Interview Skills

Workshop Objectives Typical Interview Structure Behavioral Interviews Interview Preparation & Practice

Typical Behavioral Interview Component Time Introduction/Greeting 2 minutes Employer questioning 15-20 minutes Applicant prepared questions 5 minutes Closing 3 minutes

Introduction/Greeting First impressions count Appearance is important Good eye contact Firm handshake Introduce yourself Slow, clear pronunciation of name Make small talk Practice

Employer Questions Will address items on your resume ask about behavior/skills you have Will not be personal

Behavior Based Interviewing Previous behavior predicts future behavior Recruiters ask for examples that demonstrate your level of skill with a behavior that is important to the firm.

How to ace behavioral interviews? Work on your STARs S ituation T ask A ctions R esults STAR provides an outline for answers

STAR QUIZ Review the question and answer provided What skill is the question addressing? Did if follow the STAR format? Could the answer be better and how?

Effective STAR response? Q: Give an example of when you had to persuade others to your point of view. A: I was part of the negotiating team for my department when we negotiated our last contract. Let me tell you the bargaining on this one was tough; no one wanted to give an inch. But in the end we got them to agree to most of our demands.

A Better STAR ST: I was part of the negotiating team for my department. The supplier wanted a large increase of 8% A: I listened carefully to the supplier’s needs A: I collected data to support my argument on why 8% was unreasonable A: I presented analytical data to support our position for a 4% vs. 8% increase A: I also worked with management to change some requirements, so it would be less costly for the supplier R: The final agreement was for only a 5% increase, saving us $500,000. I learned the importance of really listening to the supplier, collecting and analyzing relevant data and getting management support of my plan.

Effective STAR response? Q: Give me an example of your ability to use analytical skills? A: I’m good at Excel and have created several spreadsheets to improve processes.

What is missing from this STAR? Didn’t describe the Situation/Task Actions are missing Results are vague Interviewer will likely ask follow up questions

Prepare your STAAARs Understand what skills the company considers critical to success there Write Out STAAARs for each skill on your resume Some common areas covered in behavioral interviews: Leadership Teamwork Initiative Analytical Ability Creativity/Innovation Problem Solving Skills Customer/Client Relations

Other Common Questions to Prepare For Tell me about yourself? or Walk me through your resume Why did you decide to go to the Kelley School of Business Tell me about a time when you had an opportunity to lead others. What did you learn from it? What are your strengths/weaknesses? What achievement are you the most proud of? Why do you want to work for ______ company?

Tell me about yourself? (Walk me through your resume) Include Tie your story to their business needs Demonstrate 2 or 3 strengths related to position or why you chose IU How you can contribute to company Don’t include Personal/family information Politics Create a 60-second sound byte

Why did you decide to go to the Kelley School of Business? What skill are they accessing? ST – Looking for X in a school As – Steps you took to determine criteria was met R – Based on X(s) KSOB was best choice

What are your strengths? Relate them to the job Give examples of where you have demonstrated them How were they developed

What are your weaknesses? Admit you have one Identify what you are doing to improve or learned from this weakness Detail the results or time frame expected

Need more time? Good question, let me think about that a minute. So, you are asking if….. Can you repeat that question, please? No one’s ever asked me that one before… Silence is okay, too

How to prepare for an interview? Research the company Review your resume Prepare STAR responses Prepare questions for interviewer Prepare yourself

Research the Company Know the industry Know the company Know the job duties

Review your Resume How do your career goals align with position? Do you have succinct stories for each point on your resume? Anticipate questions

Prepare your STAAARs Understand what skills the company considers critical to success there Write Out STAAARs for each skill on your resume Some common areas covered in behavioral interviews: Leadership Team Work Initiative Analytical Ability Creativity/Innovation Problem Solving Skills Customer/Client Relations

Prepare Questions for Interviewer Consider multiple areas Corporate values Anticipated responsibilities Employment trends Measures of work performance Work environment Quality of work Personality factors Demonstrate your knowledge of the industry and company

Don’t ask if they hire internationals Your goal is to convince them you are the best candidate, so Visa isn’t an issue. Assure them that for internship/1st year they have no obligation

Closing Always thank them for the interview Clarify if they haven’t told you next steps End with you are looking forward to hearing from them and really enjoyed talking to them.

Prepare Yourself Appearance Firm Handshake/Eye Contact Smile appropriately and nod Be confident

Summary 3 P’s Prepare STARs Prepare questions for interview Practice delivery

Questions Any questions?

Evaluation Questions A – Strongly Agree; B-Agree; C-Disagree; D-Strongly Disagree; E-Don’t Know This session increased my knowledge on what to expect and how to prepare for an interview. The presenter was well-prepared. This session should be repeated in future semesters.