Interviewing Techniques

Purpose of an Interview Employers are looking at two major aspects when scheduling an interview: How well are you suited for the job? Are you genuinely interested in the employer and the position? The interview is an exchange of information between the employer and respective candidate; where each is trying to get enough information to see if the position is a good match for both parties.

WHAT TO EXPECT You need to be able to handle a variety of interview formats. Most initial interviews will have the following structure: Ice breakers (Reception stage) 2-5 min Interviewing questions (Information exchange) 10-12 min Applicants’ questions (Your turn) 8-10 min Closing remarks (Closing stage) 2-3 min TOTAL TIME 30 min What is the interviewer looking for? PREPARED PERSONALITY CAREER GOALS COMMUNTICATION APPEARANCE EXPERIENCE

THE GOOD, THE BAD & THE UGLY http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qR-IhZJOq3U http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tDhbLdFJAF4&feature=channel

DRESS FOR SUCCESS http://www.studentcentral.com/CCNEngine/CareerAdviceVideos.cfm?SecTag=m5vksymtpo&VideoID=103 Show CCN video on dress

Preparation Builds Confidence Use your resume as a guide Write a list of your most positive attributes and skills Dress appropriately Arrive at least 5-10 minutes early Utilize Career Services for preparation materials Participate in a mock interview session Articulate competencies related to the job Be aware of communications –verbal & non-verbal RESEARCH, RESEARCH, RESEARCH Above all- BE YOURSELF!!

Sample Interview Questions Tell me a little about yourself. Why are you interested in this position? Give five adjectives that best describe you. If I were to ask your best friend to describe you, what would they say? Give me an example of an accomplishment and why you’re proud of it? What is the greatest challenge you’ve had to face and how did you handle the situation? Please offer an example of your leadership skills/abilities. Please offer a time when you have received criticism for your work and how did you handle it? What types of co-curricular activities have you been involved while in school/working/in the past? Which of your past job experiences has best prepared you for this position and why? Sell yourself-why should I hire you?

S.T.A.R. METHOD Situation or Task Action you took Results you achieved Describe the situation that you were in or the task BE SPECIFIC!! Can be from previous job, volunteer experience, or any relevant event Action you took Describe the action you took and stay focused Can be individual or collaborative effort within a team Don't tell what you might do, tell what you did Results you achieved What are the result(s)? What did you accomplish? Think of ways to quantify your results – percentages, people, etc. Utilize “stars” exercise

Best approach to answering the tough questions There is no single right answer. It’s how you answer vs. exact content Give details and examples. General response can be too vague or boring. You need to be specific. Details illustrate your points and make answers more vivid and memorable. Respond directly and concisely. Keep the position in mind. Answers should be relevant to the type of job you are interested in. Don’t look for ulterior motives. Some questions are asked purely out of curiosity from the employer and help you to relax. A genuine answer is always more interesting! And above all… BE HONEST!!!

Questions to consider asking the employer What future changes do you see for this company? What makes your company different from the others? How do you describe the most successful employees in the company? What impact or relationship does the organization have within the local community? How do you prefer to supervise your employees? How does this job fit into the mission of the organization, company performance, and it’s standards? How does the evaluation process work? What qualifications or skills are necessary to be successful in this position and why? What are the next steps in the search process? Can I provide you any additional information?

Reason recruiters give for rejecting a candidate Lack of knowledge and preparation No career direction No enthusiasm Vague answers Very frigid Know-it-all attitude

The Follow up Why a Thank You Letter? Expresses your appreciation for the opportunity to talk with the interviewer. Serves as a reminder to the employer about your qualifications and interest in the position. Leaves a favorable impression Can help you stand out amongst the rest of the candidates