Career Development ServicesYour Work. Your Life. Our Mission Job Search Interviewing Techniques

Career Development ServicesYour Work. Your Life. Our Mission Interview Purpose Exchange information with employer: Obtain information about the position and the employer. Assess the fit between your goals, values and needs and the position and employer. “Sell” your interests, skills and abilities for the job.

Career Development ServicesYour Work. Your Life. Our Mission Above all, answer this… Can you do the job:Skills & Interests Do you fit in: Personality Can you be counted on: Reliability/Goals

Career Development ServicesYour Work. Your Life. Our Mission Explore your interest in the organization - “Do I want to work there?” Helps you ask and answer interview questions Why Research?

Career Development ServicesYour Work. Your Life. Our Mission About YOURSELF About the POSITION About the ORGANIZATION Research Information

Career Development ServicesYour Work. Your Life. Our Mission Self-assessment and reflection Organization’s website Internet searches Annual reports/marketing materials Libraries Newspapers, magazines Networking contacts Where is the Information?

Career Development ServicesYour Work. Your Life. Our Mission Interview Types IN PERSON: ON CAMPUS or AT THE BUSINESS TELEPHONE: CALL FOR AN APPOINTMENT; SCREENING VIDEO CONFERENCING: STILL RARE BUT…

Career Development ServicesYour Work. Your Life. Our Mission Prepare for Interview Questions Once you have done your research, the next step in preparation is practice! Think ahead about what questions the employer may have for you Structure your responses to provide information showing your research and giving examples of your accomplishments

Career Development ServicesYour Work. Your Life. Our Mission Interview Answers Answer questions using the PAR Model… State the P roblem for which you were responsible State what A ction you took to solve the problem or complete the task State the R esults of your actions

Career Development ServicesYour Work. Your Life. Our Mission Focus on “results” (accomplishments): Be specific Use numbers, statistics, and percentages Tell powerful results: Awarded “Employee of the Month” for improving morale Streamlined operations Cut costs by 20% Increased sales from $100k to $500k Improved productivity Start a BRAG FILE to collect accomplishments

Career Development ServicesYour Work. Your Life. Our Mission “How would others, especially former co-workers and supervisors, describe you?” Sample Question

Career Development ServicesYour Work. Your Life. Our Mission Interview Answers ACTION TIME - Share with person sitting next to you State a P roblem for which you were responsible State what A ction you took to solve the problem or complete the task State the R esults of your actions

Career Development ServicesYour Work. Your Life. Our Mission Make lists of FAQs ID “most dreaded” questions Develop PAR answers Mock Interviews

Career Development ServicesYour Work. Your Life. Our Mission Creating a Personal Pitch Introduces yourself Includes who you are in terms of education, roles, and work situation Highlights strengths Explains what you are looking for (i.e., this job)

Career Development ServicesYour Work. Your Life. Our Mission Personal Pitch Points “Tell me about yourself.” Who are you? Where are you headed? Why are you going there? What is unique about you?

Career Development ServicesYour Work. Your Life. Our Mission Personal Pitch Practice Spend 2 minutes writing an outline of the answer Pair off and practice answering this question

Career Development ServicesYour Work. Your Life. Our Mission “ Why should we hire you?” Summarize your experience Address key points that match job requirements The Menu Option: “ I have a, b, and c skills. Which would you like to hear about?” Common Questions

Career Development ServicesYour Work. Your Life. Our Mission “Did you have problems at your last job?” Common Questions “Tell me about your last job.” Be honest No negativity If no problems, brag

Career Development ServicesYour Work. Your Life. Our Mission “Where do you see yourself in three years?” Demonstrate ambition and flexibility Tell about commitment to your occupation or the industry “ Why do you want to work HERE?” “What do you know about us?” “How will you benefit the company?” Demonstrate your interest in the company Explain what you can contribute Share what you learned about the company/industry from research Common Questions

Career Development ServicesYour Work. Your Life. Our Mission “What are your pay needs?” Know the going rate Know what you are worth Know your personal bottom line Ask rather than answer, if possible If you must, keep it in a range Common Questions

Career Development ServicesYour Work. Your Life. Our Mission Interview Hazards Some questions may be unethical or illegal Interviewers must address your skills and experience Questions can’t relate to age, marital status, disability, sexual orientation, national origin, race or religion. If questions are unclear, it’s ok to ask for clarification Some interviewers may not be good at interviewing: Stay focused on sharing relevant information Stay positive; maintain eye contact and smile

Career Development ServicesYour Work. Your Life. Our Mission An interview is a conversation Prepare 5-6 questions ahead OK to ask even if you think you know answers Also Ask Questions !

Career Development ServicesYour Work. Your Life. Our Mission Questions You Can Ask May I see a copy of the job description? What is a typical day like for this position? Why has the job become available? Is there any information you need that will help you make a good hiring decision? What is the next step? When will you be making your decision?

Career Development ServicesYour Work. Your Life. Our Mission Don’t interrogate the interviewer Don’t ask about salary, stock options, vacation, coffee breaks, holiday schedule or benefits…you should know that already. Don’t ask questions that have already been answered in the interview, just for the sake of asking something Questions – a few cautions

Career Development ServicesYour Work. Your Life. Our Mission Before the Interview Map out location on Google Arrive early and go alone! Leave CELL PHONE in your car or make sure you turn it OFF Have copies of relevant documents with you Be courteous to everyone you meet. Everyone!

Career Development ServicesYour Work. Your Life. Our Mission DON’T BE LATE!

Career Development ServicesYour Work. Your Life. Our Mission Check your attitude and use your best manners: Remain poised and relaxed Minimize distracting body language SMILE; Convey enthusiasm Speak clearly - not too fast or slow Shake hands confidently Look at all interviewers in the eye Listen carefully to the question Sit up and lean forward Establishing Rapport

Career Development ServicesYour Work. Your Life. Our Mission Interview Grooming Polished dress shoes – no open toed shoes Well pressed clothes Groomed hairstyle – freshly cut or styled Cleaned and trimmed fingernails Minimal cologne or perfume: No body odor! Shower! No visible piercing beyond conservative earrings Well-brushed teeth and fresh breath No gum, candy, or other objects in your mouth Minimal jewelry – no heavy chains If you smoke…DON’T prior to the interview.

Closing the Deal Thank You… I Want the Job!

Career Development ServicesYour Work. Your Life. Our Mission Ask permission first Bring your list Stay in contact & coach them Make sure they will be available Your References

Career Development ServicesYour Work. Your Life. Our Mission Stand out from your competition Courteous gesture = good manners Another chance to remind who you are and what you can do for the employer Thank You Letter

Career Development ServicesYour Work. Your Life. Our Mission Short and to the point Separate letters should be addressed to each person met at the interview Tailor letters for each interview rather than using a form letter Hand-written or business letter? Tips For “Thank You” Letters

Career Development ServicesYour Work. Your Life. Our Mission Mention when and why you met. Include a brief statement of what you gained from the meeting. Remind about a strength you bring to the job, and add anything else that “sells” you for the job. Confirm your interest in the job. What to write about

Career Development ServicesYour Work. Your Life. Our Mission Take a moment to reflect What will you do next? Write down a few action steps Communicate your action steps to an advisor/mentor Thank you for attending!! Your Next Steps