Facing the Promotional Interview – Part 12
Written by John on February 27th, 2009
PREPARING FOR THE OPENING
If you have been following this series, this article will continue on from the article last month;
“My qualifications in the area of fire prevention” – - and so on. Note: These concepts can be used on the remaining portions of your overview of the position and your qualifications.
Note the difference (primarily delineated in the last article). The first presentation summarized the candidates qualifications which are likely to be similar to other candidates qualifications. The second presentation described the position of Captain, summarized the candidates qualifications, and related how these qualifications would apply to the position of Captain.
The second presentation has also briefly answered their question with a summary of your background, and has subtley asked permission to answer two necessary questions. Unless the interview board changes the subject, they have given you the green light to “go.” It is very doubtful that an interview board would not want to hear your qualifications, and how they relate to the position you are interviewing for. Further, you are now prepared to tell the oral board, in your own style, what the job of Captain is, how you are qualified in each area of responsibility, and relate what you have learned to qualify and assist you. Remember, during the length of your interview, you are your own worst enemy or best friend. The board cannot grade you on what you do not say, and they likely will not operate on the principle of inference. What you say and how you relate your qualifications to the position you are interviewing for is your sole responsibility.
The preceding concepts will assist you in two additional areas, as follows:
- If you have problems writing out an opening statement for your interview, the outline format we have previously discussed will simplify that procedure.
- If you are not able to give an overview of your qualifications at the beginning of the interview, any questions that relate to the areas we have discussed will be easily answered.
Try to structure your opening overview so it does not last more than four to five minutes.
COMMON QUESTIONS
Let’s consider some examples of common questions that are used during the opening portion of an interview:
- Give an overview of yourself.
- Summarize your background.
- Where have you worked?
- What are your qualifications?
- Why do you want to be a Captain?
- What are you doing now that qualifies you for Captain?
- What makes you better qualified for the position of Captain than the other candidates?
- How does your experience and education qualify you for Captain?
- Tell us about yourself.
- What strengths do you have that qualify you for the job of Captain?
- In your opinion, what is the job of Captain?
These typical questions “give you the ball,” and let you run in any direction you choose. If you simply answer these questions and let the interview board allow you to “dance around the mulberry bush,” you may be in trouble. However, if you demonstrate initiative, describe the position you are seeking, overview your qualifications and relate what you have learned, and tie this information to the position you are seeking, you will have answered their question(s). Remember, these questions set the standard for the interview! BE PREPARED!
TIPS FOR DELIVERING AN OPENING STATEMENT
- Be comfortable. Sit naturally and use your hands if that is your style.
- Keep the opening statement under five minutes.
- Maintain eye contact with each member of the board during every question.
- Speak at a normal pace.
- Smile and be confident.
- Put yourself in the position you are seeking.
- Memorize general ideas, not your exact opening.
- Wipe your introduction hand on your pants just before you enter the interview room. If your hand is wet, this will remove any moisture and stimulate circulation.
- Stress positives, never negatives.
- Get adequate sleep the night before the interview (if possible). Additionally, monitor your food and liquids the day before the interview.
