Presented by: Lucia V. Cook Catch the Fever March 2014 Interview Skills Presented by: Lucia V. Cook Catch the Fever March 2014

Interview Skills Purpose Interviewer and candidate to determine if there is a correct fit between them. First impressions are key for both parties involved – first impressions last, so make it count. Employers Is the candidate qualified? Are they a good fit for the company? Determine of you are invited back for a second interview and ultimately whether you are offered a job. Job Seekers Opportunity to meet and connect with the prospective employer. Sell your skills and abilities. Help you determine if you are a good fit for the company.

Interview Skills 3 Step Process Before the Interview During the Interview After the Interview

Pre-Interview Know Yourself Do your homework Be prepared for questions What are my strengths? What am I good at doing? Do your homework What do I know about this company? Be prepared for questions You will be asked questions on your strengths You should be ready to ask questions about the job/company

Pre-Interview What to Bring What Not to Bring Notepad & Pen Resume Friends, family members or children Cell phones- if you have them, turn them OFF. Ipods or any other electrical devices Food / Drinks Anything Distracting

Dress for Success You never get a second chance to make a first-impression Hair should be clean and combed. Fingernails must be clean with no gaudy polish. Keep perfume, cologne and aftershave to a minimum. Brush your teeth and don’t forget deodorant. Women: dress, skirt (not too short), or dress pants with a nice blouse or blazer. No excessive jewelry, make-up, or ungroomed hair. Men: pants (not jeans!), collared shirt, tie, sport coat and shoes. A suit is not always necessary. What not to wear! Jeans and tee shirts Shorts Casual sandals and tennis shoes

The Interview Shake hands firmly with the interviewer. A firm hand shake is important and OFTEN mishandled. While shaking hands, make good eye contact, smile and greet the person with “Pleased to meet you, I am…” Be polite; use the formal address of Mr., Ms., unless invited to do otherwise. The first few minutes are crucial. Studies have shown that interviewers can form an overall impression within the first 4 minutes of the interview.

The Interview Body Language Stand Tall Sit straight and tall and look attentive and enthusiastic Listen attentively but avoid staring at the interviewer Place all material you brought with on the floor beside you with the exception of a note pad Nod when appropriate to demonstrate interest and evidence that you are paying attention Remain calm; Don’t fidget Be careful not to speak too quickly Respond to questions appropriately Be warm and conversational, but don’t ramble

The Interview Be honest with all answers. Be thorough with your answers. Never answer with just a “yes” or “no.” Always provide explanations and examples. If you don’t understand the question, ask the interviewer to explain. Organize your thoughts before speaking. Feel free to think for a moment about tough questions. Silence is not a bad thing as long as you do not take an excessive amount of time.

The Interview Ask the job-related questions you prepared for the interview. If you are told you will be contacted, ask about how long it will be. Offer to call in a few days to find out the decision. This shows your continued interest. Make sure the interviewer knows how best to contact you. Phone number, e-mail address, physical address Thank the person for the interview. Shake hands firmly on the way out.

Common Interview Type Behavioral Interview Systematic process that ensures a fair selection process Use candidate’s previous behavior as an indicator of future performance May involve standardized assessment instruments, such as personality, aptitude and interest inventories Involves directive and probing questions Questions may ask you to describe problem-solving skills, adaptability, leadership, conflict resolution, stress management, etc. Involve what you thought, felt, did and the resulting outcome

Common Interview Type Sample Questions Describe a time when two of the members of your team did not work well together? What did you do to get them to work together? What is the most difficult decision you’ve had to make? How did you arrive at your decision? What was the result? Answers should follow C A R format C – Context A – Action R – Result Give me an example of a project that best describes your organizational skills.

Post Interview Thank you Notes Can be a typed or hand written letter or note. An e-mail is also acceptable. Customize the note. Free of spelling or grammar errors. Should be completed within 2-3 days of the interview. Highlight key points you want to reiterate or forgot to say, information you learned about the company, express enthusiasm about the opportunity.

Summary Be prepared Know your stuff Dress for Success Body Language is Key Follow – Up These tips help you Stand Out!

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