2. Successful Interviews & Salary Negotiations Vic Snyder, Associate Director of Counseling 134 Mary Gates Hall, Box 352810 (206) 543-0535 vsnyder@u.washington.edu www.careers.washington.edu

3. The Silent Question All the questions employers have in mind are really the same question. – “How can you be valuable to me?”

4. Successful Job Seekers Know they have value and Communicate that value to employers

5. Skills Link to Jobs Value increases with the degree of match between your skills and the way the employer sees the position

6. Interviewers’ Lament Applicant’s lack of research on their company, and... Applicant’s inability to talk about their strengths and how they match with company needs

7. Researching the Company Why? – So you can show how you match with company needs What? – Company mission, core values, management style, culture, growth areas, projects, problems

8. Researching Companies How? – Visit company web sites, use search engines (UWCC web site: www.careers.washington.eduwww.careers.washington.edu click on Quick Links  Web Resources  Company Research) – Use directories, financial sources and indexes in libraries and Career Centers – Read annual reports, articles, professional/trade journals

9. Talking About Strengths Answering the “Silent” question An interview strategy demonstration

10. Interview Strategy “Tell me about yourself?” – The question we usually get to start the interview. Gives the first opportunity to answer the silent question.

11. Interview Strategy Keep in mind the job description and your strengths/skills. Choose three strengths and say: “My strengths include _______, _______, and _______; which of these would you prefer I talk about first?”

12. Interview Strategy The interviewer will choose or let you choose. Give the best example of when you demonstrated that strength. Be short and clear - no more than 2 minutes.

13. Interview Strategy Ask: “Is this the kind of information you want? Would you like another example in this skill area or shall I go on to another?” You will guide the interview so your greatest strengths are clearly communicated. Identifying Strengths (see Career Guide pages 6–9)Career Guide The STAR Method (Career Guide page 27)

14. The Job Description Ask questions to be sure you understand the job description… – “Is there anything more you can tell me about this position?” – “What results do you expect to see from someone in this position?” Include examples of your strengths as they match the description.

15. Most Organizations Look For… A Strong Academic Record Skills & Achievements – Extra-curricular activities, achievements and good experiences are strong evidence to help in understanding the type of person you are Technical Skills – May be essential in some fields, and highly valued in all fields Also, your ability to… – place problems in a wide but relevant perspective – work efficiently with others in a team – get things done

16. Answering Questions – Listen – Think through the answers you could give – Answer briefly and to the point – Use only positive information

17. Key Situations Unexpected Questions – pause - think - respond Negative Questions – it’s about “attitude” – always respond with a positive… – “Weaknesses?” - speak about something unrelated to the job

18. Key Situations Behavior Based Questions – employers believe past actions predict future behavior – think of examples/stories/scenarios – use the STAR Method

19. Key Situations Situational Questions – interviewer describes a situation and asks how you would respond – relate to real situation if possible (keep the STAR method in mind) Technical Questions – test problem solving and critical thinking skills – indicate how you might arrive at an answer – http://www.hitequest.com http://www.hitequest.com

20. Key Situations Illegal Questions – think of underlying question interviewer might have in mind and address it – ask how it relates to performing the job Questions to Ask – ask relevant questions that show some forethought

21. Key Situations Salary Questions – see Salary Negotiations Tips – Research the pay range – You will have the most leverage if you get the job offer before negotiating salary – Online Job Offer & Salary Negotiations workshopJob Offer & Salary Negotiations Practice the interview – CCS Mock Interview Program CCS Mock Interview Program – Virtual Job Interview Virtual Job Interview

22. Summary Research the company Speak about your strengths and how they bring value Remember the STAR method Practice, Practice, Practice! Web site: CollegeGrad.com - click on Interview Prep, Salaries, Job OffersCollegeGrad.com Questions??

23. Successful Interviews & Salary Negotiations Vic Snyder, Associate Director of Counseling 134 Mary Gates Hall, Box 352810 (206) 543-0535 vsnyder@u.washington.edu www.careers.washington.edu