Understanding the Recruiting Process: Techniques for Success

2 Actual Job Interviews! “Wore a walkman and said she could listen to me and the music at the same time.” “Asked to see my resume to see if I (the executive) was qualified to judge him as a candidate.” “Said he was so well qualified that if he didn’t get the job, it would prove that the company’s management was incompetent.” “Announced she hadn’t had lunch and proceeded to eat a hamburger and fries in my office.” “Took a Polaroid photo of me and said that he takes a picture of all interviewers for his collection.”

3 Typical Interview Process Initial on-campus interview(s) Site interview/Office Visit Job offer decision made by company Job accept/reject decision made by candidate

4 Preparing for the Interview Know yourself and your resume Research the field/employer/position Practice answering questions out loud Know the interview process Prepare questions

5 Typical Interview Structure Ice Breaker “Small Talk”/Introductions Description of interview format Employer Assessment/Questions Candidate Q&A Closing/Next Steps Follow-Up

6 During the Interview Follow appropriate etiquette Watch your style/presentation Communicate knowledgeably/positively Be yourself Prepare a game plan and know what you want to highlight about yourself Keep to the point Remember you are always being assessed Do not expect an offer on the spot Close on an upbeat note

7 Types of Interviews Informational Traditional/Resume-based Behavioral/Directed Case

8 Traditional/Resume-Based Interviews “Tell me about yourself…” Decisions: school, major, field of interest Academics: grades as indicator of ability Extracurricular: roles, what you learned Strengths/Weaknesses/Goals Previous employment Knowledge of company/position

9 Behavioral Interviews Know specific examples of when you demonstrated your strengths Be prepared to tell “stories” Listen carefully to each question - don’t rush Give specific responses highlighting your role - avoid using “we” Avoid extremely personal examples Answer what is asked, not what you rehearsed Interviewer really gets to know you Provides interviewer with concrete, consistent and objective information

10 Candidate - Questions to Ask Company culture Commitment to employee development Career progression Company’s strategic direction Professional concerns

11 Candidate - Questions Not to Ask Salary and benefits related questions “What are my chances?” “What do you look for?” “How did I do?”

12 Site Interview/Office Visit Interview(s) at company site Opportunity to see office environment and gauge company culture Interact with other students Learn about roles and responsibilities of a new hire in order to make a good decision Learn about benefits and ask questions Do not expect an offer on the spot

13 After the Interview or Office Visit Document/Evaluate the interview Send thank you letter Follow-up /Keep in touch Continue your job search

14 Reasons People Are Not Hired Lack of career focus/goals Lack of interest or enthusiasm Improper appearance Overly aggressive, conceited Poor communication skills (grammar, diction) No self-confidence Overemphasis on money Poor scholastic record Expecting too much too soon Failure to prepare

15 Making Your Decision Identify factors that are important to you and rank them Evaluate the pros/cons of each offer How does offer fit into your short-term and long-term goals? Ask additional questions Do not feel locked in forever Offers are confidential!

16 Multiple Offers You do not have to say “yes” to an offer immediately Wait to receive offer in writing Contact employers in whom you still have an interest Make your decision based on the factors that are most important to you

17 Accepting DO –call your primary contact –be enthusiastic –negotiate, if appropriate –complete all required paperwork on time –make sure you understand the offer –complete any surveys –write thank you notes and notify companies with outstanding offers DON’T –keep interviewing after you have accepted –let anyone try to change your mind after you have accepted –renege

18 Declining DO –call your primary contact on time –be honest regarding your reasons –be firm –complete all surveys –send thank you notes DON’T –let anyone change your mind after you have made your decision –say your decision was based on a “gut” feeling

19 Questions ?????