Part 1
Interviewer: Emili, is it? Come in and have a seat. Sorry to have kept you waiting. Did you find the place OK?
Emili: Yes, no problem. Actually, I took a taxi: I didn’t want to be late.
Interviewer: Gosh, I hope you haven’t been waiting long. We overran on a couple of things this morning, meaning there is a bit of a backlog at the moment, so I guess we shouldn’t beat about the bush. First of all, let me be clear: I’m not going to talk about money, hours or anything like that today. This is just a get-to-know-you meeting so we can learn a little about each other. So, to start, can you introduce yourself?
Emili: Ok. Well, my name is Emili and I’ve been living in London for 4 years now, working as a IT analyst, although I’m looking to find something more interesting.
Interviewer: I see. Do you mind if I ask how old you are. Or is it a secret?
Emili: No, no, it’s no secret. I’m 28.
Interviewer: So young, fresh and clean. And you are from Edinburgh, is that right?
Emili: Yes, I’m from Edinburgh, although I was actually born in Newcastle. I moved when I was 6 months old.
Interviewer: Was there a particular reason you left Auld Reekie and came down south?
Emili: I came here after I finished university and was offered a job here. Beggars can’t be choosers in the current job market.
Interviewer: Indeed, the competition for work is insane these days; I don’t want to put you off but we had 73 applicants for this position. Anyway, must have been a little scary coming down by yourself. Do you go home very much?
Emili: Once or twice a year. Not that often.
Interviewer: And you went to university in Edinburgh?
Emili: That’s right. I studied computer programming, which was OK. Walked away with a 2:1, which was OK, although I would have liked a first.
Interviewer: Of course. Alright, let’s talk a little about your work experience. What sort of work have you done since you came to London?
Emili: Well, obviously I’ve done the IT analyst job, although before that I was also a part-time courier.
Interviewer: Interesting. Can I ask which of those you enjoyed the most?
Emili: I actually quite enjoyed the courier work, but there is only so far you can go in that business. It’s not really a career.
Interviewer: So you kept the IT job. I should ask: what does being an IT analyst involve? What do you do day-to-day?
Emili: Mostly it is sorting out minor problems with the network to make sure it is working at its optimum rate, and looking at the demographics of who is logging in, what time, and finding ways to increase web traffic in under-performing areas. A lot of my work involves presenting data to the marketing department.
Interviewer: I see. And what would you say are your main skills, your strong points?
Emili: Apart from knowing my way around computers, I think I am also a quick learner, and am curious about new technology. I like to keep up-to-date with technology, which is useful if you want to stay on top of things in a field that changes as swiftly and often as computing.
Interviewer: I’m not much of a computer man myself. Bit of a technophobe. Anyway, lets not go off on that tangent. Can I ask what sort of things you look for in a job?
Emili: It sounds a bit pretentious, but I enjoy using my mind, problem-solving, and working with technology, so the IT analyst work ticked many boxes. That said, ultimately I’m looking to move into something that gets me out of the office a little more or lets me try out some new ideas. One of the problems at my current work is that it doesn’t have much variation.
Interviewer: And what interested you in this particular business?
Emili: Firstly, the company name is quite enticing: everybody knows it. On top of this, I know that the quality of the training here is top notch, meaning – if I were lucky enough to be employed here – my own skills would improve. But mostly, I believe in the philosophy and ideals you have here.
Interviewer: Interesting. So what do you think you could bring to our little project?
Emili: I think I have the expertise you are looking for, and am really interested in the areas in which you are working. I think my knowledge and enthusiasm will be my biggest assets. Of course, I know you already have some supremely talented people on board here, so I’d have to work hard.
Interviewer: Alright. I think I have a good idea of what you’re about. Are there any questions you’d like to ask?
Emili: Umm, I can’t think of any at the moment. But I’m sure I’ll have some.
Interviewer: OK. Well, thank you for your interest in MI6. We’ll be in touch. Thank you for coming. Do you know your way out?
Emili: Yes, don’t worry, I’ll find my way. Thank you for having me. I look forward to hearing from you.