Interviewing Skills

Goals for Interview Introduce & Sell Yourself Who are you? Skills and Strengths Unique Marketable Qualities Sell the Job Interviewer’s Responsibility Never Walk Away Empty-Handed Next Steps

Interviews Types of Interviews Screening or Selection Interviews Behavioral Styles of Interviews Directed Nondirective Stress

Preparation is Vital! Analyze Yourself Resume Do your homework Field Organizations School/program What will they evaluate?

Stages of an Interview Structured Much Like a Speech Intro Candidate & Job Body of Interview Questions Closing Reiterate Interest & Fit Follow-up Thank You Note; Assessment/Revision

Important Interview Elements Verbal Message Appearance Non-Verbal Message Questions Follow-up

How You Define Yourself Your Skills & Experience Reiterate Resume with Examples Your Personality Flexible? Communicative? Pleasant? Team Player? Verbal Message Your Interests & Goals Why This Job? Why This Company? Why Now?

Understand What They Want Flexibility, Quick Learner, Motivated, Team-player Prepare As You Would For Speech Identify Key Ideas, Support Ideas with Examples, Adapt to Audience, End Strongly Verbal Message Find Skills That Fit The Job Travel, Tutoring, Class Projects, Peer Training, Volunteering, Working on Campus/in Class Use Speech Skills Be Concise, Listen Closely & Answer Question Asked, Pace Yourself, Reflect Enthusiasm, Strong Voice

Show Courtesy to Interviewer Not: “What can you do for me?” Don’t Rely on Yes/No Answers Be Careful of “Know it All Complex” Positive, Not Cynical Show Tolerance and Flexibility Broad Interests Low Pressure Personality Type Verbal Message Personality Cues

Speak Well of Others Show Initiative Ability to Take Criticism Moral Standards (Don’t Lie) Willing to “Pay Your Dues” Team Player Verbal Message Work Habit Cues

First Impressions = Lasting Impressions Appearance Dress for Dream Job Inspires confidence; shows professionalism, and interest! Better to Over-dress than Under-dress Men: Solid or Pinstripe Suits with Tie Women: Suit or Jacket with Dress Avoid Synthetics Avoid Excessive Jewelry, Cologne, Short Skirts or Deep Necklines

Appropriate Interview Attire Men Suits/Shirts Ties Shoes/Socks Jewelry Hair/Facial Hair Nails Women Suits/Blouses Skirt length Shoes/hosiery Jewelry Hair Nails Purse/Portfolio/Briefcase

Firm Handshake, Eye Contact, Smile Don’t Sit Until Invited Eye Contact Be Mindful of Hands and Facial Signals Mirror Interviewer (subtly) Look Enthusiastic! Take Your Time Non-Verbal Message Body Language Speaks Volumes

Body Movement Don’t Cross Arms—use gestures instead Sit up Straight---Lean Forward Use an Appropriate Sitting Position Consider Spatial Use & Seating Arrangement Vocal Usage Sound Energetic & Enthusiastic Reduce the Use of Filled Pauses Non-Verbal Message

Types Credential Experience Opinion Dumb Behavioral Legal Interview Questions

Questions Why do you want to work here? What kind of experience do you have for this job? Tell me more about your last job. What did you dislike/Why are you leaving last job? What are your strengths? What are your weaknesses? Where do you see yourself in 5 years?

Questions Why do you want to work here? Research Company * outstanding firm with reputable history (proof) * recent projects are similar to interests (give example) * recommended by a contact * size of company, corporate “culture”, values Not just looking for a paycheck--enjoy your work, proud of your profession and looking for a company that shares these values.

Questions What kind of experience do you have for this job? Use characteristics in vacancy announcement Use interviewer’s intro to company/job ASK what projects you would be assigned to * Pull skills from previous jobs--even if unrelated (leadership, time management, work ethic) * Pull examples from academic work (related project? Technical knowledge demonstrated?)

Questions Tell me more about your last job. 2-3 Key Points * What were your responsibilities * Challenges you overcame * What did you enjoy about it * Draw it back to current opportunity NEVER talk poorly of past experience/boss/company The world is smaller than you think.

Questions What did you dislike about your last job? Why are you leaving? * Short and positive answer. * Looking to apply different skills. * Looking to make greater contribution. * Opportunity was too great to ignore.

Questions What are your strengths? Isolate high points from background * Time Management & Planning * Natural Curiosity & Desire to Learn * Strong Communication Skills * Work Ethic * Love Challenge--Finding Solutions * Working with Diverse Teams

Questions Where do you see yourself in 5 years? Be honest--to a degree Leave the door open for “the right opportunity” Show desire to be team player & grow Dangerous Answer: “In your seat!”

Questions For Them Why is this vacancy available? Who will I report to? What specific projects will I work on? Who will I work with from day-to-day? What is the management style of my supervisor? When did you join the company? What do you like best/like least about firm? Describe the company’s culture? Are there many young people? What does the office look like at 6:00 pm? Is there potential for growth? Always have a question prepared.

What has the growth pattern of the company been like over the past few years? How often are evaluations given? Is there a written job description for position? How many individuals are being considered for the position? What are the next steps? Is there a timeline for the decision? Is there anything that concerns you about me? (GUTSY) DO NOT INQUIRE ABOUT SALARY Questions For Them

Follow-up Confirm when they will be in contact Reiterate interest in job “Look forward to hearing from you.” Get business card for everyone at interview Send thank you note PROMPTLY. Shows interest! Allows chance to follow-up on issue Handwritten--more personal Typed--more polished Complete a Self-Assessment

Other Hints Arrive Early! Introductions—More than a Hello Name Usage—Follow lead Listen and Observe Office Laughter? Many vacant desks? A pleasant environment? Ask to meet predecessor or former intern. Thank Interviewers at close of interview