Interviewing Skills UNLV Career Services 301 Student Services Complex

Purpose of an Interview The mutual exchange of information relevant to the employment opportunity and the candidate’s qualifications – a two-way conversation

Your Role in the Interview Highlight experience, skills, personality traits, and potential contributions Evaluate the position and organization Get a glimpse of your possible supervisor and co-workers

Employer’s Role Assess your qualifications Evaluate your communication skills (both verbal and non-verbal), appearance, and how well you fit with the position and organization

Before the Interview – Be Prepared! Know yourself – review your skills, experiences, and personality traits in relation to the position and organization Know the organization – research products, services, new projects, competitors, fiscal health, etc.

Before the Interview – Be Prepared! Logistics – confirm interview time and length, place, and personnel Logistics – map out and run through route to the location of interview (should arrive 10 – 15 minutes early) Have extra copies of your resume and references (and any other requested material)

The Interview - Opening Arrival – prepare yourself mentally and physically Greetings/Introductions - first impressions are both verbal and non- verbal (handshake, smile, eye contact, general body language) Small Talk – weather, parking, etc.

The Interview - Body Candidate’s background and qualifications for position Overview of position and organization Questions from candidate

Sample Interview Questions Tell me about yourself What attracts you to this field/position? What are your strengths?/weaknesses? Tell me about an accomplishment that you are proud of

Sample Interview Questions What motivates you? What are your tactics for working under pressure? Talk about a mistake you made, and what you learned from it Why should I hire you over the other candidates I will be interviewing?

Behavior-based Questions The best predictor of future behavior is past behavior “Tell me about a time when you had to…” Work as part of a team Meet a deadline Deal with a difficult customer

Answering Behavior-based Questions “Tell a story” that: Explains the situation/sets the scene Illustrates your approach to the situation Highlights results/outcomes

Answering Questions in General Develop and rehearse your responses Know yourself well, and how you fit with the position and organization Support your answers with solid examples Incorporate skills and personal qualities/attributes into your answers

Answering Questions in General Be confident and enthusiastic Relax and smile – an interview is a conversation Actively listen – follow the lead of the interviewer

Personal Questions Questions should focus on functions of the position Do not volunteer personal information such as age, medical background, marital status, religion, etc. Focus on your qualifications for the position

Responding to Personal Questions You can answer the question You are giving information that isn’t related to the job You can refuse to answer the question You may risk appearing uncooperative or confrontational

Source: Rochelle Kaplan, NACE Responding to Personal Questions You can analyze the question for its intent and respond with an answer as it may apply to the job Personal Question - “How old are your children?” Intent of Question – “Would you be able to travel as needed for the job?” Answer – “I can meet the travel schedule that this job requires”

Questions From the Candidate You are interviewing the company just as much as they are interviewing you Be prepared with a list of questions

Questions From the Candidate Questions to ask may include: How is the orientation and training structured/How much training? How will I receive feedback about my performance, and how often? How did this position become available?

Questions From the Candidate Questions to ask may include: What are some of the challenges the organization faces? What are you looking for in the ideal candidate? What do you like about working here?

The Interview - Close Clarify follow-up procedures Timeline for hiring Additional materials needed Get a business card from interviewer(s)

The Interview - Close Leave with a positive impression Reiterate your qualifications and fit for the position Reiterate your enthusiasm for the position

After the Interview Send a thank-you note (within hours is best) Personalize it (specific topic discussed, etc.) Reiterate interest and qualifications for the position Determine format ( , typed on paper, hand-written on stationery)

After the Interview Keep records Evaluate yourself Follow-up timeline

Phone Interviews Organizations conduct phone interviews as a cost-savings technique Phone interviews can be one-on-one or with a panel Phone interviews can last anywhere from 10 minutes to one hour Phone interviews do not provide the opportunity for non-verbal feedback

Phone Interview Tips Be prepared for the call Fifteen minutes before actual time (account for time zone differences) Create a quiet zone Have documents and notes in front of you – resume, cover letter, job description, paper for note taking, etc.

Phone Interview Tips Be prepared for the call If using a cordless or a cell phone, make sure it is charged Have water handy to wet your mouth

Phone Interview Tips During the call Greet everyone by name when introduced Smile when you talk – your enthusiasm will be heard by the interviewer Speak loud enough and at an understandable pace Don’t eat, chew gum, or smoke

Phone Interview Tips During the call Don’t walk around the room – it may affect your signal Don’t get distracted by using a computer, having other people in the room, etc. Thank everybody at the conclusion of the interview – first impressions are conveyed over the phone as well

Interview Apparel Women Dark coordinated suits (skirt or pants) with matching dress blouse Skirt length no more than one inch above the knee Dress shoes with moderate heel (no open toe) Neutral colored hose

Interview Apparel Women Dress watch Minimal, conservative jewelry Hair past shoulder length pulled away from face Natural looking make-up Clear or conservatively colored nail polish

Interview Apparel Men Dark suits Dark dress shoes (no loafers) Dark dress socks Conservative neck tie Dress watch

Interview Apparel Men Well-groomed facial hair Nails – trimmed and clean

Both Men and Women No visible tattoos No visible body piercing No purple, green, etc. colored hair No heavy cologne/perfume Fresh breath Freshly showered (use deodorant) Freshly pressed clothing

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