Interviewing: Be a STAR at your next Interview

Agenda Purpose of the Interview Importance of Researching the Employer “Tell us a Little about Yourself” Behavioral Interview Questions/STAR-O Answers Is there anything about you that could raise concerns for a prospective employer? Target Job__________________

Purpose of the Interview Think Like the Employer Employers need to know two things: Do you have the ABILITY to do the job? Will you FIT well with the team/company? Think Like the Employer

Think Like the Employer Do your RESEARCH! “So, can you tell me what attracted you to our company?” “Why should we hire you?” It is important that you are enthusiastic about the company and position that you are interviewing for! Research done and knowledgeable about the company and job requirements Research not done and can’t answer the above questions! Think Like the Employer

little about yourself” Think Like the Employer “Please tell me a little about yourself” Think Like the Employer

The Past A snapshot of your background The Past A snapshot of your background. What is your educational background? What industries do you come from? What positions have you held? What goals have you achieved? (1 minute or less) The Present A snapshot of who you are and what you have to offer today. How have your past and current experiences positioned you for the new opportunity that you are seeking today? What skills do you enjoy using that will benefit the company? Why are you in transition right now? (1 minute or less) The Future How does this company and position allow you to achieve your long term goals? Let the employer know how important this opportunity is for you and how it ties together your experiences, talents, and passions. (1 minute or less) Appreciation Volunteer work that you are doing now may be applicable to your future position. Talk about technology, shows you are current (project managers can talk about working with software to help explain the value of what they do) Thank you for inviting me to an interview today.

Think Like the Employer Behavioral Interview Questions – Why? Employers know what qualities/(fit) and skills/(abilities) they need. Can you effectively and concisely explain how you can meet the EMPLOYER’S needs? How did you handle yourself in past work situations? (Past performance can be an indicator of future performance!) Think Like the Employer

Think Like the Employer Leadership Teamwork Integrity Communication Flexibility Adaptability Do your homework: understand the qualities of the ideal candidate A wildly successful ____________(Target Position) has the following skills, qualities, and characteristics. 1. 2. 3. Refer to these qualities as you answer questions. Prioritizing Think Like the Employer

Think Like the Employer Tell me about a time when you anticipated problems and developed preventative measure? Tell me about a time you had to deal with an irate customer? Tell me about a time when you handled a difficult situation with a co-worker? Think Like the Employer Tammy’s called-in-sick example demonstrated flexibility, response under pressure; whole day planned, a sick call, whole day changes; result met some wonderful people that challenged skills, found some new resources; and for you I would do the same, arrange my schedule as much as possible. Tammy’s guide dog example demonstrated leadership and adaptability

Think Like the Employer S ituation/Set the Stage T ask A ction R esults - Think Like the Employer O Go Full Circle

Take the Bull by the Horns Think Like the Employer Tammy’s examples Possess awareness, courage, and confidence Is there anything you would like me to expand upon? Do you have any other questions that aren’t on your list? Is there anything I’ve told you today that would prevent you from hiring me? Think Like the Employer

Thank you and Good Luck! Tammy Olivas 970-619-4662 olivast@co.larimer.co.us You can take Tammy’s full workshop at the Workforce Center, which also includes: Presenting a professional image What to bring and not to bring Questions to ask the interviewer Follow up letters and thank you notes Job offers or if you don’t receive a job offer