Seek out the opportunity to be involved in an interview process - it will provide great insight into how it is conducted, perceptions derived and outcomes made. Maybe ask if you can sit in on interviews for new recruits below your status!

Preparation - Common Questions for Professionals

It is not possible to guarantee questions in any interview but typically they can be grouped into the following topic areas. You should prepare for questions about your background, your aspirations, the potential employer and the position, your personality and your interests.

• Company and Role
  • Why did you apply to us?
  • How did you hear about this position?
  • What do you know about our organisation?
  • Do you know anyone who works for us and if so in what capacity?
  • What interests you in the position?
  • What have you got to offer the company? - What skills/Value would you bring?
  • Why should we hire you?
• Career Ambitions
  • What are your short-long term goals?
  • Tell me about your career aspirations.
  • What are you looking for in a career?
  • Do you have plans to gain further qualifications?
  • Where do you see yourself in 2-5 years’ time?
  • Our industry is changing - how do you see this change affecting your profession or way of work?
• Skills and Requirements
  • How do you work best? - Leading a group, in a team or independently?
  • Can you travel?
  • What do you expect in terms of training and development?
  • What has been your main career achievement to date?
  • What was the most difficult problem in your current/previous position - how did you find the solution?
  • You say you have xxx skills...how did you demonstrate these in your previous position?
  • Why do you want to move from Oil and Gas to our Renewable Industry? What do you see as your transferable skills and why?
• Personality
  • Describe yourself - what are your strengths/weaknesses? OR If you could change one thing about your personality, what would it be?
  • What motivates you?
  • What are your interests - how do you spend your spare time?
  • Have you ever gone above and beyond expectations in a job?
• Cultural Fit
  • How would you describe the culture at previous companies you’ve worked at?
  • What did you like/dislike about these cultures?
  • Describe your ideal employer.
  • How do you like to work?
  • How do you like to be managed?
  • How do you maintain a work-life balance?

All questions, regardless of how banal they appear should be answered with the same degree of respect and clarity.

Preparation - Common Questions for Graduates

The majority of the questions listed for professionals are also applicable and you should rehearse. However, you may find some more specific questions pertaining to your degree and as a new graduate.

Depending on the role, the interviewer may be focussed on a wider range of skills such as your ability to work in a team, network, communicate, listen, engage, research, manage projects, deliver results, stay with the Company for a few years, get along with colleagues, share similar cultural values, be flexible, progress through their graduate program successfully...

You may also have to undertake an online Assessment test. Here are just a few examples of interview questions that you should prepare for:

• Why did you choose your particular degree/discipline?
• Why did you choose your college/university?
• What did you most/least like about your course?
• What was your strongest/weakest subject? And why?
• Tell me about your project / research work?
• How are your studies related to this position/vacancy?
• Tell me about your career aspirations?
• Describe your ideal employer?
• Have you ever faced adversity (hardship, difficulty, danger..) and how did you cope?
• Do you plan to gain further qualifications?
• How do you spend you spare time?
• Besides your degree, what else do you feel you gained from college/university?
• Were you active in any societies?
• What positions of responsibility do you hold/have you held?
• Have you ever missed a deadline and how did you handle this?
• Have you had the opportunity to demonstrate leadership skills at university - and if so how?
• What is your greatest achievement?
• Why should we hire you?

Energy graduates of recent years have gained a greater understanding of the wider Energy Mix - some graduating in specific sectors. You will most likely be hired for this knowledge, your passion, enthusiasm, technology skills and innovative ideas. All good attributes for you to display at interview!

Preparation - Sticky/Problem Questions

• What salary or benefits are you looking for? Try and ascertain the salary range on offer if possible. If queried you could respond with "I believe the salary range on offer is XX-XX and I am happy with this range" or "....I would be looking for the upper range.." If going through a Recruiting Company, ask them. If going direct to a Company and it is not clear then explain what you were previously earning but that you are flexible within reason.
• You have moved around a lot - can you elaborate?
• Why are you changing your career?
• Explain the gap in your work history (see CV Writing - try and avoid).
• Given your career plans, how long do you expect to stay with our organisation?
• Why did you leave your last employer? (remember never speak badly about a past employer - speak positively even if your experience has been poor - you may just not have been the right fit!)
• Can we contact your current employer for references? (this question is usually only asked after an offer letter has been sent and verbally accepted - nevertheless be prepared).
• Questions pertaining to your marital status, children, childcare arrangements, age - in most countries these are illegal questions - don’t get stressed and point out that the question is inappropriate - they may be testing to see your reaction! Try and address the concern pertaining to the question - e.g. children - explain that you have had successful childcare arrangements for years which has enabled flexibility around work.

Sticky questions can be asked purely to see how well you handle them under pressure. Stay relaxed and focused. Be prepared for them!

Preparation - Questions to ask the Interviewer

At this stage in the interview, you may feel that you have been interrogated but this may be their style to assess how you behave under pressure. Asking questions gives YOU an opportunity to demonstrate confidence, that you are interested in the position and that you have conducted your research and can engage at an informed level - it is a great way to build further rapport.

Typically, the Interviewer will give you the opportunity to ask a question. If not, then you can always say "I hope you don’t mind but I have a question".

We recommend that you prepare about 5 questions and ask 1-3. Be careful though not to ask a question clearly covered in the job spec or has been dealt with during the interview. Your questions should be well thought out - they should assist you in evaluating the job and the Company. They can be subtle but revealing - sometimes very direct questions pertaining to "how you can benefit from them" can raise alarms. Here are just a few acceptable examples to choose from:

• Could you explain why the position is available?
• What is a typical day like in the role?
• What would my first week at work look like?
• What are the initial priorities of the position?
• What is the team like that I will be working with?
• What are the initial priorities of the position?
• What skills are needed to succeed? Be careful though as most jobs will specify skills. Alternatively, you could say "What would make someone highly successful in this role?"
• How does the position fit into the organisational structure and how does it add to its success?
• What do you see as the most challenging aspect of this job?
• How much scope is there within this position? (e.g. autonomy, flexibility, career growth, responsibilities)
• How do you like to progress your people?
• What is the company’s managerial style or culture?
• What does success look like in this position, and how is measured?
• If you are interviewed by your potential immediate boss - you may wish to ask more personal questions such as - How long have you been with the Company? How has your career progressed? Why did you join? What is your favourite aspect of your job?
• The job spec states "xxx" - could you elaborate on this....
• Do you encourage mentoring and if so how does this work?
• Is there anything else you need from me at this stage? (e.g. references...)
• What are the next steps in the hiring process?

Preparation - Questions to be Careful With

As mentioned - subtly is sometimes key. If you ask very direct questions, it can generate some negative perceptions. At this stage you are trying to impress, create a positive perception and secure an offer letter. So be careful in how you phrase your questions. For example:

• What salary are you likely to pay me? You could ask "I noticed that the salary range was not listed on the job spec - are you able to divulge the range at this stage".
• What benefits and perks does the company offer? - This will be disclosed if they proceed with the offer and if not you can then ask politely to see their Benefits Package.
• How serious do you take work-life balance? This may be revealed by asking about their organisational culture.
• How much overtime are you likely to ask me to do? Again, a question on culture or flexibility of role/company may reveal.
• What is your turnaround of staff? Too probing and may be considered offensive and not your concern.
• What are the Company’s biggest challenges and how are you overcoming them? Your research should highlight their key challenges so you may wish to consider "I see you are having difficulties in XXXX - will this role help to address some of the challenges..."
• Talk to me about your Bonus scheme - again this will be addressed in the offer letter or benefits package.
• How often will I be evaluated and rewarded? This may portray a need to be managed and have constant reassurance of doing a good job, and being greedy needing a continuous compensation return. No one wishes to hire a "high maintenance" person.
• What advancement opportunities are available to me? For senior management this may be a clear cut reasonable answer - e.g. reply could be "we expect you to take on the role of XXX within 12 months". However, for other levels (especially graduates) you will be expected to perform first and following appraisals, career development plans will be clearer. Remember some jobs do not have a great deal of scope for advancement and the interviewer may perceive you as overly ambitious and a "flight risk" - so ask with caution.

Always have a list of APPROPRIATE questions with you to ask. Test them out first with colleagues/partner.

Preparation - Appearance

• Clothes:
  • Dress formally or at least smart casual. We always suggest formal if you can - e.g. for a women a tailored dress with jacket matching, trousers and jacket matching, or skirt and matching jacket. For men, suggest a suit pants and jacket with a plain shirt and plain tie.
  • Keep it simple - A plain, solid colour can work best.
  • Dress for comfort - make sure you have worn the outfit before (even if only around the house) and that you feel confident in it. Nothing worse than uncomfortable clothing or shoes at an interview!
  • Dress for the season and make sure all items are clean and wrinkle free.
  • Look at what the outfit says about you - is this a positive image?
  • If the interview is online please see clothes tips above.
• Clean hair and appearance.
• Minimum jewellery.

For online interviews - avoid polka shirts or busy plaids -can cause visual interference - strobing effect! When you rehearse you will see this - not a nice sight!

Preparation - Practical aspects and Checklist

• You have all information pertaining to the physical interview (location, directions, emergency phone numbers, who you are meeting...) or for online interview (links, technology testing etc.)
• You have researched the Company and players - you may wish to make notes to quickly review beforehand - get those key points across.
• You are confident in discussing your skills, goal and aspiration.
• You have your CV and Cover Letter that you sent to the employer with you - you may have multiple CV’s - so ensure you have the one that they have reviewed and will possibly refer to.
• Have rehearsed potential interview questions.
• Prepared your Interview Questions to ask.
• You have your outfit ready the day before.
• Plan ahead - allow for problems - suggest a good 30 minutes of additional time to arrive at a location. If online - be in the meeting room about 5 minutes beforehand.
• Do not smoke or drink before an interview - can be really displeasing to the interviewers.

During the Interview

• Smile and make eye contact - will show you are focused, confident and not distracted.
• Relax and be friendly.
• Be positive and enthusiastic.
• Think about your body language.
• Demonstrate that you have researched the company and position.
• Answer questions clearly and coherently - don’t ramble - stay focused. Give examples where appropriate.
• Ask your prepared questions (if not dealt with at the interview)
• Ask politely if they have a timeline for making a decision?

Remember for interviews - 7-10% is what you say, 20-30% is how you say it, 60-80% is your image, your body language and the overall impression you create - so the greater the preparation, the better you will perform on the day.

After the interview

• If you know the email addresses of those who participated in the interview - send them a short polite email immediately after e.g. "Thank you for your time today to interview me for the position of XXX - please feel free to reach out if your require any additional information. I look forward to hearing from you. Best regards, XXX"
• If you applied through a Recruitment Agency, provide written feedback after the interview - 5-10 lines on how you felt the interview went, any outcomes etc. Follow up with the Agency within 2 days to ascertain their feedback from the Client.
• If you applied direct - send a polite message to the contact (e.g. Hiring Manager, HR..) for any feedback after the decision date provided. If no date was provided, leave for about a week before contacting.
• Make an assessment of the interview - what questions did you respond well to, interviewers reactions, what areas do you need to improve on?
• Make an assessment of the company - is this a company you wish to work for? How long do you think you would stay with them? Does the role and Company align with your career goals and aspirations?
• Write up your assessments - update your project file - date and record your impressions and your perceived outcome. Then you can track your expectations against the outcome.
• Don’t be disappointed if rejected or receive unhelpful feedback. Many companies will simply state "stronger candidates" which can be frustrating. Try and seek constructive criticism for improvement for the next one. Sometimes, if you approach the interviewer in this manner they may be a little more open with their comments.
• Learn from each interview and approach the next one with a new perspective. The company and players are different and will have a different mind-set as to what they are looking for.

Sadly be prepared for rejection - there are many factors involved in hiring someone and decisions are rarely based on your performance. Learn from each interview and be better prepared for the next one!

Online and Pre-recorded Interview Advice

In today’s world more and more interviews are conducted either online or via a pre-recording and I suspect with the improvements in technologies this will only proliferate. Let’s first look at interactive online interviews. Typically they are conducted via Skype, ZOOM, Face-time, Go-to-Meeting and MS Teams.

Some things to consider:

• Link - Make sure you have received the link to the interview 1-2 days in advance preferably. The HR or the hiring manager will typically email you instructions. They may copy in all of the attendants so it is a great opportunity to do some research on those that you will meet.
• Testing - Try out the technology in advance - launch the link - it may require you to sign in as a guest user. It’s really important to do a test run well in advance so you can sort out any issues. Maybe ask a family or friend to connect with you using the same platform (e.g. Zoom, Skype...) so you can familiarize yourself with the functionality and test that the camera, microphone or phone connections all work properly.
• Be on time for the interview - save the link to your electronic calendar and set a reminder. This is important as you may have multiple interviews and once saved it is so much easier to source when needed. Try and be connected about 5 mins before start - you will be in a "waiting area" and the owner of the meeting will "admit" you to the session when ready.
• Pick the best device - use a computer as opposed to a phone if feasible. A larger screen and potential higher resolution may deliver a better result. Don’t forget you want to put your best face forward....
• Perspective - The cameras on smartphones and webcams are wide-angled. So if you are too close to the camera, your face will appear distorted. Best to step back from the camera - again check out the pre-cording tips then you will know your optimum position for appearance.
• Lighting - Find the perfect spot - set up your device in a well-lit area. Stay away from overhead lighting. Natural light is best and make sure you face the light. Avoid any harsh lighting behind you, as this will turn you into a shadowy silhouette. Also, avoid sitting with your back to the window - best to face the window, which will give you softer appearance.
• Backdrop - Examine the aesthetics of the backdrop - People know you are probably at home so make sure there is NO clutter in the backdrop. For a lot of online technologies, you can upload a backdrop photo or select from their proposed list. Again be careful what the backdrop portrays. Maybe best finding a spot where there is a blank wall behind you.
• Eliminate distractions - maybe put a sign up on the door - "DO NOT ENTER", make sure the cat/dogs are out of reach. Let house members know not to enter or make noises when you are at interview. Turn off your cell phone or house phone ringer until the interview is over.
• Dress appropriately - you may have to stand up for some reason and you don’t wish to be wearing pyjama bottoms and slippers! See section on Appearance.
• Stay focused - be aware of your posture and body language. Speak clearly. Make sure you don’t talk over people - this can be difficult if multiple people are interviewing and the bandwidth is not great - pay attention!
• Readiness - make sure you have everything you need for the interview - if they have asked you to present or share a document - have it ready (on desktop) - also have a pen and paper in case you have an action item.
• Don’t panic - sometimes there can be problems with the platform and bandwidth - if so, don’t stress - maybe suggest an alternative phone number or platform.

Rehearsals

• Rehearse again and again:
  • Suggest getting with a few colleagues and practice online interviewing
  • Prepare questions in advance but don’t share - learn to be spontaneous - don’t forget to practice the potential questions listed above and more!
  • Practice looking at the camera directly. Press the "Record" button.
  • Wear what you are intending to wear at the interview - from clothes to jewellery.
• Evaluate the recording and look at:
  • Lighting - may need to adjust.
  • Your engagement - are you speaking to the camera or elsewhere - you need to maintain eye contact. It may be that you need to adjust the height of your chair or put a few books under your device to raise the camera level.
  • Sound - can you be heard correctly? You may need a headset if your speaker is not good enough. Make sure there is no feedback from the sound device.
  • Posture - did you slouch? Use a comfortable chair - not a beanbag!
  • Personal appearance - be aware of your clothes, makeup, jewellery...

There are some great examples on U-Tube about preparing for online interviews - I really liked How To Look Good on Video Calls.

Preparation - Tips for Pre-Recordings

Short pre-recordings to support your job application are becoming more popular and lots of job boards now have the facility for you to upload your video. Check out the tips above on Interactive Online.

In addition, companies may ask you to record your replies to specific questions pertaining to the role and for you to upload your answers via a website. This may be part of an online Job Application process, with details listed or you may be instructed after your CV and Cover Letter have been reviewed and you have been shortlisted for the next stage in the process.

Typing your answers and reading them back a few times focuses the mind.

You may be given a timeframe in which to reply - e.g. 2-5 minutes per question and it is important to comply. There are some technologies to assist such as https://www.cueprompter.com/ - it’s free and easy to use. You cut and paste your answer into the cue prompt - set the speed and then hit record. Don’t speak too quickly - be precise and focused. If you go over the time limit then you can adjust your reply and reload the revised text.

Once you have the recording time correct - listen to it over the next few days and maybe share with a colleague to critique.

Check out the cue prompter tool - it really is very useful if you are asked to give a presentation or to answer pre-defined questions. Also great for pre-recordings.

Job Offers and Negotiation

Salary negotiation is one of the last steps in the job search process. It can be a daunting task and preparation is again key! A professional recruitment agency should ascertain your salary expectations in advance and ensure that you are only represented for jobs that are in keeping with your expectations. It's never easy when you come to negotiating a salary with a future employer. However, in most cases there is some room for negotiation.

Before accepting any job offer, think carefully about what is important to you and family - what do you want from a position in terms of:

• Starting Salary
• Location
• Holiday Entitlement
• Work/Life Balance
• Potential for career development – training, new areas of interest...
• Benefits Package - Pension, Health, Dental, Share Options, Gym, Child Care...
• Allowances – relocation, schooling, housing/services, car, location allowance...

Salary Negotiation - Do's and Don'ts

After being offered the job, you may be delighted, ecstatic.... However, don't rush to accept the offer and don't feel pressurised to accept immediately. Most employers will give you 1-2 weeks to accept. You need time to collect your thoughts and to clarify the details of the offer. Evaluate the offer in terms of your priorities, negotiate if you feel it is not market value, and determine whether the final offer is acceptable.

For Graduate - remember that most companies have a set graduate entry level salary so there may be little room for negotiation at this stage.

Consider the points below when evaluating/accepting a job offer:

Do

• Be aware of your strengths and achievements – check out our "Skills Assessment" section
• Familiarize yourself with industry salary trends, especially for the geographical area you are considering. There can be substantial differences between the value of your skills in the oil and gas industry to their value in the Wind, Solar, Geothermal or other low carbon industries. Also, there can be a difference in their value across countries.
• Talk with the Recruiters involved in the sector of interest and also local recruiters on the ground – share your CV and get their thoughts re potential salaries for your skills.
• Research the potential Employer in question - what are their future plans - could you be part of this and would that reap higher financial rewards in the near future? Think about the long game for you! Determine if they offer additions to their employees - e.g. travel allowance, child care on the premises, gym membership, paid canteen...
• Understand what is required for the role and can you meet the criteria - e.g., Medical, Exams, References, Certifications...
• Be realistic when assessing your salary expectations - define a salary range you are comfortable with - keep this range to yourself though! If you specify the range to the client upfront, the chances are they will always start at the lower end.
• Prioritise your salary/package expectations - For example, this might be base salary, then location, kids schooling, housing and services, medical benefits, holiday entitlement, work/life balance, bonus/commission scheme. Rank-ordering is a great way to focus your negotiation strategy.
• Get an idea of the salary on offer before proceeding to interview – if this is not forthcoming from the Employer then ask the Recruiter if involved. In the main, most salaries are competitive within a market but some smaller players or start-ups may have different fiscal remuneration systems – i.e., small base salary but high upside/rewards. It is always good to understand their remuneration model before investing a great deal of time!
• Start your negotiation at or near the top of defined range – you will then have some wriggle room if you need to lower.
• If at all possible, let the employer make the first salary offer - with increasing demand for some skills (e.g., data science/data analytics), we have experienced starting negotiations higher than those expected.
• If forced to specify salary expectations, state a) your upper range or b) "A salary that’s competitive with the current market for my skill set and experience" or c) "in keeping with the upper salary range listed on the job spec".
• If possible, delay salary negotiation until you fully understand the position and its requirements.
• Always focus on the value you bring to the role and the current market.
• If you receive a poor offer - ask to discuss – e.g. “I’m really excited by the job offer with your Company and I know that I would bring a lot of value to the role. However, the offer falls short of my expectations – I was really looking for a Base of £80K as opposed to your offer of £70K. Other aspects of the offer are very much acceptable, and I wonder if it would be possible to discuss the overall offer..."
• Remember that negotiation is a dialogue between two or more parties intended to reach a beneficial outcome - it can be a drawn-out process involving multiple players across an organisation e.g. Finance, HR, Technical/Operations Managers.
• Always listen to the other party during negotiation - they may not be in a position to meet your expectations at the time but have plans for expansion and hope to be in a position to in the near future…you can then at least agree a timeline, potential back salary on success etc. Try and understand their current constraints and drivers and that way you may reach a winning compromise moving forward!
• Before closing out negotiations, always check if there is any potential movement on the offer. It may be that they cannot increase the Base Salary (i.e. may upset salary scale of others) but they can offer other incentives such as bonus, commission, improved medical benefits, travel costs...
• Be ready to walk away - if the offer is below your defined expectations, then be prepared to say "no thank you" and walk away. Always be polite and gracious - management/stakeholders can change and you never know they may contact you in the future!

Do the research - the better informed and prepared you are, the more successful you will be in negotiation.

Don't

• Discuss the salary with the employer before they do – always ascertain from HR or the Recruiter involved, details of the potential package on offer - all elements
• Fail to do your research on the industry sector, market trends, salary trends, Company, previous employees (check out social media for players and turnover of staff!)
• Stretch the truth - your CV can be very easily verified these days!
• Price yourself out of the job - know you value for the sector of interest
• Feel pressurised to accept the position with little time to consider all aspects
• Focus on Base Salary - consider the overall package
• Become rigid/aggressive in negotiating the salary you want
• Play off one company against another - never bodes well! You may find yourself in this situation but consider all aspects of the offers and above all be discreet/careful in how you handle the situation.
• Focus on your personal needs -e.g., "you have to maintain 2 homes", "you have kids in private schools" etc. - these are your matters to address. Focus on your performance and achievements and the value you bring to the role and employer.
• Counteroffer with an unrealistic percentage hike - in the main most employers will be open to a small percentage increase (e.g., circa 10%). However, if you counter offer with a 40-50% increase the chances are it will be a flat NO and no further talks will pursue. Better to walk away gracefully!
• Accept a verbal offer - get it in writing before committing. It gives you time to review the overall contract and further negotiate. You can state that "in principle you are happy to proceed and would like to receive the formal offer".
• "Burn your bridges" - Always leave negotiations in a friendly place - you never know you may wish to apply for another role with the Company or they may return to negotiate at a later time.

Remember the recruitment agency if involved, will assist you in the negotiation process - that is their role! Be patient, assertive and above all considerate to all those involved!