1. Interviewing Skills
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2. Tips and Tricks for a Great Interview
Interviewing Skills
Tips and Tricks for a Great Interview

3. Interviewing Skills What is the purpose of the interview?
A way to see firsthand what the organization is like
Gather information about the position
Determine fit with the organization and position
Tell the hiring manager/committee about your skills

4. Interviewing Skills What to do before the interview:
Research the organization
Mission/Vision/Values
Company History
Products and/or Services
Interviewer Profile
Plan ahead
Map/Directions
Parking
Select appropriate attire
Organizational Culture
Industry
Personality
Comfort
Mock Interviews
The research component is key. Far too few students adequately research organizations before the apply for or interview for positions. Throughout the presentation, you will need to remind students to be prepared and do their research.

5. Interviewing Skills Research the organization Company website
Industry websites
Online (Google, Glass Door, Vault)
Personal Network
Friends and Family
Professional Network
Professional Associations
Professors and Colleagues
LinkedIn
Explain to students what type of information they can find at each of these sites as well as what types of questions they can ask folks in their network.

6. Interviewing Skills Interview Attire Business Professional
Business Casual
Business Creative
Industry Quirks
Dress for Success Workshops
Give examples of what is considered appropriate interview attire. As a general rule, students should err on the side of caution and dress in a more formal manner (suits). However, some organizations clearly indicate that they don’t appreciate suits. So again, students need to do their research and dress accordingly. Usually you can ask the person who set-up your interview what the dress code is. It’s okay if you have to call back because you forgot to ask when they contacted you about the interview.
Students should also be aware of industry quirks. Many finance firms (even if interviewing for tech positions) expect women to be in skirt suits rather than pant suits. Healthcare as a general rule prefers little to no jewelry, no nail polish, absolutely NO visible tattoos (ever).
Haircut? Hairstyle? Hair up? Down?
Let students know when the next Dress for Success workshops will be held.

7. Interviewing Skills Practice Get Your Story Straight Mock Interviews
Behavioral Interview
STAR Technique
Technical Interview
Questions for the Hiring Committee
Tell students about mock interviews in the career center as well as options available via Optimal Resume (through Sun Devil CareerLink).
In many cases, an honest friend can help students figure out any odd quirks they may have when speaking. Do they click their pen cap, jiggle their legs, flail their arms about too much when excited or nervous…
Better to know before you go into the interview.

8. Interviewing Skills Behavioral Interviewing
Not the typical "Tell me about your strengths and weaknesses" questions
Instead, you'll be asked to provide specific examples of past experience highlighting skills that are necessary for the job
Use STAR Technique to answer based on
Class projects and extracurricular activities
Internships and professional experience
Volunteer experience

9. Interviewing Skills Purpose of Behavioral Interviewing
To use past behavior to predict future behavior
To determine the potential for success
To look for evidence of desired traits
Students need to communicate clearly when answering these types of questions. For technical jobs, some hiring managers really need to see evidence of good communication when they interview candidates.
Even when students get questions that ask them about problem team members or difficult experiences, they need to refrain from badmouthing anyone and show how they overcame the problem or at the very least, learned from the experience.
It is ok to face difficulties, even to have failures, but it is not ok to have learned nothing in the process!!!

10. Interviewing Skills Examples of Desired Traits
Teamwork
Communication
Problem solving skills
Conflict management
Initiative
Leadership
Intercultural competence
Continuous learning
Influence
Decisiveness
Flexibility
Business Acumen

11. Interviewing Skills Common Behavioral Interviewing Questions:
Describe a time when you needed to persuade a person or group to do something they didn't want to do.
Tell me about a time when you faced a lot of obstacles to achieving a goal.
Talk about a stressful situation you've experienced. How did you handle it?
Tell me about a time when you failed.
Often negative examples show your business acumen and your resilience. It also shows you have reflected on these difficult times and gained an understanding of yourself and hopefully planned how to improve yourself.

12. Interviewing Skills Common Behavioral Interviewing Questions:
Tell me about a project or role that you've taken on that is outside your job description.
Tell me about a time when you went above and beyond at work without being asked.
Describe a time when you had trouble seeing eye to eye with a colleague. How did you handle the situation?
Give me an example of when you worked with a group or team of people to complete a project.

13. Interviewing Skills Common Behavioral Interviewing Questions:
Tell me about a time that you received a significant amount of critical feedback. How did you handle the situation?
Talk about a time when you were faced with a difficult decision and describe how it turned out.
Give me an example of a time when you were forced to make an important decision without all of the necessary information.

14. Interviewing Skills
Answer behavioral interviewing questions using the STAR technique
Situation or Task
Action
Result
Positive outcome OR
What you learned from past mistakes
Be able to describe the situation or task in seconds.
When using the STAR technique, it is important to remember the following:
Provide some background for context but don’t go overboard
Remember what you were asked and don’t get off track
Be clear about what you did, what you helped others to do, etc
Don’t leave the interviewer hanging. They need to know the ‘end’ of the story.

15. Interviewing Skills Behavioral Interviewing/STAR Technique Preparation
Think about situations which match typical behavioral interviewing questions
Write down related experiences using the STAR method
Practice talking about the experience
You may want to record (audio or video) yourself
Optimal resume has mock interview module
During the interview, answer questions succinctly
Avoid rambling
As you practice, look over the job description. What are the keywords and required skills for that job? Be sure your examples show how you have mastered some of those skills.

16. Interviewing Skills
STAR Technique Practice: Tell me about a time you demonstrated leadership at work.
S/T       During my last semester of school, I completed an internship at XYZ Corp. I was the first intern the department had ever had, and they decided they wanted to continue with an official internship program. In order to successfully launch this program, my supervisor asked me to create and administer a training curriculum for the new, incoming interns.
A       To complete this task, I outlined all the procedures the new interns would need to learn about such as……...  Next, I created a three day training agenda covering these topics. Finally, I facilitated it to four new interns.
R        The training was a huge success. On a survey completed after the training, all four interns rated the program a 10 out of 10 in the areas of usefulness and creativity. In addition, each intern rated my communication and leadership styles as “Excellent.”

17. Interviewing Skills Be careful! Behavioral Interviewing Pitfalls:
Too much information is shared (TMI)
Potential weaknesses are exposed
Redundant responses
Don’t use the same example (or two) for every question
Off target or abstract answers
Incomplete answers (Most common)
Students need to have multiple examples to share. Most examples should be professional and from past positions. However, students with less work experience can use examples from academic projects, volunteer work, etc. as long as they are relevant and answer the question that was asked.

18. Interviewing Skills Technical Interviewing
Assess knowledge and expertise related to job scope
Evaluate job competency level
Probing questions may be used to
Gain specifics
Discover truthfulness of resume information
Clarify understanding
Questions vary depending on area of expertise, job
Make sure you can provide sufficient detail to show interviewer that you do have the skills you indicated on your resume. Be honest. If you barely used a software program, don’t list it on your resume.
Depending on the type of interview, you may need to explain technical concepts to both technical and non-technical people. Do NOT ignore one of these groups. Address both types of interviewer. This may mean you need to give a brief, general, non-technical overview followed by more complete details.

19. Interviewing Skills Technical Interview Preparation
Go through job description
Find key words
Formulate your own questions related to those skills
Practice answering those questions
Be clear about your role in group projects
Research anything you are unclear about

20. Interviewing Skills Technical Interview Preparation Example
Job description indicates a need for experience with PSpice
Be able to articulate what PSpice is
Be able to explain your experience with PSpice
What is the most complex project you have done with PSpice? Describe it.
Be able to explain what PSpice is best suited for (or not well suited for)
Students should be able to do this for any technical requirement of the job.
If you are asked about a skill you don’t have or software you’ve never used, be honest. If you’ve used something similar (SPSS vs SAS for example), discuss what you have done, demonstrate both competency and an ability/willingness to learn quickly.
Only do this if the other skill and/or software is both related and relevant.

21. Interviewing Skills Critical Thinking Questions:
Evaluate critical thinking skills
Assess how candidates deal with unexpected situations
It is ok to think the problem through, you don’t need to answer immediately; employers would rather have someone who thinks things through than one who speaks without thinking

22. Interviewing Skills Examples of Critical Thinking Questions:
Why are manhole covers round?
A car is travelling along a highway carrying helium balloons in the rear seat.  The car has a head on collision and comes to a rapid stop.  Which direction do the balloons travel? Why?
If you have a refrigerator in a room and leave the door of the refrigerator open, what happens to the temperature of the room?
On a canoe in a pool, you take a 16 pound bowling ball out of the canoe and throw it in the pool.  What happens to the water level of the pool?
Interviewers are far more interested in how you think, how you address problems with unknown variables, etc. than in whether or not you can immediately give them a ‘correct’ answer.
It is ok to take a minute to think in silence but as you answer the question, talk through your logic. If you need more info for a definitive answer, let the interviewer know that what would happen may depend on x, y, or z. Explain what might happen in each of those scenarios.
Take the refrigerator question for example, what happens depends on many factors including whether or not the refrigerator is plugged in.

23. Interviewing Skills Other Common Interview Questions:
Tell me about yourself
Why did you choose your major?
Why do you want to work here?
What do you know about this company?
Where do you see yourself in 5 years?
What are your strengths and/or weaknesses?
Be honest.
Too many students look up these answers on the web. They see ‘experts’ telling them to pick weaknesses that are actually strengths. Then everyone and their dog says they’re a perfectionist. Interviewers know you’re making this stuff up and you lose credibility.
Strengths and weaknesses can be technical (Pspice, Solidworks, Aerodynamics) and non-technical job related (attention to detail, devil’s advocate, informal leader)
Strengths can be a weakness and weaknesses can sometimes be strengths, these are context dependent.
When discussing an actual weakness of yours, give the interviewer examples of how you overcame the weakness or what you do to mitigate its effects.

24. Interviewing Skills
How to Handle These Other Common Interview Questions:
Be honest
Do your research before the interview
Ideally, strengths should relate to job skills
Weaknesses should NOT be a critical job skill

25. Interviewing Skills Other Interviewing Tips: No one ‘right’ answer
Conversation
Assess fit
Advise students that the interview is a conversation and it is ok to ask questions, get clarification, show some personality.

26. Interviewing Skills Questions for the Hiring Manager/Committee
How would you describe the company’s culture and leadership philosophy?
Could you give me some examples of projects that I’d be working on?
What is the single largest problem facing your staff, and would I be in a position to help you solve this problem?
Is this a new position, or did someone leave? If someone left, why did they leave or what did they go on to do?
What would you say are the three most important skills needed to excel in this position?
Write out questions in advance so
You don’t forget them when you’re nervous
It shows you prepared
Don’t ask about salary, benefits, vacation……but be prepared to discuss if the interviewer brings it up.
If the interviewer does not cover it, ask about next steps and timeframes for the interview process.

27. Interviewing Skills Common Interview Mistakes:
Not preparing/learning about the organization
Coming without copies of your resume, work example, and a padfolio to take notes
Inappropriate clothing, perfume, accessories choices
Leaving phone on
Arriving late (or way too early)
Treating the receptionist or other staff rudely
Asking about vacation and benefits
Turn your cellphone OFF!!!!!!!!!!!!!

28. Interviewing Skills Common Interview Mistakes:
Talking too much or talking in circles
Verbal tics (Umm, Like, You know)
Badmouthing past employers and/or colleagues
Not asking questions of them
Not enough or too much eye contact
Limp or crushing handshake
Employers want to know that you will be a good fit. Part of being a good fit is representing the organization well. Do not ever badmouth past employers, bosses, colleagues, etc. The interviewer will wonder what you will say about him/her behind his/her back the minute you leave.
I don’t care if your last boss was the most abusive jerk you’ve ever met. Do not badmouth that person to the interviewer. Be professional.
If students have questions here, give examples of what they can say in an interview if they need to cover difficult situations or people in some of the questions.

29. Interviewing Skills The Travel Interview:
Assume you are being interviewed at all times
Use travel time to prepare
Check in at front desk/security early
Turn cell phone off
Store any extra items (luggage, coat, etc)
Review materials
Keep records and receipts for any travel expenses you may incur.
Submit these as soon as requested. Know your worth, let the company reimburse you.

30. Interviewing Skills The Restaurant Interview: Use good manners
This is still an interview, not lunch with friends
Some employers will work with restaurant staff to deliberately test how you handle difficult situations
Potential employer pays
Do NOT pay or offer to pay
When appropriate, excuse yourself to wash your hands before you eat.
No alcohol.
No messy food.
Do not order the most expensive meal.
Don’t order the least expensive meal unless it is really what you want.
Try to order only what you will eat, so you don’t have to worry about asking for a to-go box (what would you do with it?) or appearing wasteful (if you don’t get a to-go box).

31. Interviewing Skills The Committee Interview:
Multiple interviewers at the same time
Different perspectives, skills, and experiences
Engage everyone on the hiring committee
Tailor answers to different audiences
Make eye contact with everyone at some point
Write down committee members names and titles as they introduce themselves. Remember to answer questions as best you can to address each of their areas of expertise. You may need to give a technical overview for some folks and more detail for others.
Periodically look at each member of the hiring committee and make eye contact.
Shake hands with each member of the committee.
Remember, no one committee member is more important than the others.

32. Interviewing Skills The Group Interview:
One or more interviewer and many job candidates interviewing at the same time
Use good manners
Stand out but do not dismiss or belittle the competition
Engage others in the group
Arrive early, but not too early. This will give you the opportunity to interact with the hiring team one on one.
Prepare to introduce yourself to a group in advance. Your introduction needn’t be long but it should be relevant and showcase your strengths.
Interact and be friendly to the other interviewees. It shows teamwork and communication. By listening, it also shows you don’t have to be the center of attention.
This is still an interview so don’t be tempted to overshare. Stick to the professional. If asked about hobbies or personal interests, it is ok to say you love lacrosse (or hiking or crossword puzzles). It is not ok to share religious activities or alcohol related hobbies.
Do not monopolize the conversation but do participate with the interviewers and the other candidates. Show you’re a team player.

33. Illegal Interview Questions in the US and
Interviewing Skills
Illegal Interview Questions in the US and
How to Handle Them
Race, ethnicity, cultural identity
Religion
Disability status
Pregnancy
If you are interviewing for work in another country, these questions may be legal.
As a general rule, interviewers cannot ask about things that would let them know whether or not you are a member of a protected class.
In many cases, employers do not intend to ask illegal interview questions and don’t realize they’ve crossed the line.
 If you tactfully point out the question is illegal, the interviewer will likely realize his or her gaffe and immediately retract the question.
You can see some practice answers under Optimal Resume via Sun Devil CareerLink

34. Interviewing Skills
Illegal Interview Questions and How to Handle Them:
Answer anyway
Refuse to answer and indicate why
Answer the question you think they’re actually trying to ask
The challenge for you is to figure out what to say while you're sitting in that chair, faced with an illegal question.
You have three basic options:
1. Just answer the question. If you don't mind providing the information and you don't want to make waves, you can respond to the question and move on to the next one. Keep in mind, however, that you should only answer the question if you truly are comfortable providing the information -- it could come back to haunt you.
2. Refuse to answer the question. Inform the interviewer that the question doesn't seem to be legal or relevant to the specific requirements of the job. Be forewarned, though, that such a direct response should really be saved for questions that are offensive or deeply troubling.
3.Don't answer the question, but answer the intent behind the question. This is usually the best option, since it allows you to provide a tactful answer without sacrificing your rights. To answer the intent behind the question, try to figure out what the interviewer REALLY wants to know. For example, if the interviewer asks if you are a U.S. citizen (which is usually an illegal question), a smart answer would be, "If you mean to ask if I am legally authorized to work for you, the answer is yes." In cases like these, it's best to rephrase the question into a legal one and then answer it. This displays flexibility and composure -- strong job skills.

35. Interviewing Skills Intercultural Competence:
If you are an international student applying for jobs in the US or if you are a US student applying for expat positions
Research interview expectations and cultural differences BEFORE the interview
GoingGlobal, via Sun Devil CareerLink, has excellent resources
Adapt accordingly
Whether the interview is one on one or in small groups, be aware of others’ personal space and any gender or cultural differences. Be respectful of those around you.

36. Interviewing Skills What to bring to the interview:
Copies of Resume/CV
Clean and Unfolded
Copy of Job Description
Folio
Black, Brown, Oxblood
Leather or other professional material
Reference Sheet
Portfolio
Paper
Electronic
Notepad and Pen
Questions for them

37. Interviewing Skills What to do before you leave:
Smile
Ask about the hiring timeline
Say ‘Thank You’
Affirm your interest in the position
Shake hands
Firm
Confident

38. Interviewing Skills Follow Up Thank you note(s)
Handwritten
Electronic
Forward requested materials
Thank you notes should reaffirm your interest in the position. Talk about why you are a good fit (briefly) or clarify one thing you didn’t explain as well as you would have liked in your interview.

39. Interviewing Skills Thank You Note Handwritten
More formal organizations
When hiring timeline allows
Write and send within 24 hours
Send to every interviewer, if possible
Proofread
Write or type the note out first on scratch paper or your computer BEFORE writing on professional stationary.
Try to get a business card from everyone. If you don’t know how to reach all the interviewers, work with HR or the person who arranged the interview if possible.
Thank HR staff as well. They are often forgotten and may have influence in terms of who is selected, salary negotiation, etc.

40. Interviewing Skills Thank You Note Email Less formal organizations
Short hiring timeline
Write and send within 24 hours
Possible weekend exceptions
Send to every interviewer, if possible
Proofread
Handwritten is better when you can but sometimes the time frame is too fast, or the interviewer is traveling. Then, your thank you note.
Generally send your thank you within 24 hours. However, if you interview on a Friday afternoon, you may want to send your thank you late Sunday night so that it is at or near the top of the interviewer’s inbox when they come in to work on Monday morning.

41. Interviewing Skills Resources ASU Fulton Engineering Career Center
University Career Services

42. Connect with Fulton Engineering
For More Information
Connect with Fulton Engineering
Career Center
Phone: (480)
Website: 
Sun Devil CareerLink: MyASU>Campus Services>Jobs & Careers>Sun Devil CareerLink
Facebook:  Engineering Career Center Arizona State University