Interviewing for success

Interviewing 101 Not all interviews are one-on-one like you might expect! Be sure to ask the employer about the interview format when you are offered an interview Different types of interviews include: Group Interviews Panel Interviews Phone Interviews Informational Interviews

Different Types of Interviews Several candidates interview at the same time Useful for employers to observe which candidates stand out above the rest Group Interviews One candidate is interviewed by two or more people at one time Panel Interviews Good way for employers to screen initial pool of applicants to determine who they want to invite for an in-person interview Phone Interviews Great way to learn more about a specific occupation or organization Informational Interviews

Before the Interview 1 2 3 4 5 Assess Research Practice Choose strengths, experiences, and skills 2 Research organization and position requirements 3 Practice answers to common interview questions 4 Choose what you will wear 5 Prepare for the interview day

Ensure the position is something that you want. Assess Evaluate your values, goals, and expectations Take the FOCUS assessment or ISEEK Skills Assessment Compare your abilities with the qualifications of the position using this worksheet Remember that you are interviewing the employer just as much as they are interviewing you! Ensure the position is something that you want.

Research the Employer Check out the company’s website Philosophy/Mission Position description Industry Competition History/Outlook Products Salary range Researching Companies

Practice Makes Perfect Practice answering common interview questions Hint: Write out your answers before rehearsing them aloud Behavior-based interviewing is used to evaluate a candidate’s past behaviors and experiences to help employers determine a candidate’s potential for success Use the STAR technique to answer these questions (next slide) Examples of behavior-based questions

Describe the situation. What action did you take? STAR Technique Used for answering behavior-based questions Situation Describe the situation. Task What was the task? Action What action did you take? Response What was the result?

STAR Example QUESTION: Give me an example of a time when you set a goal and were able to meet or achieve it. Situation I was taking the Biochemistry class required for my major, and I got a C on the first test. Task C - level work isn’t up to my standards, so I knew I needed to earn better grades. Action I started a study group that met once per week. I also scheduled two hours each day to work on Biochemistry, and I talked to my professor during her office hours when I had difficulty understanding the concepts. Result I earned A’s on all my other tests and received an A- for my final grade in the class.

Common Interview Questions For the Interviewee That’s you! Tell me about yourself. What are your strengths and weaknesses? Why should I hire you? Describe how you handle stress. Why do you want to work here? What would your former coworkers/supervisors say about you? Why did you choose this field? How do you like to be supervised? For the Interviewer (Ask 2-3) What is a typical day like? What do you like most about working here? What do you feel is a challenge about your position (or this position)? How would you describe the management style of the organization? What is the atmosphere of the office? What is the timeline for the remainder of the process? **Type out your questions ahead of time to really impress the interviewer!

If it’s too tight, too loose, too short, or too long DON’T wear it What to Wear Be well groomed Be conservative It’s always best to be overdressed rather than underdressed Don’t overdo the perfume, aftershave, jewelry, hair, or makeup Try on your outfit BEFORE the day of the interview If it’s too tight, too loose, too short, or too long DON’T wear it

What to Wear Interview Dress for Men Interview Dress for Women

Prepare For the Interview Day Bring extra resumes Locate good driving directions Know where you are going, and do a test run if possible Get a good night’s sleep Arrive 15 – 20 minutes early Check your appearance in the restroom before officially going in to the interview

Shaking Hands Hold the person’s hand firmly Pump hand 3 times maximum Maintain eye contact Smile 

Tips for Successful Interviewing DO DO act confident and be prepared DO be aware of the length of your answers DO use specific examples to talk about your skills and experiences DO ask questions DON’T DON’T be negative about former employers DON’T tell hard–luck stories DON’T inquire about salary, benefits, or vacation time until after an offer has been made, unless the employer brings it up first

After the Interview Ask for the interviewer’s business card Send a thank-you within 24 hours! Express your appreciation for the interview Indicate the job and date/location of interview Refer to a highlight of the conversation Reaffirm your interest in the job Strengthen your candidacy for the position Check out the Job Search Handbook for thank-you letter format and a sample

The Thank-You Hand-written Typed and mailed More personal More formal Necessary when hiring decisions are made quickly Hand-written Typed and mailed Send a thank-you to each individual who participated in the hiring process Emailed The Art of Saying Thank You

Additional Online Resources CDC website links The Interview Process Job Search Handbook More CareerSpots Videos! The Interview The Salary Question Top 10 Interview Mistakes Informational Interviews

Career Resource Library Open Monday-Friday, 8am-4:30pm Book titles including 100+ Winning Answers to the Toughest Interview Questions, How to Turn an Interview into a Job, and Acing the Interview View the complete library index at http://www.mnsu.edu/cdc/resources/exploring/library/index.html Books available for checkout with your MavCard

Additional CDC Resources QuickStop walk-in hours “Practice Interview Days” hosted by volunteer employers offered each semester Mock interviews with CDC staff by appointment

Contact us! www.mnsu.edu/cdc 209 Wigley Administration Center Mankato, MN 56001 507-389-6061 www.mnsu.edu/cdc