ISU CAREER CENTER Effective Interviewing Techniques Museum Building Room 440 Campus Box 8108 (208) :00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. M-F 7:30 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. (summer)

WHAT IS AN INTERVIEW Communication of your assets Demonstration of your personal traits Opportunity to market yourself Two-way conversation/information gathering process

COMMON TYPES OF INTERVIEWS Pre-screening – career fairs, HR Phone On-site Individual, panel Stress Group

INTERVIEW PREPARATION Research - Things to Know Age and size of company Services or products offered Competitors Growth pattern Reputation Divisions and subsidiaries Number of employees Sales, assets, and earnings New products or projects Number of locations International operations

INTERVIEW PREPARATION Research - Where to go Company web site Internet searches Libraries - ISU and public Newspaper and magazine articles Phone calls to the company Annual reports to stockholders and other company literature Information interviews with people who work there

INTERVIEW PREPARATION Dress professionally and appropriately Arrive minutes early Be courteous to everyone you encounter Practice answers to typical questions Experience a mock interview at the Career Center – can be video taped Prepare ahead of time Bring extra copies of resume, list of references, samples of work (portfolio), and a pen

DURING THE INTERVIEW Behavioral responses Past predicts the future BAR format “Tell me about a time you wished you handled your time better.” Whenever possible, answer behaviorally!

DURING THE INTERVIEW Display confidence Maintain good eye contact Pay attention to voice projection Control nervous gestures and mannerisms Avoid slang words and jargon Listen and concentrate

DURING THE INTERVIEW Positively respond to each question Provide specific examples Length of response (strive for balance) Silence is your friend Show genuine interest and enthusiasm Discuss how the opportunity fits with immediate and long-term goals

DURING THE INTERVIEW Salary discussion Don’t be the first to bring up salary Be prepared to give your salary expectations when asked Do your research

CLOSING THE INTERVIEW Express interest in the position Don’t expect an immediate commitment Don’t let discouragement show Ask appropriate questions Thank the interviewer Request the interviewer’s business card for follow-up

THANK YOU LETTER Impresses interviewer and ultimately may be the deciding factor Send as soon as possible (same day) Conveys appreciation for interviewer time and consideration Reaffirms qualifications and interest If you have decided you do not want the position, thank the interviewer for their time and inform them of your decision Separate thank you letter to each interviewer

HOW THE CAREER CENTER CAN HELP Experience a mock interview with one of our career counselors Pick up handouts at Career Center Check out a book on interviewing from our resource library Obtain a copy of “Job Choices,” a free publication covering all aspects of job search