1. Perfecting the Interview Process
Kathleen E. High, M.Ed., GCDF
Dream Chasers & Goal Setters

2. Overview
Participants will learn about the purpose of interviews, how to prepare, practice, and perform in interviews, how to present a professional image, and create a positive ending of an interview. Participants will also receive additional tools and resources to help with their interviewing process.

3. Perfecting the Interview Process
Purpose
Prepare
Practice
Presentation
Positive Endings

4. Purpose Your Objective – Get a Job Offer Convince Them:
You are the Best Candidate
You Have What They Want
Be Prepared: Don’t Miss a Great Opportunity

5. Prepare Review the Job Description and Duties Research the Company:
Its Products, Services, and Customers
Its Strengths, Challenges, and Activities
Key People and Co-Workers
Organizational Structure, History, Culture
Know What They Are Looking For

6. Performance How You May Be Interviewed: Only Once or Multiple Times
Screening
Telephone/Online
Individual
Group or Committee
Taken Out to Lunch/Dinner
Follow Up – Could include several interviews:
To Narrow Down the Applicant Pool
Approval from Hiring Person’s Supervisor

7. Performance Different Types of Interview Questions:
Traditional / General
Behavioral Situation
Competency-Based
Identifies key competencies required of job or employer
Task or Performance
Stress
See how you respond to stress
Psychological
Assessing your mental/emotional stability

8. Performance Types of Interview Questions Behavioral – Situation
How have you acted in employment –related situations in past?
(i.e. past behavior predicts future behavior)
Response: STAR - Situation, Task, Action, Result
Provide real-world examples

9. Practice Identify What Needs They Are Trying to Fill
Anticipate What Questions They Might Ask
Identify How Your Background Fits
Formulate Responses That Meet Their Needs – Not Yours
Identify Difficult Questions – Prepare Response
Practice & Practice Your Responses
Take a ‘Dry Run’ Drive the Day Before

10. Presentation Dress Professional, Conservative, Current
Arrive 10 Minutes Early (no more)
Don’t Smoke, Chew Gum, etc.
You Are Being Observed from the beginning:
First contact (phone, , online apps, etc.)
Internships
Arrival on the facility

11. Presentation (Cont’d.)
Observe Your Surroundings and Behaviors
Respect Everyone!
Be Mindful of Differences
Sell Yourself as the Solution

12. Professional Responses
Show Genuine Interest in the Position
Sell Yourself as the Solution to Their Problems
Tailor Your Responses to Their Benefit
Keep Things Positive – Don’t Complain
Give Specific Examples to Questions
Ask Intelligent Questions
Recap for Them Why You Are a Good Fit
Listen for a Clue That It Is Over & Accept It

13. Professional Responses (Cont’d)
Address Their Concerns:
Can You Do the Job?
Will You Do the Job?
Will You Get Along?
Will They Regret Hiring You?
What makes you stand out compared to the other candidates?

14. Positive Endings When Closing the Interview:
Notice What They Say
Ask for Lead Time and Next Steps
Thank Everyone as You Exit
Debrief Yourself ASAP
Send ‘Thank You’ Letters to All
Politely and Respectfully Follow Up

15. Tools & Resources – On Most College Campuses
Career Center
Computerized Programs
Links to Job Search/Resume Websites
Handouts, Books and Other Resources
Workshops (Handouts available)
Career Counselor

16. Tools & Resources – Off Campus
Local One-Stop Career Centers
Computerized Programs
Handouts, Books and Other Resources
Workshops
See Handouts
Career and Job Coaches for Hire
List of Job Search Websites

17. Handouts Available Job Search Website Resources Tell Me About Yourself
Mock Interview
So How Do You Find Your Dream Job or Career?