Interviewing 101 You got yourself in the door… now it’s time to WOW them!

Interview Skills

The “fake it until you make it” part! The Lead-Up:On the Day: Application form Research completed Cover Letter & Resume submitted Reference Check A professional response to an interview request Full night of sleep scheduled before the interview Extra copies of your resume Copies of your references (separate) Proper attire Confidence A handshake that seals the deal!

THE HANDSHAKE k k Let’s make a circle and practice handshakes ◦Firm but not rough ◦Good eye contact ◦Smile ◦Polite and professional greeting

Interview Skills – 1 to 10 Step One – Know your Target Step Two – Know Yourself Step Three – Practice Step Four – Arrive Early Step Five – Dress the Part Step Six – Make a GREAT First Impression Step Seven – Answer Well Step Eight – Ask Questions Step Nine – Be Yourself Step Ten – Follow Up

Interview Do’s Research the company Prepare by asking yourself questions Practice your answers Bring an extra resume Arrive mins early Dress Appropriately Maintain eye contact Be Positive Be Honest Sell yourself Be Assertive Show you’re a team player Follow up

Interview Don’ts Don’t be unprepared Don’t ramble Don’t give “yes” or “no” answers Don’t be rude Don’t neglect your appearance Don’t criticize anyone Don’t lie Don’t name drop Don’t make excuses Don’t be too aggressive Don’t be indecisive atch?v=U4D1hhDWunQ

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Interview Questions Samples of Traditional Interview Questions Tell me about yourself. What are your strengths and weaknesses? Why did you apply for this job? What jobs have you enjoyed the most? The least? Why? Do you prefer working with others or by yourself? What do you know about our company? What qualifications do you have that make you think that you will be successful in this position? What academic subjects do you like the best? Least? Samples of Behaviour Interview Questions Give me an example of a time when you did more than was required in your job. What was the result? Describe the most stressful situation you have encountered. How did you handle it? What was the outcome? Describe a situation where you wished that you had behaved differently. What was the outcome? We’ve all had to work with someone who was difficult. Tell me about the most difficult situation that you have experienced and how you handled it. What was the result? How do you define doing a good job? Tell me about the most enjoyable job you’ve had. What made this job so enjoyable? Tell me about a situation that occurred as a result of a lack of communication. Have you ever had to rely on information given verbally in order to carry out your task? Give some examples. Did this ever cause a problem? What is the difference between these two types of interview questions?

Interview Questions The abstract or obscure ◦If you were an animal which would you be and why? ◦How would you move Mount Everest? ◦Why are man-hole covers round instead of square? ◦What is the purpose of these questions?

Practice Let’s practice talking to people about ourselves first – without the added pressure of having to sell ourselves to a potential employer Let’s make our inside/outside circle again

Time to Practice… Steps to Success: 1. Look over the sample interview questions 2. Answer each question personally on a separate piece of paper 3. Practice with a peer (take turns being the interviewer and the interviewee 4. Why should you prepare questions in advance when you are not sure exactly what you will be asked? - Personal examples Note: You will be evaluated on your interview skills with me VERY SOON!