Successful Job Interviews

The Interview Process  Purposes of interviews: Employer – find out if you have skills for job  Determine job skills  Appraise your appearance and attitude Employee – assess the position and company  Determine what the job entails  Determine that company matches goals and values  Convince employer you are the best candidate

Styles of Interviews  Unstructured interviews  Structured interviews Behavioral interview Performance interview Stress interview Group interview Screening interview

Unstructured Interviews  Informal and conversational  Determines if you can and want to perform the job tasks  Need to emphasize skills and experience Tie them to the job

Structured Interviews  Formal and frequently uses preplanned questions  Form may be used to rate your skills, attitude, appearance, training, and qualifications

Structured Interviews  Behavioral interview Provide specific examples of successfully using skills needed on the job Describe situations where you resolved conflicts, showed leadership, or solved problems  Performance interview Demonstrate a specific skill (computer skills, math skills, etc.)

Structured Interviews  Stress interview Interviewer upsets you to determine your reaction to pressure situations  Group interview 2 or more company employees are present  Screening interview Usually conducted over the phone Determines if you have basic qualifications

Preparing for Interviews  Know your resume Be prepared to discuss in detail any part of your resume  Plan answers to common questions Know what you want to say, but don’t memorize

Preparing for Interviews  Plan answers to illegal questions Employers may not ask about religion, race, ethnicity, national origin, age, marital status, membership in certain organizations, or physical condition If uncomfortable answering question ask employer how it relates to the position  Plan questions to ask Equally important during an interview for you to learn about the company Need to analyze the job and company Asking questions will tell you are serious about the job Do not ask questions about wages or benefits!

Before the Interview  Research the company Allows you to be knowledgeable and create a positive impression Determine if the company’s policies and culture match your values and goals  Plan to discuss wage and salary Find the standard pay wage and decide minimum you will accept Consider fringe benefits (insurance, vacation, sick pay, retirement, etc.)

Before the Interview  Prepare your portfolio Resume and reference list Letters of recommendation Samples of work Blank notepaper and pen/pencil  Practice Prepare questions and answers based on your research Determine how you will use your portfolio to showcase accomplishments

Before the Interview  Recheck details Date and time of interview Address and directions to interview site Name and title of interviewer Title of job Any forms you should bring

The Interview  Arrive ahead of time Arrive 15 minutes before the interview  Project a positive image Attitude, appearance, and posture Be courteous, enthusiastic, and self-confident Body language – good posture, eye contact, shake hands firmly Make firm, confident statements using a pleasant tone

A Successful Interview  Beginning the interview Positive body language and smile Know how to pronounce interviewer’s name  The questioning process Relax and act naturally Answer questions honestly, concisely, and directly Use knowledge of company to demonstrate your interest Relate training and skills to the requirements of the job

A Successful Interview  Ending the interview State you are very interested in the position and believe you can do the job well Ask about the next step in the process Thank the interviewer for their time

After the Interview  Evaluate your performance Quickly write down a summary of the interview – topics discussed, good points, and bad points about the job/company

After the Interview  Write a thank-you letter Leaves a positive and lasting impression Refer to specific topic discussed during interview Opportunity to clarify information or include information omitted during interview If you are not interested in position state you do not wish to be considered, but would be interested in a job matching your background and goals