Interviewer Technique - Getting it right

Summary

In this interview, Chloe is introduced to the interview panel, which consists of Andy, Ruce, and Jenna. The interview explores Chloe’s experience, skills, and suitability for the role. She discusses her organizational abilities, communication skills, and teamwork experience. Chloe also shares an example of handling a customer complaint. The panel inquires about her adaptability to work weekends, and Chloe confirms her availability. The interview concludes with scheduling follow-up contact, as the panel will announce the successful candidate soon.

Takeaways

• 😀 The interview starts with introductions from the panel: Andy Davis (HR Manager), E Williamson (Head of Health and Safety), and Jenna Burton (HR Advisor).
• 😀 Chloe, the candidate, is informed that the purpose of the interview is to assess her fit for the role and to ask questions based on the person specification.
• 😀 Chloe has been in her current role for three years and is seeking new opportunities to apply the skills she has acquired during her tenure.
• 😀 Chloe highlights her strong organizational skills, experience with stock orders, and assistance with managing casual staff as transferable skills for the new role.
• 😀 Chloe demonstrates her communication abilities by referencing her GCSE English and written assignments completed as part of her NVQ. She also emphasizes daily customer interactions.
• 😀 The interview asks Chloe about teamwork, and she explains that she works collaboratively, especially during busy periods, and is willing to assist with tasks outside her usual duties.
• 😀 Chloe provides an example of handling a customer complaint regarding long wait times, explaining how she apologized and followed up with her supervisor to address the issue.
• 😀 The interview confirms that the role requires working five days in any seven, which may include some weekends. The exact schedule will be agreed upon with the successful candidate.
• 😀 Chloe asks if weekend work is required, and the panel confirms that it is part of the job but will be negotiated with the successful candidate.
• 😀 The interview concludes with the panel thanking Chloe for attending and providing instructions for follow-up communication, with Chloe's mobile number as the preferred contact method.

Q & A

What was the primary purpose of the interview?

The primary purpose of the interview was to gather more information about Chloe and assess her suitability for the role, based on the person specification.

How did Chloe describe her previous role?

Chloe mentioned that she has been in her current role for about three years and has acquired many skills that she would like to use in the new role.

What skills did Chloe believe she could transfer to this role?

Chloe identified her organizational skills, experience with stock orders, and helping to organize casual staff as transferable skills.

What type of communication skills were highlighted as important for the role?

Good communication skills, both written and verbal, are essential for the role, including completing paperwork and interacting with customers.

How did Chloe demonstrate her communication skills?

Chloe demonstrated her communication skills by mentioning her C&G GCSE in English, completing written assignments as part of her NVQ, and daily customer interaction in her current role.

Can Chloe provide an example of working as part of a team?

Chloe shared that during busy times in her current role, the team works together to complete tasks, even if it means taking on responsibilities outside of their usual duties.

How did Chloe handle a difficult customer situation?

Chloe dealt with a difficult customer by apologizing for the delay in service, explaining the reason for the wait, and reporting the incident to her supervisor for further review.

What did Chloe ask at the end of the interview?

Chloe asked whether she would be required to work on weekends, to which the panel explained that the role requires working 5 days out of 7, including some weekends.

How did the interview conclude?

The interview concluded with the panel informing Chloe that they would be contacting the successful candidate the next day. Chloe provided her mobile number for follow-up communication.

What can be inferred about Chloe's approach to customer service?

Chloe seems to take a customer-first approach by being understanding, apologizing when necessary, and offering clear explanations for any issues that arise, which is key to resolving complaints effectively.