Job Interviewing for Students in the Sciences

STRESS Only a fool would tell you that looking for a job isn’t stressful. And it would take an even bigger fool to tell you that interviews will not produce stress. After all, you’re in an unfamiliar setting, meeting strangers, risking your ego, and about to embark on a conversation that can affect the rest of your life.

Presentation Format We will discuss: Types of Interviews ABC’s of Interviewing What to do Before the Interview Do Your Homework What to do During the Interview What to do After the Interview

Types of Interviews Information Interview Telephone Screening In-Person Screening Selection Interview Work Sample Interview Peer Group Interview Behavioral Interview Consulting and Case Interview Video Interview

Types of Interviews Telephone Screening – used to eliminate candidates based on essential criteria In-Person Screening – used to verify the candidate’s qualifications Information – used to gather information from someone currently working in an you wish to explore Work Sample – allows the applicant to opportunity to “show their wares.” Peer Group – opportunity to meet and talk with co-workers and they evaluate the candidate Consulting – problem posed relevant to the business and look for logical steps to solve

Behavioral Interview Based on the premise that the most accurate predictor of future performance is past performance in a similar situation Situation – describe a challenge you faced similar to the example posed by the interviewer Action – explain the actions that you took to resolve the situation Results/Outcome – detail the beneficial and positive outcomes that came from your initiatives

ABC’s of the Job Interview Always Beware of Crash and Burn

Always Research the company with a focus on customers and competition Research can be done on the internet, by reading annual reports, and by talking with credible people in the industry Provide examples of when you have successfully worked in team environments Demonstrate creativity and responsibility

Beware of Having an “I” attitude Don’t overstate your accomplishments - be honest Negotiating too early Doing this during the job interview sends a message that you are more interested in money than the job Being too casual with the interview Recognize that the job interview starts when you first arrive and does not end until you are out the door and on your way home

Crash and Burn Displaying bad manners Poor etiquette and boorish manners send a message to the interviewer that you will behave that way with clients Demeaning your current or past employer It is a very small world, and reputations are made and broken on the basis of sometimes unknown relationships Being dishonest An interview is the time to put the best spin possible on your career, but not at the cost of your integrity

Before The Interview Review your skills -- be positive and honor your achievements. Do not underestimate your skills. Write your top accomplishments down on paper Know your resume well. Look at ways that your qualifications meet the job description Are there things NOT on your resume that are relevant to the job? Recognize areas for improvement and develop a plan for downplaying these weaknesses in the interview

Know the Specifics of the Job Become very familiar with the job description and the requirements for the position List the specific qualifications and requirements sought by the employer. Match these qualifications with the accomplishments that you already wrote down In order to support this, identify and list specific examples (quantify if possible) of your past accomplishments Be prepared to answer questions regarding gaps in your skill level

Know the Employer You should learn as much about the company as you can Company website. Know it well! Company literature Annual reports Network with current employees Attend employer informational session at the Career Center, if applicable

Do Your Homework News Sources Employers’ Web Sites Trade Journals Find general interest web sites to see what they say about this employer Find hometown newspapers on-line to read about this employer Trade Journals Read these for new products, find its place in the industry Industry Directories If you belong to a professional organization go to its directory Employers’ Web Sites Best place to “see” the company as it wants to be seen Check the annual report, look for press releases Look for the “head of R&D” Research Sources Get vital statistics and independent perspectives on the employer from On-line resources Look at financial data, list of competitors

During the Interview Arrive 15 minutes early to allow time to relax and complete any paperwork Learn the interviewer’s name and greet with a firm handshake Make sure you have a clear understanding of the job and the company Consider offering examples of your work

Structure your answers to speak to your qualifications, be concrete and detailed Be sure to answer ALL parts of a question Closure and timeline for decision Thank You and a firm handshake

AFTER the Interview Write down notes after you leave the building Follow-up with thanks by sending a note to your contact – Any Questions?