Interviewing…How to answer difficult interview questions

Overview Preparing for an Interview What Hiring Managers look for Basic Types of Interviews Common Questions Questions to ask Questions not to ask Closing the Interview After the Interview

Preparing for an Interview Research the company and position you are interviewing for. Go over interview questions with friends and family, or participate in mock interviews. Prepare interview clothing and accessories Have resumes, applications and other requested materials available and ready Plan your route, and allow time to find the exact location. Arrive 10-15 minutes early and expect to wait Review your resume and relate your interview to the experiences you present on it If you are running late, not able to make the appointment, or do not have the requested materials, give the employer as much notice as possible.

Professional Dress

Professional Dress Suits should fit well and be conservative color and style Wear appropriate shoes and accessories Hair should be well-groomed Makeup and jewelry should be conservative and should not draw attention Tattoos and piercings should be concealed

What Do Hiring Managers Look for? Professionalism Appropriate dress, submission of materials requested, punctuality, addressing issues professionally. Concise answers Give examples from your work, school, or volunteer experiences. Be positive even when describing negative situations. Non-verbal positive feedback Seem interested, comfortable, and relaxed when answering questions. Knowledge and interest Convey your knowledge and interest in the company, industry, and position Ability to fill their need Uncover their needs and ideal candidate to answer questions and give appropriate examples

Phone Interview Frequently used as the first interview or as a screening interview Prepare to receive the phone call - prepare your greeting, voicemail, and others that might answer the phone. Find a quiet room, and have notepad and pen available. Be prepared to speak about your background & qualifications Speak clearly, sound positive and upbeat Prepare questions about the position Inquire about next step in interview process

Two Basic Styles of Interviews Traditional Broad based questions about work ethic and skills Hiring decision based more on your communication skills and general qualifications Typically looking for positive answers and overall positive persona Behavioral Probe through specific questions based on past behaviors Looking for truthful answers of past experiences to assess future behavior In depth answers that describe the situation, discuss the actions you took, relate the outcomes, and specify what you learned from it. Other Types of Interviews: Phone, Performance, Situational, Panel, etc

Behavioral Will be conducted by a Human Resource representative or professional interviewer. Based on objective past results and behaviors Probing questions on your situation, so must be a very honest example Typically have a predetermined set of characteristics/skills they are looking for Possibly use a rating system to evaluate selected criteria

Common Questions Professional statement Knowledge of the company and or position Short term, long term goals Strengths/Weaknesses Description of yourself (your perspective/others) Motivating factors (Most/Least) Success (What is it, examples, how to achieve) Why you want the job Why should you be hired

Approach to Questions Situation or Task Describe a specific situation or task that you needed to accomplish. Be as detailed as possible for the interviewer to understand. Action you Took Describe the action you took and be sure to keep the focus on you. Avoid detailing others actions or lack there of even if you are discussing a group project or effort. Results you achieved Describe what happened? How did the event end? What did you accomplish? What did you learn? If possible, provide quantitative results.

Example Answers 1. High accomplishments Prepare about 10-12 examples/stories that fall into each of these categories: 1. High accomplishments 2. A time you had to overcome an obstacle/ disagreement Positive result Negative result 3. A negative experience with a coworker/customer/employer 4. A difficult decision **Draw from your recent experiences in class projects, voluntary organizations, extracurricular activities, work experiences, etc. **Improvising your Answers** Might be able to be unprepared through essays and presentations, but do not risk an employer sensing that you know nothing or made no attempt to learn more about their organization.

Questions to Ask Typical daily/weekly tasks Work environment Other positions and/or departments interaction What does the training program entail Expectations for a person in this position Criteria for evaluation Opportunities for advancement

Questions not to ask Salary/benefits Background checks Social events Make sure your questions are not focused on anything else but the company and the job itself. Do not bring up the following topics in the first interview: Salary/benefits Background checks Social events Vacation

Closing the Interview Ask if there is anything in your background that might not qualify you for the position. Overcome any objections. Assure understanding of interview process, and when you should hear back from employer. Should you contact them if you do not hear back. Thank them for their time and opportunity to meet with them.

What to Do After the Interview Send a thank you letter to each interviewer immediately following the interview. Thank them for their time, re-state your interest in the company or, follow up on some of your strengths that you feel make you the best candidate. Send by email is common and appropriate in most circumstances today. To stand out from the crowd, send a hand written thank you note. Follow up with a phone call or email if you do not hear anything in the expected time frame. Check on the status of the position. Never show frustration, there may be future opportunities that are better suited to you.

THIS JOB IS YOURS, GO AFTER IT. ALWAYS FOLLOW UP: THIS JOB IS YOURS, GO AFTER IT.

Let’s Practice ! You are a interviewing for a position as an America Works employee. Tell me about yourself What do you know about the company What are your greatest strengths? What are your weaknesses? Where do you see yourself in 5 years