Video resources
Why ask me that?
This is a 1998 British video from the Association of Graduate Careers Advisory Services (AGCAS) that takes a candidate through an interview, pausing to explain why questions are being asked, how to go about responding and includes good tips and examples of challenging questions. The importance of preparation, researching the employer and using a range of experiences to answer questions is highlighted. This is a very practical, straightforward resource that covers some key interview concepts – highly recommended.
Running time: 22 minutes
top of pageEssential interview skills
Produced in 1998 by the Graduate Careers Council of Australia (GCCA), this video is jam-packed with useful information and handy tips for interviews. For fans of Aussie soaps it also features ex-Neighbours and Secret Life of Us actors! A number of employers, including employment agencies, business consultants, MDs and human resources personnel are interviewed for their perspective on the interview process and what they look for in candidates. Their insight and tips for preparing and succeeding in interviews are invaluable. The video details the practical steps that can be applied in preparing for an interview, with emphasis on the three Ps: Preparation, Packaging and Practice. At the end of the video, each employer is asked to repeat their favourite key interview question, which is helpful for practising your responses. Recommended as an excellent resource.
Running time: 38 minutes
Getting the job done
This program is a recent Australian production made in 2000, which targets international students searching for work in Australia. However, much of the advice is general and relevant for any student seeking work in the local job market. It comprises two sections, ‘Getting the Interview’ and ‘The Interview’:
Getting the Interview details the practical steps that can be applied in preparing for an interview. It emphasises the usefulness of gaining work experience and how, as a result, contacts can be developed. It also encourages students to tailor their resumés to specific employers and to practice their interview techniques.
The Interview details qualities that employers look for in recent graduates during interviews, such as enthusiasm, communication and familiarity with alternative cultures. The program also encourages job-seekers to sell themselves, prepare well, be confident and communicate well. Typical questions are also suggested. Following this section, the interview that is highlighted throughout the program is shown in full. Recommended for international students.
Running times:
Getting the Interview – 13 minutes
The Interview – 19 minutes
What now?
What Now? is an Australian feature, made sometime in the early 1990s. It role-plays two young graduates looking for work after graduation. It begins with both graduates successfully obtaining job interviews, and then follows them through their preparation for the interview. It demonstrates the three Ps: Preparation, Practice and Presentation. The video also emphasises researching the company or organisation, rehearsal of answers, anticipation of questions, body language and presentation, and what items to take with you to the interview. The video is reasonably informative, although quite basic in content.
Running time: 13 minutes
The employment interview
This video is Australian and appears to have been made in1981. It focuses on a number of different employers, comparing their interviewing styles and requirements. Different personnel officers from areas such as the public service, IT and science express what qualities they look for in graduates. Emphasis on good communication skills is made and also in being familiar with the organisation. The program gives tips on participating in interviews, focusing on: know the position, know yourself and be yourself. The video presents a good range of views and reasonably useful information. It is, however, quite dated and the presence of a rather annoying presenter detracts somewhat from its usefulness!
Running time: 20 minutes
The assessment centre
This video is British and relatively modern, having been produced in 2000. It presents eight graduates going through an assessment centre as part of their job application process. It follows the graduates through their tasks and then follows the assessors’ critical analyses of their performances for each task. The first task shown is a group discussion, in this situation evaluating different options as a group and coming to a result. Attributes emphasised are listening, cooperation and assertiveness. The second task is a presentation, and the video shows some of the graduates’ presentations and then the assessors’ scoring of them. The video touches on psychometric tests, but does not focus on them in much detail. The final aspects include an in-depth panel interview with the candidates, and again the assessors’ critical analyses of them. In addition to the above attributes, communication skills and getting involved were also emphasised. The candidates also reflect on their performances and a final evaluation establishes who was most successful. This program would be very useful to anyone undertaking assessment centre style evaluation. The evaluations by the assessors are very specific and critical, and also true to life. Recommended for students involved in recruitment programs.
Running time: 27 minutes
“Say it better” Fearless public speaking
This is an American video from 1988 that, apart from the hairstyles and attire, is a good representation of how to go about preparing and presenting a speech. It follows the journey of a novice speaker through the stages of researching the audience and what to expect of the physical setting, brainstorming ideas, defining the content and drafting a presentation. It then goes on to discuss the value of rehearsal, speaker notes, body language and voice tone. Comparisons are drawn between effective and ineffective techniques, examples given of strong opening and closing comments and ways of organising content are discussed.
Running time: 20 minutes