Interviewing Skills

Workshop Objectives Upon completion of this unit of work, participants will be able to: Prepare for a successful interview. Conduct themselves appropriately through a mock interview. Translate their experiences into work-related situations. Identify good and bad interview styles. /

Interview Guidelines Know the opportunity: Explore the company’s website to become familiar with its services, culture, financial standing and other pertinent information. Familiarize yourself with the job description and required/desired qualifications for the position. Prepare any of your own questions about the company and the position before the interview. /

Interview Guidelines Know your strengths: Review your background and experiences (your resume is a great place to start). Be prepared to discuss your past experiences, positions, roles and responsibilities in detail. Relate your past experiences to the current job requirements. Make a list of accomplishments and experiences of which you’re most proud, and which best relate to the position at hand. Be prepared to discuss. Consider the reasons you’re seeking opportunities outside of your present position. Assess your future career goals.

Interview Guidelines Come prepared: Expect to meet with an interview panel/team or have several one-on-one interviews. Bring multiple copies of your resume to the interview. Practice! Try preparing a closing statement as to why you’re the best fit for the position. Dress in appropriate business attire, unless otherwise instructed. Arrive at least 15 minutes early to allow time to park, access the building and find your destination.

Guidelines Be on time Firm handshake and eye contact Answer accurately, honestly and promptly Remember to listen – don’t talk too much State facts without bragging Avoid an attitude Speak clearly and sit up straight Do not discuss personal problems or situations Refrain from nervous habits Take responsibility for past mistakes and cite examples of improvement /

Guidelines Speak positively about past employers Place personal items next to your chair Think before answering but ask to repeat a question or explain if necessary Answer questions fully but to the point Prepare questions to ask the interviewer that relate to the position Thank employer and ask about next steps Send thank-you note within 24 hours /

Appearance Checklist Shoes: clean; closed-toes Clothing: professional, neutral, conservative Jewelry: avoid large or flashy items Face: makeup should be natural; limited Hands: clean, conservative nails Teeth: fresh breath is a must – avoid coffee, tea and smoking Body: clean and with limited perfume /

Behavioral-based Interviews Understand the format: Questions will focus on situations that highlight your past experiences, prior actions, knowledge skills and job-related abilities. Answers should follow the “S.T.A.R.” format (Situation, Task, Actions, Results), in which you: Explain the Situation. Define the Task you were charged with accomplishing. Describe the Actions you took to accomplish the task. Share the Results of your actions. /

Behavioral-based Interview Expect behavioral-based questions such as: “In leading a project, describe how you handled an obstacle in completing it.” “Tell me about a time when you exceeded a customer’s expectations.” “Describe a conflict situation and how you communicated your solution.” Be prepared to ask the interviewers questions such as: What are the primary responsibilities of this job? What qualifications are you looking for in the person you hire? What is the process for training or learning the job? Are there opportunities for advancement? How do you measure employee performance? How would you describe the company culture?

Break 15 minutes Return at ______

Interviewing Activity Split into pairs and conduct mock interviews using the Activity worksheets. Report back to the class on issues/questions/challenges. /

Open Discussion “Good” interview stories “Bad interview stories Discussion-Comments