1. Interview Techniques and Skills
September 20st, 2018
Presenter:
Lorne Bennett
Human Resources Manager
Pennecon Limited
Professional Development Seminar ENGI 200W
Engineering Co-operative Education

2. Interview techniques and skills Conclusion and Q&A
Agenda
Introduction
Interview techniques and skills
Conclusion and Q&A
Intro about myself.

3. Interview techniques and skills
Preparing for the Interview
Conducting the Interview
Non-verbal Communication
Verbal Communication

4. Goals of the interviewer
Select a competent candidate in a timely manner that is a good fit to the organization [and has potential for future long term employment]
How is a candidate selected? Their application
When I’m reviewing resumes: what am I looking for?
I wanted to touch on resumes a bit here… maybe this won’t particularly apply when you are a student but it will definitely apply when you are a new grad and seeking employment. Your resume is important: there are many trends in resumes: pictures, writing your height, writing a mission statement, but what it all boils down to is we need to be able to get across your skills in a concise document.
Highlight your education, working experience and skills in way that catches attention and is typo free! Demonstrate how you would fit into the organization… your resume is your very first impression.

5. Purpose of an interview
To determine mutual suitability
To show what you know and how you can add value to the company
To elaborate on information you’ve given on your resume/application
To show your interpersonal skills
To allow the company to get to know you personally
They are looking for the perfect applicant; you are looking for the perfect job.
They already know a certain amount about you - but only what is on paper - they don't know your personality, how much you know, etc...
If the cover letter and C.V. are the brochures, the interview is the personal sell.

6. An interview is an opportunity to show your …
Ability – knowledge, skills & experiences
Willingness – attitude
Fit – long term potential?
Abilities: knowledge, skills, experiences
Willingness: attitude
Fit
Wanted to create AWFUL
U:Underlying Motives
L: Long-Term Potential

7. Preparing for an interview
Research
Anticipate
Plan

8. Research! Yourself What do I have to offer?
Preparing for the interview
Research! Yourself
What do I have to offer?
Reflect on who you are and what you have to offer that may set you apart
Review how your abilities will add value to the job
Prepare to show how your knowledge and skills are suited to this job

9. Research! the Job What are the major responsibilities
Preparing for the Interview
Research! the Job
What are the major responsibilities
What are the required skills, knowledge, etc..
What is the typical work environment, e.g.
Industrial/manufacturing
Office
In the field (project work etc.)
Combination

10. Preparing for the Interview
Research! the Company
What are the products / services the company offers
What kind of projects are they working on or have worked on in the past
What is their organizational structure / management team
Where are their locations
What are their values? – Community involvement etc.

11. Research! the Industry Suppliers Major Customers Competitors
Preparing for the Interview
Research! the Industry
Suppliers
Major Customers
Competitors
Government
Technology
Economy
Want to “wow” the interviewer?
Show off your knowledge of the industry..
Talk about recent newsworthy events
Prove your passion for the field
Be a know-it-all!!
Showing your knowledge suggests you have a deeper level of expertise than the average candidate.

12. Anticipate! The Type of Interviews
Preparing for the Interview
Anticipate! The Type of Interviews
Structured
Unstructured
Mixed
Behavior-based
Stress interviews
One thing you will find is that there is no one way to conduct interviews. Over the next four years you will probably encounter every one. There are good interviewers and there are not-so-good interviewers. Be prepared for all types. In all cases, however, the purpose is the same - to find out more about you!
Can Predict somewhat:
HR pro vs manager

13. Anticipate! The Questions
Preparing for the Interview
Anticipate! The Questions
Frequently Asked Questions:
Personal and Motivational
Describe yourself: strengths/weaknesses
What are you most proud of?
Skills and Abilities
Tell us about a time that…
What do you know about?
Career Goals/Objectives
Why did you apply for this position?
- Personal: What challenges? How would you describe yourself?
- Tell me about yourself? What do you want out of life?
- Skills: Direct or Indirect - Describe a situation that shows you had communication skills, What is the most important aspect of Teamwork? Why should we hire you? how would you do this? Describe your perfect job.
- Career: What do you expect to do in five years? what is your greatest weakness? Why did you apply for this job? Do you prefer working with people or things?
Activities:
- Hypothetical: If you were a plant, what type would you be? If you could choose one person in the world to invite to dinner, who would it be?

14. Frequently asked Questions (cont’d)
Extra-curricular Activities
Dedication, initiative, leadership skills
Academic Performance
Favourite course and why?
Ice-Breakers

15. Here is a typical question you might be asked

16. Anticipate! The Questions
Preparing for the Interview
Anticipate! The Questions

17. Determine your selling points:
Preparing for the Interview
Plan! Your strategies
Determine your selling points:
Base it on the job description and other research, e.g.
Work experience
Personality
Volunteering, etc...
Regardless of the type of interview, the type of information being sought is the same - stick to your game plan.
What are the five points you want to make sure the interviewer knows about you at the end of the day?
You have to give them concrete evidence.

18. Plan! Questions you should ask
Preparing for the Interview
Plan! Questions you should ask
General Questions
Career Motivation Questions
Job Responsibility Questions
Work Environment Questions
Quality of Work Questions
[Long-Term Employment Questions]
Remember, you are interviewing them as much as they are interviewing you!
General: Who are your competitors, What future direction do you see for the company?

19. Conducting the Interview
The Interview Structure
Introduction
Exchange of Information
Conclusion
Conducting the Interview

20. The Introduction This is the “Warm Up” First Impression
Conducting the Interview
The Introduction
This is the “Warm Up”
First Impression
Attire, handshake, body language
Exchange of common ground interests
weather, sports / hockey, your travel to the interview

21. Exchange of Information
Conducting the Interview
Exchange of Information
The primary part of the interview
Be ready: emphasize your strengths
Think of your selling points that you decided on
Practice different types of questions (behavioural & situational)
The primary part of the interview, where you will be asked the most questions and learn the most about the employer.
If you are prepared for the interview, you will be able to emphasize your qualifications effectively.
Practicing for interviews will give you confidence and more polished answers.

22. Conducting the Interview
Verbal Communication
Sound great in your interview by controlling your:
Pace
Volume
Enthusiasm
Variation
Vocal Fillers
Pronunciation
Pausing
Tone of voice
Articulation/volume
AND don’t use slang or swear!

23. Non-Verbal Cues Facial Expressions Eye Contact Posture Gestures
Conducting the Interview
Non-Verbal Cues
Facial Expressions
Eye Contact
Posture
Gestures
Confidence
Acknowledgement
FE - angry, bored, stupid , EC - shows confidence, lier?
P – lazy , G - Attitudes
T - Comfort level, intimacy, aggression
US - " “ , DC - Are you a fun person to be around? Dependable?
Pi - nervous, annoying , V - Shy, annoying, belligerent
TV - Nasty, pleasant, whining , A - Intelligent, refined
VV - Irish Broque, enjoyable , VF - umm, ah, er, like, whoa!
R - Alvin,Principle Skinner, Ac - stunned?

24. Reiterate your qualifications and interests Thank the employer
Conducting the Interview
Conclusion
This is the “Wrap-Up”
Ask Questions
Reiterate your qualifications and interests
Thank the employer
The primary part of the interview, where you will be asked the most questions and learn the most about the employer.
If you are prepared for the interview, you will be able to emphasize your qualifications effectively.
Practicing for interviews will give you confidence and more polished answers.

25. Interviewer Checklist
Conducting the Interview
Interviewer Checklist
Appearance
Education (Eng. Discipline / Skills)
Amount of Preparation
Job Knowledge
Motivation
Personality
The interviewer will often have prepared a checklist - you want to make sure as much of it is checked off as possible

26. Key points Be pleasant Be well-groomed & well dressed
Arrive on time
Be aware of scent free environment
Have a firm handshake
Silence your cell phone
Be prepared
Answer all questions honestly and factually
Be pleasant
Be enthusiastic & eager
Be calm
Make eye-contact
Express appreciation for the interview

27. Or make an appointment with a Co-Op Co-ordinator
Any questions?
Or make an appointment with a Co-Op Co-ordinator

28. Thank you!