Unit 7

Emotional Responses  How do you feel about interviewing?  How can you overcome any fears or apprehensions you have?

Confidence Building  Do your homework.  Practice interviewing.

Confidence Building Step 1: Do Your Homework  Learn as much as you can prior to the interview. About the company About the position About the people you will be meeting with

Information on the Organization  Interview question: “what do you know about our company?”  Facts, figures, company information will impress!  Never make the mistake of not being able to tell them something.

What should I know about the company?  Products and/or services  Industry ranking  Number of employees  Location(s) - number of offices  Competitors  Training programs  Current news items  Future plans  History of the organization  Name of corporate officers  Subsidiaries/parent companies

Information on the Position  Interview question “What qualifies you for this position?”  The more you know about the job the better you can answer this question!

Confidence Building Step 2: Practice Interviewing  Interviewing is a skill.  Knowledge of self + knowledge of the organization + preparation = interview success!

How do I practice?  Make a list of potential questions.  Prepare an answer for each question.  Outline the points you want to make.  Have someone do a mock interview and consider video taping.

What questions might an employer ask in an interview?

Sample Questions  What are your strengths?  What are your weaknesses?  Why did you choose your major/career?  What are your short term goals?  What are your long term goals?  What motivates you?  What 2 or 3 accomplishments have given you the most satisfaction?

More Sample Questions  Are you willing to travel?  Are you willing to relocate?  Describe a major problem you have encountered and how you dealt with it.  How has your college experience prepared you for this career?  How do you determine success?  What do you know about the organization?

More Sample Questions  What factors are most important to you in your job?  Why should I hire you over someone else?  What have you done that shows initiative?  What did you like about your previous job?  What did you dislike about your previous job?  How well do you work under pressure?

The one most people hate… Tell me about yourself

Questions for the interviewer  Avoid asking about salary and benefits on a first interview.  Come prepared with questions.  Questions demonstrate your interest.  What should you ask?

Sample Questions to Ask  What are the duties of the job?  What are the opportunities for advancement?  To whom would I report?  On what criteria would I be evaluated?  How much responsibility would I have as a new employee?  Why is this position open now?  What are some of the problems people in this position encounter?

More Sample Questions to Ask  How will the first weeks on the job be spent?  Is it your policy to promote from within?  What characteristics do you believe are needed to be successful in this position?  Does the organization support continued education?  What kind of training is provided?  What happened to the person previously in this position?

Interview Styles  Guided Interview  Unstructured Interview  Stress Interview

Interview Day Essentials  Several copies of your resume  Printed list of references  Pen or pencil and notebook  List of questions to ask  Transcripts  Positive attitude!