1. Interviewing Techniques & Professional Etiquette Overview: Types and Styles of Interviewing Preparation for Interviews The Interview Itself Interview Etiquette Other Issues After the Interview

2. Introduction An interview is a goal-oriented exchange of information between two or more people.An interview is a goal-oriented exchange of information between two or more people. It provides an opportunity for applicants and employers to mutually evaluate the fit between the applicant’s qualifications and the position being considered.It provides an opportunity for applicants and employers to mutually evaluate the fit between the applicant’s qualifications and the position being considered.

3. Objectives of the Interview Expand on information contained in your resume and supply information not in your resume (e.g., personality, oral communication skills, etc.).Expand on information contained in your resume and supply information not in your resume (e.g., personality, oral communication skills, etc.). Gain additional information about the job and organization.Gain additional information about the job and organization.

4. Employer Concerns in Hiring You may lack the necessary skills.You may lack the necessary skills. You might leave after only a short time.You might leave after only a short time. It could take you too long to master the job.It could take you too long to master the job. You may not get along with others.You may not get along with others. You might always have to be told what to do next -- lacking initiative.You might always have to be told what to do next -- lacking initiative.

5. Employer Questions to Get at these Concerns “What would be an ideal job for you?” fear: The job that they have is not what you want. Afraid you will take the job and then leave for something better.

6. Employer Questions to Get at these Concerns “What skills can you bring to this job?” fear: The employer is afraid you really are not able to do the work required and wants you to elaborate on your resume.

7. Types of Interviews Screening InterviewsScreening Interviews –general –used to eliminate unqualified candidates –short (30-45 minutes) –on-campus interviews –phone interviews –group interviews (eye contact)

8. Types of Interviews, continued... Selection InterviewsSelection Interviews –sometimes referred to as “second interview” –more specific, thorough –designed to identify most qualified candidates –could last up to one hour or more –often on-site –used to actually make a selection decision

9. Styles of Interviewing DirectiveDirective –Structured, impersonal, more formal –Not much opportunity to elaborate –All candidates asked the same questions Non directiveNon directive –Conversational, informal –Interviewee allowed to take more control –More opportunity to “sell” yourself

10. Styles of Interviewing, continued... BehavioralBehavioral –Employer asks questions designed to elicit real examples of past performance in order to gain insights as to whether candidate will be successful in the position. –“Give me an example of when you…” –Provide an in-depth response by drawing upon your background, experience and knowledge of particular issues. Details!

11. Preparation for Interviews Know YourselfKnow Yourself –Develop a list of points which best reflect your skills in relation to the job. –Think of an example of an experience for each point that shows evidence that you have this strength. –Be prepared to relate these to the job. –Be sure that the job is compatible with your work values.

12. Preparation, continued... Know the OrganizationKnow the Organization –Research as much as you can so you have knowledge of its products or services, locations, and needs. –Use both printed materials and the Internet. –Attend any pre-nights offered. Know the Job & Career FieldKnow the Job & Career Field –Ask for job description from employer. –Understand your career field - research and talk with people in the field.

13. Preparation, continued... Clearly Define Your GoalsClearly Define Your Goals –Employers look favorably upon candidates with specific and well-defined goals. –Be ready to articulate these to the employer. –Graduate school? Consider the MatchConsider the Match –How does this position fit in with your long- range goals?

14. Preparation, continued... Anticipate Most Likely QuestionsAnticipate Most Likely Questions –See pages 13 & 15 of Interviewing guide for sample interview questions. –Brainstorm other questions that might be asked for this kind of position. –Prepare your answers. You may wish to: write an outlinewrite an outline write in fullwrite in full practice with friendpractice with friend tape record answerstape record answers videotape answers (mock interview)videotape answers (mock interview)

15. Preparation, continued... Anticipate Gaps or ProblemsAnticipate Gaps or Problems –Examples: Low GPA, having little or no related experience, six years to finish. –Develop strategy to deal with these. –Explain briefly the situation and go on to emphasize strengths and positive points. Have Questions for the EmployerHave Questions for the Employer –See guide for ideas (never salary/benefits) –Shows interest and enthusiasm

16. The Interview Itself Ask yourself: “What reservations would I have hiring me?” Reassure the employer that you are the right person for the job!

17. Typical Interview Opening remarksOpening remarks –Informal “chit chat” to put you at ease Questions by the interviewerQuestions by the interviewer –Open-ended questions –Behavior-based questions Questions by the intervieweeQuestions by the interviewee –Here is where you gain the edge Closing remarksClosing remarks –Controlled by the interviewer

18. Suggestions for Answering Questions Be honest (but focus on positive qualities).Be honest (but focus on positive qualities). Listen carefully to questions.Listen carefully to questions. Don’t be afraid of some silence.Don’t be afraid of some silence. Be positive about former co-workers and supervisors.Be positive about former co-workers and supervisors. Be prepared to discuss salary (only if they bring it up).Be prepared to discuss salary (only if they bring it up). Be careful with open-ended questions.Be careful with open-ended questions. Be ready for behavioral questions.Be ready for behavioral questions.

19. Responding to Questions S.T.A.R. Method: S = SituationS.T.A.R. Method: S = Situation T = Tasks Involved A = Action Taken R = Results S.T.A.R Method: Describe a pertinent Situation, along with the Tasks you were involved in, the Actions you took, and the Results achieved.S.T.A.R Method: Describe a pertinent Situation, along with the Tasks you were involved in, the Actions you took, and the Results achieved.

20. Responding to Questions Question: “Give me an example of a time when you had to deal with a difficult client or customer.” Response: Use STAR (see example in workshop handout)

21. Nonverbal Communication Must be congruent with spoken messageMust be congruent with spoken message Specific nonverbalsSpecific nonverbals –Eye contact –Facial expression –Tone of voice, inflection, volume, speed –Handshake –Posture (standing & sitting), hands, feet –Non-words

22. Expressing Interest or Enthusiasm Think of interview as a positive learning experience.Think of interview as a positive learning experience. Ask good questions.Ask good questions. Be punctual.Be punctual. Note interviewer’s name.Note interviewer’s name. Bring resume, transcript, reference list, and, if appropriate, a portfolio.Bring resume, transcript, reference list, and, if appropriate, a portfolio.

23. What to Wear Dress professionally and conservatively, unless advised to the contrary by the employer.Dress professionally and conservatively, unless advised to the contrary by the employer. Suit is the basic element for men and women.Suit is the basic element for men and women. For men, ties are a must.For men, ties are a must. Avoid distracting jewelry, nail polish, make-up, cologne, or perfume.Avoid distracting jewelry, nail polish, make-up, cologne, or perfume. Don’t forget to have polished shoes.Don’t forget to have polished shoes.

24. Handling Illegal Questions Various federal, state, and local laws regulate the questions a prospective employer can ask you.Various federal, state, and local laws regulate the questions a prospective employer can ask you. An employer’s questions -- whether on the job application, in the interview, or during the testing process -- must be related to the job you are seeking.An employer’s questions -- whether on the job application, in the interview, or during the testing process -- must be related to the job you are seeking. Read Appendix D “How to Handle Improper or Illegal Interview Questions.”Read Appendix D “How to Handle Improper or Illegal Interview Questions.”

25. Concluding the Interview Reiterate your interest and your key skills.Reiterate your interest and your key skills. Be specific - ASK FOR THE JOB!Be specific - ASK FOR THE JOB! Request a business card.Request a business card. Ask about when you can expect to receive further word on your status (if they have not already told you).Ask about when you can expect to receive further word on your status (if they have not already told you).

26. After the Interview Write down notes about the job and employer.Write down notes about the job and employer. Evaluate your performance.Evaluate your performance. Send interviewer a short thank-you letter.Send interviewer a short thank-you letter. If receive second interview, prepare (see Interviewing guide).If receive second interview, prepare (see Interviewing guide).