An “Inner View” of Interviews David Ong Director, College Recruiting Program MAXIMUS

Agenda  Fundamentals of behavioral interviewing  Demonstration of behavioral interview  Tips to ensure future success in behavioral interviews

Part 1 Interviewing Methodologies

Question: What is the purpose of a job interview?

Answer: To assess skills required to perform a job Personal Skills Behavioral in nature Learned over a longer period of time Shared by the general population Technical Skills Often related to a specific field/industry Learned by osmosis, training, or practice

Worksheet: Personal vs. Technical Skills High Personal Skills Low Technical Skills High Personal Skills High Technical Skills Low Personal Skills Low Technical Skills Low Personal Skills High Technical Skills TECHNICAL SKILLS PERSONALSKILLSPERSONALSKILLS

The traditional method of asking questions by breaking down a resume is becoming archaic Traditional Method  “Why did you make that decision?” OR  “What can you tell me about this job?”

A variety of methods have recently supplanted traditional methods  Case Interviewing  Cognitive Testing  Role Play/Simulation Exercises  Behavioral Interviewing

Part 2 The Science of The Behavioral Interview

The Premise Of Behavioral Interviews Is A Simple One: “ The best way to predict one’s future behavior is ______________” Past behavior

Why are behavioral interviews so effective?  The questioning requires a specific scenario….s  “Tell me about a time when…..”  “Give of an example of a time when….”  As opposed to a hypothetical scenario  “ What would you do if….?”  “How would you handle this situation?”

Part 3 The Behavioral Interview Demonstration

Agenda – Behavioral Interview Demo  Meet the Candidate  Behavioral Interview Questions – Part 1  Feedback/Review  Behavioral Interview Structure  Behavioral Interview Questions – Part 2 Now, let’s begin the interview

Many Companies Utilize A Similar Behavioral Interview Model: The “STAR” Method S - Situation: Setting the scene T - Task: What needs to be done A - Action: The steps you took R - Result: The end product

Now here are some additional tips…  Expect a lot of probes, not just the initial question  Know when to use “I” and when to use “We”  Don’t be afraid of silence  Take a breath in between thoughts to avoid rambling  It is permissible to return to a question that stumped you  Don’t schedule your primary company as your first interview Now, let’s go back to the interview…..

Here are some added hints as you prepare for an interview  Prepare insightful questions for interview in advance  Helpful aids: breath mints and water  Turn off your cell phones!  Bring hard copies of your resume  Be aware of your non-verbal communications (posture, handshake, eye contact, etc)

A Basic Primer to Interview Looks MenWomen Suit Two piece suit (ideal is solid navy or grey) Solid/pinstripe/glen plaid suit in black/navy/gray (skirt suit or pantsuit) Separate blazer/pants/skirt combo (might be more appropriate for creative field) Shirt or Blouse Solid White or Blue Shirt (starched) Plain or Spread Collar Pinpoint or Broadcloth material White or pastel blouse Silk or Cotton material Accessories Shoes – Black lace-ups with leather soles Belt - Should match shoes in color & shine Tie – Conservative pattern/color in silk Socks – Should match pants in color Bag – Don’t use a knapsack Watch – Conservative, non-sports look Shoes – Dark leather pumps are ideal; Open toed shoes/Sandals are not appropriate! Jewelry – Should be subtle and minimal Bag – Briefcase or a tote…not a knapsack Grooming Hair – Invest in a good haircut (shorter is better) Nails – Clean Cologne - minimal Hair – Well groomed hairstyle Nails – Conservative color polish Perfume - Minimal

Final Thoughts….  Interviewers want you to succeed  Ask about the next steps in the process  Either a thank-you note or an should be acceptable Most Importantly: LOVE WHAT YOU DO!