Interviewing

Purpose  Gives the employer an opportunity to get to know you and determine if your skills and experiences match the department’s needs  Gives you a chance to meet key people and to determine if you want the position

2-way street Candidate Sell Yourself Demonstrate your Communication Skills Determine if this is a “Good Fit” Interviewer Evaluate Candidates Make Decisions/ Recommendations “Sell” the Company or Organization Determine if this is a “Good Fit”

Types of interviews  Telephone (Screening Interview)  Traditional (One-on-One)  Panel/Board (Two or More Interviewers)  Group (Several Candidates Together)

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Before the Interview - Practice  Research the employer and the position  Highlight important keywords  Review your knowledge skills and abilities  Write down examples  Practice, practice, practice!  Figure out where you’re going  Print out extra copies of your resume

Before the Interview - Appearance  Little or no cologne/perfume  No smoking beforehand – use mouthwash  Jewelry – conservative  CAUTION: Piercings and tattoos  No gum  Dress  Be conservative  Clean, unwrinkled clothes  Know your audience

During the Interview  Arrive 10 minutes early  Plan for parking and traffic, etc.  Turn off you phone  Or better yet, leave it in your car  Remember: you are interviewing with everyone

Types of Interview Questions  Behavioral  Open ended, majority of interview questions  Tell me about a time; Give me an example of; Describe or Recall  Situational  Sets the scene or scenario based  Challenging, because “what if” you have never done it  Traditional  Strengths/Weakness question

STAR Technique  S = Situation (Background)  T = Task (Challenge)  A = Action (Your actions)  R = Results (Outcome and Lessons Learned)  Always try to answer your questions by providing examples  Don’t blame or point fingers

Questions for them  Have 3-5 questions prepared  Shows interest  Avoid asking about salary, benefits, perks  Be sure to ask: “What are the next steps in the process?”

Odds and Ends  Body language – be aware  Eye contact  Silence can be o.k.  If needed, ask for clarification or to repeat  Be positive!

After the interview  Shake hands  Ask for business cards  ALWAYS Write a “Thank You” note or  Follow-up as appropriate  Learn from the experience (practice makes perfect)