Successful Interviewing Brad Collet Assistant Director Career Center I\1 Presentations\Behaviorial Interviewing\2011 Spring JDMc.ppt

Know the Company “If you won’t take the time to review our website before the interview, why should I take the time to interview you?” A&M Recruiter I\1 Presentations\Behaviorial Interviewing\2011 Spring JDMc.ppt

Research the Company!!! Why am I Interested in this Company? Why am I a Strong Candidate for this Position?

Research the Company Review the job description Study the company website and learn organization, products, divisions, and new events Know the organization’s mission, philosophy and goals as thoroughly as possible

Tip #1 Prepare The Interview Is Like a Test Plan to speak on: What you know Your accomplishments & impact What you can contribute Know: 3 reasons why they should make you an offer Prepare your questions for the interviewers

Tip #2 Know your Strengths Review your application and resume Why are you are a strong applicant? Academic major and classes Internships or work experiences Use stories to demonstrate problem solving, leadership, initiative, and time-management skills

Tip #2 Transferable Skills Determine the skills necessary to do the job for which you are interviewing. Identify your transferable skills and experience related to the job. Develop and rehearse brief scenarios about how you used those skills, each illustrating a specific activity or task required by the job. If possible give the results in quantifiable terms. Include learning outcomes when results are not favorable.

Tip #2 Preparing for Key Questions Make answers specific and concise. Don’t generalize; give a detailed account of one event. Prepare 8-10 examples you can “adjust” on-the-fly to suit a question. Don’t memorize. Be prepared to articulate why you are interested in the job and why you would be an asset to the company.

Tip #3 Practice Practice makes Perfect Virtual Mock Interview Video interview practice tool Available through HireAggies Mock Interviews: Schedule a mock interview through the Career Center

Tip #4 Prepare for Different Types of Interviews/Questions Traditional Interview: Tell me about yourself Why did you choose… What are your strengths/weaknesses What is your greatest accomplishment Serial Interview: Series of interviews-various types Usually at Employer’s location

Tip #4 Prepare for Different Types of Interviews/Questions Group/Panel Interview: Interview with several people at same time Often at Employer’s location Stress Interview: Questions to see how you perform under stress Why should we hire you Tell us everything you know about our company If quantitative problem to solve-show work

Tip #4 Prepare for Different Types of Interviews/Questions Case Method Interview: Asked to solve hypothetical problem Used to evaluate problem-solving, analytical reasoning skills Most often used to for Investment Banking, Consulting and other MBA-type of positions

Tip #4 Prepare for Different Types of Interviews/Questions Behavioral Interview: Basic Premise: Past Performance is good predictor of Future Performance

Tip #4 Prepare for Different Types of Interviews/Questions Examples of Behavioral Interviewing Topics or Themes to Prepare for: Judgement/Problem-Solving Teamwork/Collaboration Initiative Adjustment/Flexibility Leadership Planning & Organization Technical/Professional Knowledge Customer Focus Motivational Fit Creativity

Tip #4 Prepare for Different Types of Interviews/Questions General Answer Format STAR Describe the Situation you were in. Describe the Task you performed. What was your Approach to the problem? What were the Results of your actions? Be prepared for interviewer to probe for further details. I\1 Presentations\Behaviorial Interviewing\2011 Spring JDMc.ppt

Tip #5 Dress Professionally Review Macy’s Dress for Success video on HireAggies Suit (pants or skirt) Black, navy, charcoal Conservative tie Closed toe shoes Hair away from face Careful with perfume, makeup, jewelry

Tip #6 Be an Early Bird Arrive 15 minutes Early Be friendly and polite to everyone Turn OFF phone or leave in car Deep breaths to calm nervousness Sit tall, breathe from diaphragm

Tip #7 Make a Great First Impression! Greeting the Interviewer Introduce yourself with a firm handshake, smile Follow interviewers’ lead to sit or stand Confident body language Eye contact is key

Energy Excitement Enthusiasm Eagerness Tip #8 E4 Your genuine enthusiasm will impress the interviewer

Tip #9 Ask the Interviewer Questions Do you have any questions for us? Yes!!! Make them count What will help you decide between programs?

Tip #10 Close the Deal Prepare a closing statement Is there anything else you would like us to know? The answer is: Yes!! Thank you for this opportunity Express your interest in program

Tip # 11 Thank You Notes The Day of your Interview Send a thank you email or Mail a thank you card This is part of the interview process and a way to reinforce your interest

So When Do I Start??? Answer: NEVER!!!! Balding applicant excused himself, returned wearing a hairpiece. Applicant asked for Interviewer’s resume to see if he was qualified to interview Applicant. Applicant phoned therapist for advice on answering specific questions. Applicant’s alarm went off, apologized, had to leave for another interview. Applicant challenged Interviewer to arm-wrestle. Readers Digest, October 2009

Research the Company!!!