Interviewing: Any Questions? A Brief Introduction to the Often Gut-Wrenching Business of Business Interviews
Interviewing Defined Planned, face to face encounters in which at least one of the participants has a specific objective in mind Specialized, purposive, dyadic interaction that consists primarily of questions and answers Conversation with a purpose Formality, strategy, Q and A
Types of Interviews Counseling interviews Employment interviews Exit interviews Grievance interviews Performance appraisal interviews Persuasive interviews Group/panel interviews Information gathering interviews
Interview Phases Opening Phase --Establishing rapport --Determining orientation --Understanding motivation Question-Response Phase Closing Phase --Post-interview follow-up
Types of Interview Questions Open/Hypothetical Open questions Closed questions Probing questions Loaded questions Leading questions
Legal Issues and Interviews Equal Employment Opportunity Laws --more than 15 employees --more than $50,000 in federal contracts --engage in interstate commerce BFOQ--Bona Fide Occupational Qualifications
Dealing With Illegal Questions How badly do you want the job? Ask for clarification/connection to job Side step and neutralize Listen for the fear behind the question Is this a gross violation?---contact the company
Preparing for Selection Interviews Review your own strengths and weaknesses Practice potentially difficult questions Research the company Research the interviewer if possible Anticipate requests --resumes --drug tests
Why Interviews Fail? The Northwestern Univ. Study Style Problems--personal appearance, limp handshake, lack of eye contact Attitude Problems--superiority complex, not willing to start at the bottom, no sense of humor Communication Problems--inability to express oneself, nervousness, condemned past employers, couldn’t explain problems on resume