Coaching you to success at interview
As an Interview Coach, what I do is:
Application form and CV adviceI provide advice and practical guidelines on how to write CVs and can work with you to help improve your CV. In the public sector, I work with clients to help them complete the competency-based application forms.
If you want help completing your application form or CV, I will guide you through what works, what the interviewers will be looking for when reviewing your application form and what is being assessed if there is a shortlisting process. You might have a draft application form or CV that you want me to help you improve during the coaching session. You might want some advice and guidance on writing the answers to the competency questions or achievements sections that are part of the application form, to ensure you are highlighting your relevant experience as it relates to the role and that you make it through the shortlisting process. As an interviewer in the public sector, I have first-hand experience of what scores well during both shortlisting and interviews. I have helped candidates with their applications in open and closed competitions in the Civil Service, in the local authorities, in academic institutions and in a wide variety of public sector agencies and public sector bodies. I work across all the grades, from the most junior to the most senior. Interview preparation coachingAlternatively, you might want to focus on the interview itself. I work as an interview coach and can help you prepare for interview. I can help you focus on the bigger picture and figure out what your main messages are, to work through your main "selling points" and make sure these come through clearly in your answers to the interview questions.
I work through interview questions and answers with you and make sure you are able to answer them and to articulate your fit for the role. I can give you input and advice for additional considerations when being interviewed online. I can also work with you to help you improve your interview skills by conducting a practice or mock interview, where you can practise your answers and I can help you to improve your interview performance. Clients tell me that my advice has really helped them see where additional improvements can be made to their answers and performance and made the difference in them being successful at interview. Frequently, clients tell me that working with me helped them improve their self-confidence and that they felt more ready for their interview after working with me. If an interview presentation is required as part of the selection process, I work with you to clarify what you think the interview board are looking for and then work through the presentation approach and content. You can rehearse your presentation and I will give you feedback. I also try to anticipate questions that your interviewers might be ask you. I have successfully coached candidates at Clerical Officer, Executive Officer, Higher Executive Officer, Assistant Principal, Principal, Assistant Secretary General and equivalent grades in the Civil Service. I have also coached for all the administrative grades in the local authorities, including Assistant Staff Officer, Staff Officer and Senior Executive Officer, as well as working with those going for different grades of Engineer and those going for promotion to Director of Service. I have also had success with various grades in the HSE as well as in An Garda Síochána at Sergeant and Inspector ranks. I know what you need to do to prepare and the types of questions that are typically asked.
I meet interview coaching clients in-person, but can meet you online if you prefer. If you'd like to go ahead and book a meeting please click on "Book Interview Coaching" below. Or if you have a query, please head over to the enquiries and bookings page, which includes the office location in Sandyford for in-person meetings.
I'm delighted to have my associate Bernie Stevenson also delivering interview coaching and you will see her availability when you book online. She is an experienced interviewer and interview coach and has an excellent track record of coaching clients to interview success.
Resources to help you with your interview
Organisations where my clients have got jobs or been promoted
Interview training and webinars for candidatesI deliver an interviewee skills course specifically designed for candidates going forward for public sector interviews. This course covers both completing the application forms (or CVs) and your performance during the interview, including online interviews. This is a group training course rather than a one to one coaching session but covers the same information. Participants have commented on how useful they found the course and that it helped them understand better how to approach competency-based questions and how to prepare for their interviews. I deliver this course online also. In addition, I deliver this training course on behalf of Public Affairs Ireland.
I deliver interview preparation webinars designed for candidates preparing for interviews. This is a group based information session with an opportunity for attendees to ask questions. I deliver this publicly as well as within organisations for their employees. Information about what's included in those webinars and details of the next public delivery are here. |
Just to update you on the interview – I got panelled – no. 3. So, I am delighted and over the moon. Thanks a mill for your help. Thanks for all your help Tina. The interview was really tough but your advice paid off and I was offered the job (which I accepted!). Many thanks for your help with the application form. I was shortlisted for interview. I wanted to let you know that I was successful at interview and placed 1st in both competitions. I am just delighted and I wanted to thank you - you really helped me to focus on the bigger picture and what my message was and I really feel it helped me in my successful interview. Hi Tina, I actually was placed 1st on the panel and I know hand on heart it was down to you that I was focused and articulated my answers well. Thank you so much for your guidance and advice. Number 2 on panel Tina! What I appreciated most about this interviewee training course was Tina’s presentation and real-life experience. And she answered all the questions we asked. I passed my interview for the Garda! I'm absolutely delighted. Thanks for your help, I wouldn't have passed it without the session we did, it really helped me! Thanks a lot. Got first on the panel! Just to let you know that I placed first on the EO panel and I am absolutely thrilled! Thank you very much for your help, it was invaluable. I'm delighted to have found out that I came 2nd on the panel for the Grade V. Many thanks for all your advice. I signed contracts yesterday for permanency to commence. Absolutely thrilled as is my colleagues and family. Thank you for your help again. Thank you for the help and advice you gave me. I was successful for the job we prepared for. Many thanks for your help and couldn't recommend your services highly enough. Just wanted to let you know that the interviews went well and they offered me the job! Thank you so much for your help preparing for the interview. A huge thank you to both of your for the help and guidance prior to my interview. I have passed the interview and I'm pretty delighted with that!! Just wanted to thank you both and let you know that it all worked out! |
