Effective Interviewing Laura Hall Pharmacy Technician Introduction Bladen Community College Summer 2011

Methods In person: – Company Site visit – Dining interview Telephone – On-campus – Company Site visit – Dining interview Telephone – Cost Effective – Screening process Video Conferencing

Dress Code Women • Suit: preferably skirt suit, pants acceptable • Skirt: not overly short or tight • Makeup: minimum, nothing too bold • Jewelry: nothing too large or noisy that would be distracting. • Perfume: lite application, if any • Nylons/dress socks- in similar color tone to clothing. • Shoes- no sneakers or sandals

Dress Code Men • Suit preferable- jacket, tie, & slacks acceptable • Cologne- lite application, if any • Jewelry- nothing too large or noisy that would be distracting. • Dress socks- try to closely match the color of your dress pants • Shoes- no sneakers or sandals

Why Interview Why Interview? Seven Steps to a Great Interview: – Step 1: Do Your Homework – Step 2: Build Confidence – Step 3: Make a Great 1st Impression – Step 4: Establish Credibility – Step 5: Answer Questions – Step 6: Ask Questions – Step 7 : Follow-up after the interview

Why Interview Part of the Process: Resume…Brass Ring…Interview Purpose of an Interview Sell your strengths and skills as they relate to the employer and position What do interviewers look for?

What Interviewers Look For: The 3 C’s Confidence Credibility Competence

Step 1: Do Your Homework » Research » Ask around » Check it Out

Preparation Tips * Dress appropriately/conservatively » Arrive Early » Breathe & Stretch

Step 2: Build Confidence Why interviews make us nervous? (F.E.A.R., ‘what if’ worries, judgments) A Little Anxiety is a GOOD Thing Preparation Focus Heightened Performance Overcoming Interview Anxiety (Preparation! & Practice!)

THE INTERVIEW

The Interview as a Means of Communication Communication Model What gets in the way? Impression Formation

The Communication Process

Step 3: Make a Great First Impression You Never Get a Second Chance to Make a First Impression.

Non-verbal Communication Channels of non-verbal communication Eye contact Facial Expressions Body Posture/Gestures Touching

Underutilized Non-Verbal Communication Techniques Listening Silence!

Establish Credibility Expertise and/or Trust 3 Credibility Factors: Words, Voice, Appearance

Step 5: Answering Questions RESPOND, don’t REACT (don’t make excuses, focus on strengths) Be Brief and To-the-Point “Rule of Three” (show your skills, experience, competence)

Common Interviewer Questions What would your supervisor tell me about you? Tell me about a recent mistake you’ve made on your job and how you handled it. What are your strengths? Weaknesses? What are your future goals? Why should we hire you? Why do you want to leave your current job? What is your ideal work environment?

Illegal Interview Questions Educate yourself about illegal questions. Be prepared to handle them diplomatically. – What is your race? – Are you married? – How old are you? – What is your religion? – Have you ever filed bankrupcy? – Do you have a disability? – Are you a US citizen?

Step 6: Asking Questions Take Your Time / Relax / Breathe Follow-up on issues raised (due to listening) Reference your research / homework

Sample Candidate Questions What’s the process for filling the position? What’s the culture in this office/dept? What’s the biggest challenge right now? What do YOU like best about your job? What do YOU like least?

Step 7: FOLLOW UP…after the Interview Critique Yourself (easy does it…there’s good news) Send a Thank You note (next day) Set follow-up reminder (1 week)

7 Steps Summary Step 1: Do Your Homework Step 2: Build Confidence Step 3: Make a Great 1st Impression Step 4: Establish Credibility Step 5: Answer Questions Step 6: Ask Questions Step 7: Follow-up after the interview

Questions?