Ace Your First Professional Interview Michael Elias Appointments –

1. Why do employers conduct interviews? 2. What are they hoping to assess from you in an interview? The Importance of the Interview

Employers Need to Know… More about you than the information on your resume Personality Fit- They gauge your personality to ensure it fits the company’s culture, work style, manager, and staff. Matching short & long term Goals- They explore how your goals align with the company’s goals for the position. They seek a match between your aspirations and what the company can or is willing to provide. Matching your skills to the job requirement- They want to know if you have skills that they need for the job. They do not want to have to train you how to be a team player or how to multi-task for example.

Interview Planning and Execution Consider these steps when preparing for your interview: 1) Conduct a self-assessment 2) Research the company and employees/manager 3) Prepare questions for the interviewer 4) Practice interviewing 5) Know what you are worth

Conduct a Self-Assessment 1. Conduct a Self-Assessment Click on View, Headers and Footer to change text footer. 1. Evaluate and make a list of your current strengths and transferable skills 2. Compare these transferable skills to the job description if it is available 3. Review your resume and prepare a detailed example or short story describing each important aspect listed

Transferable Skills Click on View, Headers and Footer to change text footer. Communication/Interpersonal Skills Team Orientation/Teamwork Customer Focus Technical Knowledge/Related Experience Flexibility/Adaptability Problem Solving/Decision Making Results Leadership Conflict Management

2. Research Prospective Companies and Employees o Use the company website to research about:  Industry, Trends, History, Business services, Size, Culture, Achievements and Competitors o Be aware of any major developments within the organization and recent news o Other sources to use:  – Research company and employees  Chicago Crain’s website -

Prepare and Practice 3. Prepare questions o Pull questions from your most recent research o Draw up a list of 5 or 6 questions to ask the employer about their company or position 4. Practice interviewing o Review your resume and practice talking about your experiences you listed on it o Script out some specific examples that demonstrate your transferable skills and outline some of your key accomplishments o Set up an appointment with a Career Advisor or an ASK volunteer for a practice interview

5. Know What You are Worth Click on View, Headers and Footer to change text footer. o Research salary statistics -- know average starting salary for the position you’re applying for o o o o Research what your degree is worth in the current market o Talk to your career advisor or go directly to: o If an employer asks about salary requirements give a range of what you are looking for (i.e. $35—40,000). Never state a bottom line

Different Types of Interviews Click on View, Headers and Footer to change text footer. Phone Interviews Face-to-face Interviews Panel Interviews Group Interviews Skype Interviews

Tips for Successful Interviewing BEFORE the Interview: Preparation: Review directions or test out the route for timing and confirming location. Also make time to plan your attire and have it ready Clarification: Find out names and title(s) of interviewers and perhaps review profiles on company website. Review: Review your resume and identify talking points of accomplishments Process: Be prepared to fill out additional applications or screenings

Steps to Follow on Interview Day Making 1 st Impressions Count! Arrival o Arrive ten minutes early to observe company setting and complete any paperwork o Do not text/use phone while waiting, fidget, exhibit bad posture, or chew gum o Bring copies of your resume, a list of references and any portfolio materials to the interview Setting the Tone – Beginning of Interview o Greet the interviewer with a firm handshake and create rapport with employer o Don’t slouch in chair, use positive body language (eye contact, gestures), and verbal feedback Maintain Flow – Middle and Close of Interview o Display enthusiasm for position and interview by introducing your personality in interview o Focus on questions asked and clarify questions you are unsure about o Do not bring up benefits or salary – the interviewer should initiate conversations

During the Interview Wait until you are asked to be seated Maintain steady eye contact with all the interviewers Listen carefully Clarify Convey confidence, not arrogance. Control nervous ticks or distractive behavior Project an open, straightforward impression Give complete information with examples

Types of Interview Questions Traditional Interview Questions: Interviewers are looking to gauge your responses to commonly asked interview questions surrounding your personality, work ethic, academics and experiences. Answers should be concise and well thought-out based upon your knowledge and experience

Types of Interview Questions Click on View, Headers and Footer to change text footer. Behavioral Interview Questions: The basic premise behind behavioral interviewing: past performance will predict future behavior in same situation Many organizations determine whether a potential employee has the transferable skills to successfully perform the job Behavioral questions require specific examples of past experiences which demonstrate the skills an employer is seeking

Behavioral Interviewing Question Example Question: “Give me an example of a time when you had to address an angry customer.” Answer this question by stating specifics about the situation, details about how you handled it and the outcome – situation, action and result Prepare for these types of interviews by developing descriptive examples for certain skills and competencies

Situation or Task Describe the situation that you were in or the task that you needed to accomplish. You must describe a specific event or situation, not a generalized description of what you have done in the past. Be sure to give enough detail for the interviewer to understand. This situation can be from a previous job, from a volunteer experience, or any relevant event. Action you tookDescribe the action you took and be sure to keep the focus on you. Even if you are discussing a group project or effort, describe what you did -- not the efforts of the team. Don't tell what you might do, tell what you did. Results you achievedWhat happened? How did the event end? What did you accomplish? What did you learn? STAR Interviewing Response Technique for Success in Behavioral Job Interviews

Other Types of Interview Questions Click on View, Headers and Footer to change text footer. You might also encounter these during an interview: Situational Questions Technical Questions Case Questions Brain Teasers

Closing the Interview the whole time ABC’s (Always Be Closing) At the end of your interview, ask the interviewer the next steps in the interview process Reiterate your interest in the organization. Tell them you want to work for them! Ask the interviewer(s) for a business card, so that you can send them a thank you letter

After the Interview Strengthen Final Impressions o Send a thank-you letter no later than 24 to 48 hours after the interview o Call or to inquire about the position status if you have not heard back o Call your references to share that they may be contacted soon Reflection o Think of questions answered well and those you might answer differently in future o Consider your salary and benefits expectations o Be sure you know the competitive salary range for the position before you begin to engage in this process

Career Center Interview Preparation Resources 1.Practice what you’ve learned – learn more about interviewing by attending the second workshop in this series, “Polish Your Professional Interviewing Skills” 2.Practice online with Interview Stream: depaul.interviewstream.com 3.Schedule a practice interview with Alumni Sharing Knowledge (ASK) Program via DePaul.Experience.com See sample interview questions and other interview preparation resources on the Career Center Website: careercenter.depaul.edu 1.Practice what you’ve learned – learn more about interviewing by attending the second workshop in this series, “Polish Your Professional Interviewing Skills” 2.Practice online with Interview Stream: depaul.interviewstream.com 3.Schedule a practice interview with Alumni Sharing Knowledge (ASK) Program via DePaul.Experience.com See sample interview questions and other interview preparation resources on the Career Center Website: careercenter.depaul.edu