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&& NAILED IT! – PREPARING FOR AND PARTICIPATING IN INTERVIEWS Presenter: Kathleen Sherwin Advisor, Planned Parenthood Federation of America

& Presenter: & Nick Niles

& Presenter: & Kathleen Sherwin Advisor Planned Parenthood Federation of America (PPFA)

& AGENDA Introductions and Polls (5 mins) Be Prepared: “Good Advance Work” (10 mins) We are in DC, It’s Politics “ Ask for the Informational Interview as Needed” (5 mins) Prepare for the “Unexpected & Likely” Interview Questions (10 mins) Post Interview: “Now What?” (5 mins) Post Interview: “Debrief Yourself” (5 mins) Questions: “Ask Me Anything, Remember I Interview People!” (15 mins) Summary & Takeaways “The Notecard”, the “Musts” & Other Resources (5 mins)

& Job Description: use to anticipate questions in the interview. Be ready with your best stories (stories should be in the problem-action-result format) LinkedIn: use to research the people you are meeting with and the person who is the predecessor (Facebook and other social media sites are helpful) Online/news: use guidestar.org, glassdoor.com, lexis- nexis, press releases; ensure you understand what is currently going on at the organization Know the Organization, Yourself & Their Needs (and Yours): Think about how you wish to position the jobs you have had (the good/bad), think thru how you talk about transitions. Research the organization and really understand why do you want to be at this organization and this role? BE PREPARED – “GOOD ADVANCE WORK”

& Develop your 30/60/90 plan: consider putting together a plan on action – how would you approach this job if they offered it to you today? Practice: run thru your interview questions with a friend; actually verbalize your responses in advance. Remember your advance skills: bring extra copies of your resumes, business cards, pen/paper, arrive early (15 mins), be nice to the front desk staff and be mindful of how long the interview is scheduled. BE PREPARED – “GOOD ADVANCE WORK”

& Why Informational Interviews: Introduce yourself and have a point of contact when future openings occur. Learn more about the type of people at the organization and receive guidance from someone who went thru the interview process. Have a name to use when you apply formally. Gain insights, hear concerns and test interview answers. WE ARE IN DC, IT’S POLITICS: ASK FOR THE “INFORMATIONAL INTERVIEW OR COFFEE”

& Major Don’ts in Informational Interviews: (the things you should stop doing now): 1.Ask for a job 2.Disrespect the amount of time scheduled 3.Be unprepared 4.Talk too much 5.Don’t listen

& Major Do’s in Informational Interviews: (things to ask): 1.Why did you join the organization? 2.What is the work atmosphere like? 3.Which skills, experiences or personality types have you found to be most successful at the organization? 4.How would you assess my background as it relates to the organization and/or role? 5.Words of wisdom, advice or things you wish you knew when you interviewed or joined? WE ARE IN DC, IT’S POLITICS: ASK FOR THE “INFORMATIONAL INTERVIEW OR COFFEE”

& Why do you want to work at this organization? You weren’t at your last job for long, what went wrong? You have been on a lot of campaigns – how do we know you will stay? What makes you fire on all cylinders, describe what this looks like with your manager, your peers, your environment and the work? Of which accomplishment are your proudest? And of which are you the least? Tell me about yourself? PREPARE FOR THE “UNEXPECTED & THE LIKELY” INTERVIEW QUESTIONS”

& Next Steps: Have a understanding of next steps At least timing and who will be initiating communication POST INTERVIEW: “NOW WHAT” Say Thank You: Thank You Notes are a must – but don’t forget “snail mail” Ensure each thank you note is the not the same – staff share their s from candidates Pause: Do not “woulda, coulda” We try and prepare and sometimes we forget a few things we wanted to say Resist the urge to call and and try and fill in all the details

& Prepare for Round 2: Begin to develop your follow-up questions right away You never know how fast the process may move – could be via , phone or in- person POST INTERVIEW: “NOW WHAT?” Debrief your own performance: Ensure you don’t make the same interview mistakes twice Think about the answers to these questions This can also inform your thank you note as well as future interviews as well We will all be on many interviews!

& Debrief your own performance: Did you become comfortable in the interview? Which questions could you have answered better? Where did you succeed, where did you fail? Which topics came with awkward silences? Did you emphasize your understanding of the connection between the organization’s needs and your skills/experiences? Do you create a conversational atmosphere? Did you get asked questions for which you were not prepared? Did you understand and address concerns that the interviewer may have had about your candidacy? Which questions did you forget to ask that would help you make the right decisions? POST INTERVIEW: “DEBRIEF YOURSELF”

& Tissues, breath mint and whatever personal grooming items you need Prepare, research, practice and know why this is where you want to be Have an index card/small padfolio with a reminder of your achievements and explanations organized by job function Have a list of questions to ask the interviewer and have “extra” more than you think you may need or even need to know An appointment book, PDA, blackberry to schedule a follow-up interview on the spot A working watch to ensure a 15 min early arrival A folder with extra resumes, business cards and note pad with pen SUMMARY “THE NOTECARDS”

& A portfolio or a few selected pieces of campaign plans or projects (as appropriate) A list of references with current contact information (please include addresses) Turn off your cell or Blackberry, iPhone before you get into the building Don’t bring “extra” items –gym bag, shopping items etc. We are in the nonprofit space –but we all can iron our clothes, brush our hair and shine our shoes for very little money spent Bring your passion, your energy, your love of the organization and your confidence – you know this is “your next home” you just have to share and be compelling! Be proactive on next steps but not aggressive SUMMARY “THE NOTECARDS”

& What does this mean? 1.Dress appropriately for the organization 2.Know your weakness and strengths 3.Ask good questions 4.Write thank you notes, use this to correct what you didn't do well enough in the interview SUMMARY “THE MUSTS” The Musts: 1.Mind You Appearance 2.Above All, Know Thyself, the Organization and its Needs 3.Tag, You’re It! 4.The Follow-up

& (they have great content – and helped with this presentation) OTHER RESOURCES……..

&& QUESTIONS FROM YOU:

& Visit our new ‘Work Forward’ site. It’s a great resource to use as you continue your job search!

& You can view this training and other great trainings online using this link.

& NEWORGANIZING.COM/TRAININGS/WORK FORWARD Upcoming trainings: How to strategically use your network to land the job you want How to negotiate salary, benefits, responsibilities, and otherwise

& THANK YOU, THANK YOU, THANK YOU! And please share your feedback and pay it forward!