go.enterprise.com Strategies for Successful Interviewing Terri Morris October 29, 2014 Salisbury University

go.enterprise.com 2 what are we going to discuss? Preparing for the interview The interview The close

go.enterprise.com 3 preparing for the interview A Professional Image Know the Company Know Yourself The Dos and Don’ts

go.enterprise.com 4 preparing for the interview The Professional Image –Neat and organized Clothing that is clean and pressed Neat, professional hairstyle Think “Conservative” –Wear a suit –Be careful of trends –Earrings/ piercings

go.enterprise.com 5 preparing for the interview Know the Company –Do your research –Look for things that are important to you –Get a job description –Have a resume that is focused on the position

go.enterprise.com 6 preparing for the interview Know Yourself –What are your skills, strengths, values and weaknesses? –What are your goals? –What transferable skills are listed on your resume?

go.enterprise.com 7 preparing for the interview The Dos –PRACTICE! –Arrive EARLY –Bring many COPIES of your RESUME –Check for FRESH BREATH –Make good EYE CONTACT –Remember to SMILE –Develop and use a FIRM HANDSHAKE –Accentuate the POSITIVE

go.enterprise.com 8 preparing for the interview The Don’ts –Arrive right on time or LATE –TALK too much –Chew GUM –Use inappropriate LANGUAGE –Bring CELL PHONES into the interview –Look at your WATCH or clock –Assume that anyone you meet is UNIMPORTANT

go.enterprise.com 9 the interview How to Make a Good Impression Turning Negatives Into Positives Behavioral Interviewing How to Answer Behavioral Questions

go.enterprise.com 10 the interview How to Make a Good Impression –Presentation is everything Smile Offer a firm handshake Be conscientious of the non- verbal/verbal communication –delivery and animation –presentation of ideas –grammar and vocabulary Show enthusiasm!

go.enterprise.com 11 the interview Turn Negatives into Positives –Employers will be on the lookout for flaws. Avoid making negative impressions and focus on your skills that fit the position. –When discussing negatives, put a positive spin on it

go.enterprise.com 12 the interview Behavioral Interviewing –What is Behavioral Interviewing? Definition Benefit Behavioral Questions –Competencies –Sample questions

go.enterprise.com 13 the interview How to answer behavioral questions –What to avoid: “I’m the best in sales” OR “People love me because I have a great personality” –Remember: Situation, Task, Action, Result –Silence is OK –Positive result!

go.enterprise.com 14 behavioral interview - q&a Can you tell me about a time when you held a leadership position? Can you tell me about a time where you had to handle a challenging customer?

go.enterprise.com 15 the close Be Prepared With Questions Make Sure That You Completely Understand the Position Ask For the Next Step In The Interview Process –Express your interest in the position –If not interested, decline gracefully

go.enterprise.com 16 the close Follow up After Interview –Send “Thank-You” note or letter –Follow up by phone

go.enterprise.com Thank You Terri Morris Talent Acquisition Manager