1. Interviewing & Hiring Practices
Office of Human Resources
Southwestern Community College

2. Selection Process First step in applying for a job Resume Cover letter
Highlight previous experience that matches the job requirements of the job you are applying
Cover letter
Briefly explain why you are interested in the position and how your previous experience makes you a viable candidate for the position in which you are applying
Employment Application
Some companies may ask you to complete their employment application
Most state and federal positions will require an employment application
Many employment applications are now online

3. Selection Process (continued)
Online application process
Filters through the applications before an actual person sees the application
Important to include “key words” in application or resume to match the position requirements
Selection Committees
Multiple people review the applications and decide on which applicants to interview as a group
Hiring Manager/Human Resources
The supervisor for the advertised position or someone from Human Resources will review the applications and select candidates to interview

4. Selection Process (continued)
Who is chosen to interview?
Usually must meet minimum requirements for the position
Example: if the position requires a master’s degree and the applicant has a high school diploma, then the applicant will probably not be selected to interview
Candidates that meet the preferred requirements
Candidates that have listed related work experience on their resume and/or application
Well-written resume and/or application
Should be typed
Error free
Have someone else proof your resume
Use spell-check but don’t completely rely on it
Candidates that have documented success in previous positions
Sell yourself on your resume and/or application
Highlight your accomplishments

5. Interview Process You made it past the first screening. What next?
Interview Committee or Panel Interview
Candidates will interview with multiple people
Could comprise of the supervisor, other department managers, someone from human resources, and possibly a future co-worker
One-on-One Interview
Hiring Manager
Human Resources Representative

6. Interview Process (continued)
How to have a successful interview:
Prepare for the interview
Research the company
Have a couple of facts memorized for the interview
Practice, Practice, Practice
Ask a friend to act as the interviewer and practice answering sample interview questions
Know how to get to the interview and allow for extra travel time
It is always better to be early rather than late for an interview.
Bring extra copies of your resume to the interview
Prepare a couple of questions about the position
Show the interviewer(s) that you researched the position

7. Sample Interview Questions
Tell me about yourself.
Why did you leave your last job or why do you want to leave your current job?
What experience do you have in this field?
What do co-workers say about you?
What do you know about Southwestern Community College?
What have you done to improve your knowledge or skills in the last year?
Why do you want to work for Southwestern Community College?
Are you a team player? Describe a situation where you were a team player.
Have you ever had to fire anyone? How did you feel about that?
What is your philosophy towards work?
Have you ever been asked to leave a position?
Explain how you would be an asset to this program (or department).
Why should we hire you?
Tell me about a suggestion you have made. Was it implemented?
What irritates you about co-workers?
What is your greatest strength?
Tell me about your dream job.
Why do you think you would do well at this job?
Source: The Accelerated Job Search by Wayne D. Ford, PhD (adapted)

8. Sample Interview Questions
Describe a good day at work.
What are you looking for in a job?
What would your previous (or current) supervisor say your strongest point is?
Tell me about a problem you had with a supervisor
What has disappointed you about a job?
Tell me about your ability to work under pressure and provide an example.
What motivates you to do your best on the job?
Are you willing to work overtime? Nights? Weekends?
Describe your management style.
What have you learned from mistakes on the job?
If you were hiring a person for this job, what would you look for?
How do you propose to compensate for your lack of experience?
What qualities do you look for in a supervisor?
Tell me about a time when you helped resolve a dispute between others.
Describe your work ethic.
What has been your biggest professional disappointment?
What has been your greatest professional success (something you are proud of)?
Tell me about the most fun you have had on the job.
Do you have any questions for me?
Source: The Accelerated Job Search by Wayne D. Ford, Ph.D (adapted)

9. Interview Process (continued)
How to have a successful interview:
Dress appropriately
Avoid dressing too casual
Too Casual

10. Interview Process (continued)
Dress maybe okay once hired (depends on workplace) but too casual for an interview
Although some worksites have casual dress during the week, it is still better to over-dress for the interview.

11. Interview Process (continued)
Perfect – Your Hired!
Show the interviewer that you are serious about the job

12. Interview Process (continued)
How to have a successful interview:
Try to engage the interviewer
Let your personality shine
Smile
Be professional
Firmly shake the interviewer(s) hand(s)
Sit up straight
Make eye contact
Speak clearly
Project your voice
Don’t mumble
Don’t chew gum
At the end of the interview, thank the interviewer/panel
Stay positive
Don’t say anything negative about a previous employer or supervisor (even if you had a very negative experience)
If asked about a weakness, then turn the answer into something positive
Example: I am a perfectionist; however, I have learned to produce error-free work in a time-efficient manner.

13. Interview Process (continued)
“Don’ts”: Why interviewees are not hired
Lack of interest for the position
Negative comments during the interview
Too casual (in appearance and/or behavior)
Lack of eye contact
Clerical errors and/or messy application/resume
Late for interview
Answers to interview questions were too vague/not clear
Poor grammar (written and/or verbal)

14. Interview Process (continued)
Know Your Rights: Questions the interviewer is not allowed to ask
The national origin of the applicant (e.g., birthplace, ancestry, culture, etc)
Religion or religious beliefs
Pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions
The age of the applicant
The applicant’s marital status, number/age of children, childcare issues
A person’s handicap(s)
The applicant’s sexual orientation
Membership in any organizations and/or groups that are not professional associations related to the job

15. Southwestern Community College Selection Process
All full-time positions have selection committees
Selection committee reviews the applications and selects the most qualified candidates to interview for the position
The interviewees may be asked to participate in the following (as deemed necessary by the selection committee):
A demonstration of his/her presentation skills (typically used for faculty positions)
A tour of the campus
A skills test (typically used for administrative assistant positions)
A second level of interviews
After the interviews are conducted, the selection committee will do one of the following:
Recommend one of the interviewees to the president
Select a second group of applicants to interview for the position
Repost the position (if there was not a sufficient group of qualified applications)

16. Southwestern Community College Selection Process
The Office of Human Resources will conduct a criminal background check and contact the applicant’s references/previous employers
After the interview with the president, the president will either recommend the candidate to the Board of Trustees or reject the candidate.
If the candidate is recommended to the Board of Trustees, then the Board will have 7 days to reprove the recommendation for employment.
If no negative response is provided by the Board of Trustees, then the Office of Human Resources extends an offer of employment to the candidate.

17. Prepare Now for Future Careers
Stay in school and graduate
It is never too early to begin building your resume
Participate in school activities, committees, and/or sports
Volunteer in the community
Talk with someone who has a career that interests you
Shadow the person for a day
Find out what degree is required for the position
Find out the type of work experience and how many years of experience are required for the position
Work part-time in the field that interests you

18. Human Resources Human Resources Specialist
Primarily responsible for employment services and employee benefits
Place employment ads
Assist applicants with the application and selection process
Schedule interviews
Contact applicants’ references
Serve on selection committees
Coordinate annual benefits fair
Conduct benefits orientations for new employees
Assist employees with benefit questions
Serve on college committees
Required qualifications:
Associate’s degree
Two years of related work experience
Proficient in Microsoft Office
Excellent oral and written communication skills
Organization skills

19. Q&A