to it.
- What was the situation? A brief outline of the situation faced and your role.
Chapter 5
Read this before you write anything
Two short pieces: the doubts an interviewer might have about you, and the reasons they really should give you the job.
10 minute read
These two are not workbooks. They are short pieces to read and think about before you start writing your answers. They change how you hear the questions.
Chapter 6
Your workbook
Fill in the same workbooks we use in training. One question at a time, saves as you type, download as a PDF.
30 to 45 minutes, and you can stop and come back
The workbooks are free, whether or not you have booked a session with us. Put in an email, that is all, no password and no form to fill first. If you are already signed in to Slí Nua, we know you already.
Prefer to see them all in one place? Open the workbooks library, where you can also download a blank printable copy with no email at all.
Chapter 7
Work with an interviewer
When you want a real person to put you through your paces, this is how to book.
1 minute
Reading gets you a long way. An interviewer who has sat on the other side of the table gets you the rest. Book a session and we will be in touch within 24 hours to match you with the right person.