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Successful Interviewing

Interviewing Interviewing is a skill that can be learned-- but like any other skill, it takes determination, care, practice, and preparation.

What is the purpose? To provide a two-way exchange of impressions & information EMPLOYER: One of the major determining factors to hire or not to hire APPLICANT: Opportunity to sell your skills & abilities and determine if the company is a good fit

The Game of Interviewing Three Goals Create a positive first impression with appearance, self-assurance, and poise Express yourself effectively and get the interviewer to like what they see and hear Exit leaving a picture of a professional, capable, and qualified employee that they want to hire

Preparation = Practice Preparation is the most important strategy and should be done in every step of the process You can prepare for 80% of the questions! “My best advise for dealing with destructive anxiety is homework…homework helps enormously when you apply for a job.” Barbara Walters

How to Prepare Learn About Yourself The company/position

Self-Assessment What are my strengths and weaknesses? What are the requirements of the job? How do I satisfy them? What unique qualities do I have to offer? What kind of job will make me happy? Knowing your own values, interests, and abilities will make you a much more attractive candidate to the employer and will help you find out if this job is a good fit for you.

Research the Company Provides you with general knowledge about the company Allows you to learn information specific to the position within that company Gives you the ability to ask informed questions Provides you with knowledgeable and intelligent answers Gives you insight into whether or not you would want to work for the company

Where to Research? Career Employment Services Current Employees College Instructors Information Request Letters Internet Websites Company Annual Reports Publications: Wall Street Journal, Fortune, etc…

Interview Stages Stage One: Meeting and Greeting Stage Two: The Warm-up Stage Three: Interviewer’s Questions and Your Answers Stage Four: Your Questions Stage Five: Summing Up Stage Six: The Conclusion

First Impressions Employers form their impressions within the first three minutes of your meeting!!! 3 Minute Rule

First Impressions Impression Makers Promptness Dress and behavior Verbal communication Body language Firm handshake

Handshakes How did he/she shake your hand? Was it firm, too firm, clammy, weak? If you were an employer and received one of these handshakes, how would you perceive the potential employee?

Interviewer’s Questions Direct Questions What are your salary requirements? Open-Ended Questions What are your strengths and weaknesses? Behavioral Questions Give a specific example of a time when you used good judgment and logic in solving a problem. Discriminatory Questions What countries were your parents from? WHAT DO YOU DO???

Options for Answering… Answer the question Deflect the question Deal with the question behind the question Refuse to answer

Frequently Asked Questions Being prepared to answer FAQs will boost your confidence level and relieve some nervousness. The most commonly asked questions by 95% of all interviewers fall into the following categories: Ability to do the job Interest in the company and job Education Fit into the organization Experience

What the Interviewer Wants… High Energy Level Maturity Analytical Skills Great Personality Well Rounded Positive, Professional Attitude Problem-identifier/Solver Leadership Strong Work Ethic Communication Skills Interpersonal Skills Enthusiasm Adaptability Flexibility Good Attendance

Applicant’s Questions Never ask any information that can be found on paper, in a brochure, or on a website. Have some questions prepared before your interview.

Questions to Ask the Employer Questions to ask the employer show that you are interested in the position and that you have thought about how you would fit in with the organization. What characteristics do you look for in applicants? Who would my co-workers be? Can you describe a typical day? Can I provide you with any further information?

The Closing This step is very IMPORTANT and often forgotten! Shake hands Thank the interviewer Ask for a business card Send a thank-you letter to everyone you speak with!

Thank-You Letter Thank-you letters should be sent promptly after the interview, because you will still be on the interviewer’s mind. Timely thank-you letters make a good impression on a person whom you should consider a potential member of your long- term network.

Interviewing Tips Bring copies of résumé and reference sheet Be motivated to work Watch your nonverbal communication Maintain good eye contact Listen attentively Dress appropriately Emphasize the positive Bring a sense of humor and a smile Show your energy and enthusiasm

Interviewing Pitfalls The biggest pitfall is having little or no knowledge about a company. The second biggest pitfall is lack of preparation to discuss career plans and goals.

“I wouldn’t do that if I were you.” Ask about salary Exaggerate or lie Project a bad attitude Interrupt the employer Answer with one word Take notes during the interview Give a limp, crushing, or sweaty handshake Talk badly about past co-workers & employers Dress too casually

Questions??