INTERVIEWINGINTERVIEWING A presentation from The Career Center, FCC, 2003

Interviewing What is an Interview? Why learn about interviewing? Types of interviews Before the Interview During the Interview Closing the Interview After the Interview What is an Interview? Why learn about interviewing? Types of interviews Before the Interview During the Interview Closing the Interview After the Interview

What is an interview? The interview is where employment information is exchanged--you learn about the job you are seeking and the employer learns about your job-related qualifications It is the opportunity to sell your skills and abilities, and to convince the interviewer you are the best candidate for the position The interview is where employment information is exchanged--you learn about the job you are seeking and the employer learns about your job-related qualifications It is the opportunity to sell your skills and abilities, and to convince the interviewer you are the best candidate for the position

Why learn about interviewing? Because successful interviewees-- the candidates that get the job--know how to interview well and are always prepared! They know that the interview is where lasting impressions are formed and where important career and hiring decisions are made.

Types of interviews Preliminary “screening” interview with human resources –focus is on employment history, reviewing application and resume for accuracy, and determining if applicant is minimally qualified Hiring interview with the “hiring” manager –focus is on specific skill sets and what you can bring to the position Preliminary “screening” interview with human resources –focus is on employment history, reviewing application and resume for accuracy, and determining if applicant is minimally qualified Hiring interview with the “hiring” manager –focus is on specific skill sets and what you can bring to the position

Types of interviews Individual interviews are conducted by one interviewer and you meet with them one-on-one

Type of interviews Panel or team interviews are conducted by more than one interviewer

BE PREPARED NOT PANICKED

Before the interview examine your career goals know yourself and your skills well memorize your resume research the company practice interviewing examine your career goals know yourself and your skills well memorize your resume research the company practice interviewing

Prepare by planning to “dress for success” Dress appropriate to the workplace –Men’s options suit and tie, or dress pants and sport coat –Women’s options suit, dress, or professional-looking pants suit Always be clean, neat, freshly pressed Select conservative but flattering styles First impressions really do count! Dress appropriate to the workplace –Men’s options suit and tie, or dress pants and sport coat –Women’s options suit, dress, or professional-looking pants suit Always be clean, neat, freshly pressed Select conservative but flattering styles First impressions really do count!

Being prepared means…. Be on time--always! Make a good first impression Greet the receptionist warmly Come to the interview alone Do not smoke or chew gum Turn off cell phones before the interview Leave earphones at home Be on time--always! Make a good first impression Greet the receptionist warmly Come to the interview alone Do not smoke or chew gum Turn off cell phones before the interview Leave earphones at home

Use these interview tips Be aware of your body language Be diplomatic Be truthful Make only positive comments regarding former employers Bring references and extra resumes Use a portfolio to carry everything neatly, and to take notes, if you wish Be aware of your body language Be diplomatic Be truthful Make only positive comments regarding former employers Bring references and extra resumes Use a portfolio to carry everything neatly, and to take notes, if you wish

During the interview Begin with the BIG 3 –firm handshake –genuine smile –direct eye contact Begin with the BIG 3 –firm handshake –genuine smile –direct eye contact

During the interview The Employer may begin with: –“small talk” to put you at ease –provide company and job information so you understand what the job entails –evaluate your social skills; conversation and grammar skills; composure, attitude, enthusiasm, interest The Employer may begin with: –“small talk” to put you at ease –provide company and job information so you understand what the job entails –evaluate your social skills; conversation and grammar skills; composure, attitude, enthusiasm, interest

During the Interview The Applicant should:The Applicant should: –Listen and respond with concise, complete sentences –Stay on track; do not ramble –Remember to conduct a“dialogue, not a monologue” –State contributions you can make rather than the security the company provides –Answer questions focusing on job- related skills and abilities –Sell yourself! The Applicant should:The Applicant should: –Listen and respond with concise, complete sentences –Stay on track; do not ramble –Remember to conduct a“dialogue, not a monologue” –State contributions you can make rather than the security the company provides –Answer questions focusing on job- related skills and abilities –Sell yourself!

During the interview Be prepared to answer questions about your work experience, educational history and job- related qualifications

Sample questions you may be asked Tell me about yourself.Tell me about yourself. Why are you interested in joining our company?Why are you interested in joining our company? What qualifications do you have for this position?What qualifications do you have for this position? Why are you leaving your current job?Why are you leaving your current job? Tell me about yourself.Tell me about yourself. Why are you interested in joining our company?Why are you interested in joining our company? What qualifications do you have for this position?What qualifications do you have for this position? Why are you leaving your current job?Why are you leaving your current job? What are your strengths and weaknesses?What are your strengths and weaknesses? Where do you see yourself in 5 years?Where do you see yourself in 5 years? Give me an example of a decision you had to make under pressure--how did you approach it?Give me an example of a decision you had to make under pressure--how did you approach it? What are your strengths and weaknesses?What are your strengths and weaknesses? Where do you see yourself in 5 years?Where do you see yourself in 5 years? Give me an example of a decision you had to make under pressure--how did you approach it?Give me an example of a decision you had to make under pressure--how did you approach it?

During the Interview Be prepared to ask questions about the company and the position

Appropriate questions you can ask How will I be trained or introduced to the job? What are the department’s goals for the next year? How does this position help to meet those goals? How will I be trained or introduced to the job? What are the department’s goals for the next year? How does this position help to meet those goals? What are the opportunities for advancement from this position? How are performance reviews conducted? What is the next step in the interview process? What are the opportunities for advancement from this position? How are performance reviews conducted? What is the next step in the interview process?

How to handle salary information Allow employer to approach subject first Be knowledgeable about salaries for this position in your geographical area Be realistic about your expectations Be tactful in how you present your salary request Give a salary range rather than an exact amount if asked to state a specific salary Consider wages and benefits as a total compensation package Allow employer to approach subject first Be knowledgeable about salaries for this position in your geographical area Be realistic about your expectations Be tactful in how you present your salary request Give a salary range rather than an exact amount if asked to state a specific salary Consider wages and benefits as a total compensation package

Closing the interview Clarify next step in the process Offer references Prepare a closing statement that shows interest Thank the interviewer End with The Big 3 Thank the staff on the way out Clarify next step in the process Offer references Prepare a closing statement that shows interest Thank the interviewer End with The Big 3 Thank the staff on the way out

After the interview Send an immediate thank you note Follow up with additional information if requested Review your performance Learn from the experience, stay positive, continue active job search Evaluate the position carefully before accepting Send an immediate thank you note Follow up with additional information if requested Review your performance Learn from the experience, stay positive, continue active job search Evaluate the position carefully before accepting

INTERVIEWINGINTERVIEWING A presentation from The Career Center, FCC, 2003