Tips for Interview Success

Highlights  Purpose of the interview  How to Prepare  Types of interviews  The Interview Process  Q&A

Purpose To determine if This job & Your job qualifications are a GOOD MATCH

Why Should I Hire You? Quality of Cover Letter Quality of Resume Interview Performance ProfessionalismReferences Years of Relevant Work Experience Fit with Company Culture Relevant Skills Internal Candidate Candidate’s Familiarity with the Organization

Before the Interview

Self-Awareness  Know yourself –Be very familiar with your resume –Be able to articulate your goals and strengths  Have your sales pitch ready to go. Include: –Your current position –Relevant experience –Your fit for this position –Include, if possible, 1 recent relevant accomplishment –Why you have applied for the position

Position Awareness  Know the company and specific job description: # employees, culture, philosophy, news, challenges/opportunities primary & secondary functions of job

PREP  P repare 3-5 questions for the interviewer  R eview 3-6 key skills about yourself that fit the position  E stablish 10 examples to showcase yourself  P ractice, Practice, Practice!!!

What to Wear Tailored, clean, conservative suit Polished shoes Conservative jewelry/accessories Little to no cologne

Opening the Interview

Professional Appearance  Know where to go and where to park  Have gas in your car  Take a pen, notepad, and several resume copies  Be 15 minutes early  Look yourself over once before entering the office

Positive Body Language Positive Entrance Enthusiasm Relaxed Smile Direct Eye Contact Straight Posture Firm Handshake Leaning Slightly Forward Use of Hand Movement Feet Flat on Floor

Negative Body Language Lack of Enthusiasm or Curiosity Frowning Weak Handshake Lack of Eye Contact Staring Nervous Movements Arms Crossed Hands Clenched Looking at Watch

The Interview

Types of Interviews  Traditional  Behavioral  Pre-screening  Case (scenarios)  Technical (math, computer)  Stress (dead space)  Phone  Presentation to audience  Committee or group  Dining Interview

Traditional Interviews  Traditional Interviews – Historical –Why are you applying for this position? –How would you describe yourself? –What are your strengths/weaknesses? –Where do you see yourself in 5 years?

Behavioral Interviews  Behavioral – Contemporary –Tell me about a time that you had a difficult problem to solve. How did you try to solve it? What did you learn from the experience? –Give me your best example of working as a team member to accomplish an important goal. What was the goal? What was your role? What were the results?

Behavioral Interview Responses  Use the STAR approach to answer behavioral questions ST (Situation/Task)Describe the situation/task A (Action) Explain what you did R (Result) Describe the results

In Any Interview  Be ready for: “Tell me about yourself”  Be honest, show your personality  Help the interviewer to know: –Are you dependable? –Are you a good worker? –Will you fit in here?  Take support documents or portfolio if appropriate  Give reasons to hire you over the 100 other applicants

All Interviews  Be prepared to be offered drink or food  Be prepared to meet others in the office  Be prepared for a tour of the building  Be prepared to meet other interviewees  Take a notebook to write notes or questions  It’s OK to pause before answering a question  Remember: This is about the job fitting with you, too

 Why do you want to work here?  Why should I hire you?  What can you do for us that other candidates can’t?  Why did you leave your (are you leaving) your job?  What are your strengths and weaknesses?  What are your goals?  When were you most satisfied with your job? Typical Interview Questions

Atypical Interview Questions  Expect random questions: –What was the last book that you read? –If you were an animal, what animal would you be and why? –If you could have dinner with 3 people, who would you choose and why?

Closing the Interview

 Summarize key strengths and match for the position  Always ask questions  Thank the interviewer by name  Ask about the next step  Express an interest in hearing from them

After the interview

The Next Step  Follow-up with a thank you note  Be prepared for negotiating offer(s) or a second interview  Contact them by phone or if you do not hear back within the time frame indicated  Always leave them with a positive impression

Thanks