Interviewing Chirag Tilara David Barrymore Edmond Kwok Jimmy Lau
Agenda Presentation Goal Interview: Definition, Objectives, Types & Methodologies Exercises & Debriefing HR & Legal considerations Tips for successful interview Things to avoid Panel interview & debriefing On-line reference tool Q&A
Presentation Goal: Primary Develop a general understanding of job interview process Learn tips for turning a job interview into a job Gain hands-on experience of job interview via simulated exercises
Presentation Goal: Secondary Provide the class with an on-line reference tool – targeted to aid in preparing for the next job interview.
Interview Defined: Definition Role Preparation Process Controversies Validity and Predictive Power
Interview Types: Screening – Meeting minimum requirements Informational – Applying for a position indirectly Behavioral –Anticipate skills expected and how addressed in past Panel – Cross-sectional with managers and peers Elevator pitch – 30 seconds to differentiate from the rest
Interview Methodologies: Find Common Ground Two people looking for compatibility. Focus on Goal, Obstacle, Solution, Numbers. Conduct your interview in the same manner that you conduct your work. Use the interview as an opportunity to employer’s fears.
Interview Follow up Thank your interviewer. Send a note no later than the end of the day. Additional tasks or references? Deliver them on time and in their entirety. Let your references know to expect call from interviewer.
Exercise1: Elevator Pitch Concise – 30~60 seconds Clear – Easily understood Powerful – Use strong action words Visual – Paint mental pictures Tell a Story – Short story showing strength Targeted – Single audience focus Goal-oriented – Focus on specific outcome Hook – Leave them wanting more
Exercise: Elevator Pitch..Example “I have three years of market research experience with specific expertise in research design, construction of analytical models, and data analysis. While at my current company I developed a new online research methodology using Twitter and Facebook that was adopted by the entire division and saves the company an estimated $1 million annually. I graduated in 2005 from University of San Francisco as a joint marketing and econometrics major.” Why is this a “STRONG” example? Provides useful detail about specific skills that may be applicable to a targeted opportunity. Demonstrates job relevance, leadership, problem solving, pedigree and impact. These are 5 of the 7 Elements of a Good Story. Educational detail provides additional relevant detail related to core skill set required for the opportunity.
Elevator Pitch Exercise Two volunteers Prepare short elevator pitch Present elevator pitch to class Class feedback
HR & Legal Considerations Federal Equal Employment Opportunity Laws. ◦ Civil Rights Act of 1964, Title VII ◦ EPA ◦ Age Discrimination in Employment Act (ADEA) ◦ Pregnancy Discrimination Act ◦ ADA – Titles I and Title V ◦ Section 501 and 505 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 ◦ Immigration Reform and Control Act (IRCA) of 1986 What’s New ◦ Genetic Information Non-Discrimination Act (GINA)
Tips for successful job interview: PreparationObjective During the interview Know your strengths Know your weaknesses Follow-up
Tips: Pre-interview preparation Research organization Research position Know your interviewers Prepare required documentation Prepare for commonly asked questions Preparation Objective During the interview Know your strengths Know your weaknesses Follow-up
Tips: Establish interview objective Sell yourself using the strengths and experience you possess Keep in mind the job requirements and the organization’s need. Preparation Objective During the interview Know your strengths Know your weaknesses Follow-up
Tips: During the interview First impression Interview behavior ◦ Confidence ◦ Body language ◦ Positive attitude Organization of ideas PreparationObjective During the interview Know your strengths Know your weaknesses Follow-up
Tips: Know your strengths Showcase your strengths as they relate to the job In case of behavioral questions, highlight your strengths and experience in the form of response that follows: ◦ STAR Situation, Task, Action and Results ◦ SOARA Situation, Objective, Action, Results and Aftermath PreparationObjective During the interview Know your strengths Know your weaknesses Follow-up
Tips: Know your weaknesses Question to test your arrogance or self awareness. Technique: ◦ Avoid weakness not related to the job you are interviewing for ◦ Admit to weakness but show what you are doing about it PreparationObjective During the interview Know your strengths Know your weaknesses Follow-up
Tips: Follow-up Thank you note – opportunity to re- iterate interest Mention anything important that you might have missed Emphasize how you can make valuable contributions Keep it comprehensive Send it out on time PreparationObjective During the interview Know your strengths Know your weaknesses Follow-up
Things to avoid: Poor handshake Talking too much Talking negatively about current or past employers/managers Showing up late or too early Treating the receptionist rudely Giving vague answers
Things to avoid: Asking about benefits, vacation time or salary Not preparing for the interview Verbal ticks Not enough/too much eye contact Failure to match communication styles
Exercise1I: Panel Interview Two volunteers 30 seconds to prepare responses Come to front for panel interview Interview Class feedback
On-line reference tool: How to gain admission to online resources Quick review of resource content Address audience questions on use of tool
Q & A
Thank You