Interview Skills Ashley Carlson, Assistant Director The University of Kansas Medical Center Office of Postdoctoral Affairs & Graduate Studies Interview Skills Ashley Carlson, Assistant Director Matt Falk, Senior Coordinator

Objectives Understand basic interview etiquette Know how to research a company Anticipate common questions and prepare answers Understand the STAR approach to format strong answers Practice with peers and learn from mentors’ experience

Interview Skills

Interview Etiquette Be on time! Consider scouting out the location you will be going to if you are unfamiliar Dress professionally and conservatively Be courteous to everyone- receptionists and secretaries too Bring copies of your application materials as well as other helpful materials such as references or writing samples Bring a notepad and have your materials organized

Interview Etiquette Greet interviewers with eye contact, a firm handshake, and a smile It’s ok to take a breath, calm yourself, and collect your thoughts before you respond to questions Be prepared to ask intelligent questions After the interview, send a thank you to the interviewers for their time

Do your homework Research the company Review the job description Review any application materials submitted, such as cover letter Identify skills and experience to highlight Review common questions and your answers Prepare to ask informed questions

Common Questions Tell us about yourself What’s your greatest strength Focus on professional experience, strengths and career trajectory Don’t get into your personal life or unrelated points What’s your greatest strength Focus on a qualification for this specific position and values of the company Don’t go overboard with boasting or underwhelm with modesty What’s your greatest weakness Be honest, show that you are self-aware and also working to overcome it Don’t be cliché with a “I work too hard”

Common Questions Why do you want this position? What’s your greatest accomplishment Why did you leave your last position? What do you know about our company? Describe a time when…. You had to overcome a difficult situation or challenge You took initiative Dealt with a difficult coworker/supervisor/customer/client

STAR Situation: Give background, set the scene Task: What was required, who was involved Action: What did you do, what skills did you use, which of your qualities were at play and how Result: What happened, what was the outcome?

STAR Example Question: Tell me about a time you took initiative Situation: As a graduate student, the university lacked a policy to accommodate child birth or adoption. Many graduate students wanted to add a policy to the student handbook. Task: I found myself with an opportunity to lead the effort to bring about the change. Action: I organized student leaders from each program to gather feedback from the student body and draft a policy recommendation. We submitted the recommendation to administrative leadership. Result: University leadership accepted our recommendation and a childbirth accommodation policy was added to the student handbook.

Asking Questions Always have a question Focus on a question about the company Clarify or expand on a point discovered in your research Is there any reason why they wouldn’t hire you? Be prepared to address any shortcomings or concerns they have Don’t ask something you can google or find on their website Avoid questions about pay, benefits, or applying to other positions Stick with questions that align with “what’s in it for them”

Learning Communities Each table has an invited professional who will facilitate In your groups Discuss interview techniques and etiquette Practice your responses to common questions and using the STAR method Share your experiences Ask questions and discuss answers Be prepared for a Hello Spot Check- remember eye contact, firm handshake, and a smile!

Questions?

Thank you! Contact Ashley Carlson at acarlson5@kumc.edu or Matt Falk mfalk@kumc.edu with questions or for further help Visit tinyurl.com/KUMCASCEND for upcoming dates and more information Save the date: November 9- CV and resume!