Interviews 101

Agenda What is an interview/purpose of an interview Preparing for the interview Stages of the interview Types of interviews Types of interview questions Verbal and non-verbal communication Follow-Up

What is an interview? A mutual exchange of information between the employer and you, as a candidate for a position. What is the purpose of an interview? Show that you understand your strengths and weaknesses and have a sense of direction Enable the employer to evaluate your personality and attitudes in terms of the demands of the organization and the position Allow you to gain info on the organization

Preparing for the Interview Research the company – it is important to have a general understanding of the company’s service or products and the position you would like to secure Get 3-5 copies of your resume Make sure you have a reference sheet Know your strengths, weaknesses and skills

Stages of an Interview Opening Have a firm handshake and maintain eye contact Give a short, positive response to general greeting questions Be alert and attentive and remember to smile Follow the interviewer’s lead – don’t sit until offered

Stages of an Interview Information Exchange Listen carefully to questions and ask for clarification if needed Speak clearly and positively Focus all answers to reflect your abilities to do the job Have at least 3 questions prepared to demonstrate interest in the position or company

Stages of an Interview Closing Ask when you could follow-up with the employer about their hiring decision Ask the interviewer if additional information or references are needed Give a closing statement that is positive and reflects your interests in the position Thank the interviewer for their time, smile, and give a firm handshake

Types of Interviews Individual Interview Interview with two or more people General/group interview or information session Competitive group interview Telephone interview Video conference Second interview

Approaches to Interviews Structured Interview All candidates are asked the same questions. Answers are recorded and ratings are assigned to each response Unstructured Interview Questions are based on the applicant’s resume. Conversations are free flowing Semi-structured Interview Some structured questions will be asked, as well as some question based on the resume

Types of Interview Questions Behaviour based – “Tell me about a time….” Situational/Hypothetical – “What would you do if…” Skill-Testing – “Explain the theory of…” Problem-Solving – “Describe how you would extract caffeine from coffee beans” Case Interviews – similar to problem-solving Classic – “Tell me about yourself”

Illegal Interview Questions Race Ancestry Place of origin Colour Ethnic origin Religion Sex Sexual orientation Age Marital status Family status Disability Health Issues

Verbal and Non-Verbal Communication

Smile Be enthusiastic and responsive Maintain eye contact Don’t slouch or fidget Respond to questions specifically and concisely but give sufficient details Avoid “ums”, “ahs”, “you knows” and other slang

Follow-Up Draft a Brief Follow-up Letter and Plan Your Follow up Call Include some of these points in you letter and /or call: Express your interest Show positive “matches” between what they want and what you have to offer Refer to previous experience or education Volunteer further information Offer to give additional references Justify a reason to get together again Mail or fax a letter with in 24 hours.

Sample Follow-Up Letter

May 25, 2010 Ms. Jane Smith Slate and Son Quarries 7654 Niagara Street Welland, Ontario L3C 9M5 Dear Ms. Smith: Thank you for taking the time to personally answer my questions regarding your opening in Accounting. After our conversation, I am certain that I would be a great addition to your team. While at Boulder High School, I gained a strong background in accounting through several of my courses and feel that this knowledge can be maximized at Slate and Son Quarries. I believe that my knowledge of accounting and business skills will be an asset to your company. Additionally, my excellent knowledge of computer programs allow me to excel in increasingly fast paced world of finance. I am very excited about the possibility of working at Slate and Son Quarries and look forward to speaking to you again soon. Thank you again for your time and consideration. Sincerely, John Taylor

Remember…. Dress a level higher than employees typically wear No excessive jewellery, perfume, or make up Non-verbal messages should match your verbal responses Take 3-5 copies of your resume Smile and be positive Know what you’re worth!!

Thank You! Questions and Evaluations