Chapter 9 “Exploring the Interview Process”

Preparing for an interview Research other party Employment Requires preparation by both parties, but primarily with interviewee Info available from current employees, internet, Better Business Bureau

Preparing for an interview Information to look for in your research Employment When and by whom was company founded Who runs it now What is its main line of business What are recent changes at business Who is the competition How many employees How does it train What are the benefits, such as insurance, etc.

Preparing for an interview Information to look for in your research Employment Primary responsibilities What role would you play What skills are required What training will you get Where can it lead in the future What performance appraisal is there

Preparing for an interview Benefits to both parties Helps decide if the match is good for goals and skills Is company stable and ethical Is it a safe environment Will it be challenging Enter interview with confidence

Actual Interview Opening Introduction Handshake Small talk Sets tone for interview

Actual Interview Body Conversation turns to specific questions Both parties speak and listen Both answer and ask questions Both parties make decision based on info

Actual Interview Possible questions Open ended Gives freedom in answering “Tell me about yourself”

Actual Interview Possible questions Closed Seeks specific info “What hours are you available to work”

Actual Interview Possible questions Highly closed Provides answers from which to choose “Would you prefer to work morning or evening”

Actual Interview Possible questions Primary Begins new topic “Tell me about your hobbies”

Actual Interview Possible questions Secondary Helps understand the answer to primary “Why do you like that hobby”

Actual Interview Possible questions Leading Suggests the desired answer “You do want to work weekends, right?”

Actual Interview Possible questions Neutral Implies no specific right or wrong “Would you like to work weekends”

Actual Interview Possible questions Direct Straight forward, no ambiguity “Can you work Friday evenings”

Actual Interview Possible questions Indirect Seeks specific info w/o directly asking “What do you usually do Friday evenings”

Actual Interview Possible questions Factual Seeks info that can be proven “Where do you attend school”

Actual Interview Possible questions Opinion Asks for judgment “What is your opinion of employees who steal”

Actual Interview Possible questions Hypothetical Asks for reaction is a given situation “If you knew someone was stealing from the company, what would you do”

Actual Interview Closing Summary of what has occurred Gives interviewee chance to correct any misinformation Discuss future action May follow-up call be made When is decision expected

Post Interview Follow-up thank you letter is crucial Reconnect with interviewer to remind of strong points Summarize discussion Thank him/her for meeting with you Be warm but professional

Post Interview Self Analysis Was I prepared Did I ask clear questions Were responses accurate and complete Did I listen carefully Did I seem confident Would I have hired me What would I change next time

Section 3 “Appropriateness in Interviews”

Personal Appropriateness Dress and Appearance Confident posture Smiling Dressed appropriately Neat and clean clothes Clean and well groomed Calm Outgoing and enthusiastic

Personal Appropriateness Demeanor Friendliness Poise Confidence Verbal skills Body language

Interviewing Dos and Don’ts Look professional Make good eye contact Be specific Be flexible Listen carefully Be enthusiastic Speak clearly and concisely smile

Interviewing Dos and Don’ts Chew gum Wear too much fragrance Wear excessive jewelry Lie Mumble Brag Interrupt Look at your watch

Common reasons for rejecting Poor appearance Poor diction, grammar, voice Little enthusiasm, passive, indifferent Late for interview, disrespectful Talks too much, rambles Unable to handle silence Negative attitude Couldn’t sell self to employer Talked about salary

Common reasons for rejecting Overbearing, aggressive Lack of purpose, career goals Unwilling to start at bottom Lack of courtesy, proper etiquette Poor eye contact, extreme nervousness Lack of poise, confidence Lack of leadership skills Condemned previous employer Didn’t ask for the job

Appropriate Questions Interviewee Questions What are specific duties Can you describe a typical day Is this a new or recently vacated position Is travel normally involved With whom will I be working What type of technology skills are needed Is special training provided Is performance reviewed regularly What else can I tell you about my qualifications When do you expect to make a decision

Appropriate Questions Interviewer Questions Tell me about yourself Tell about a strength/weakness How will qualifications help you do this job Why did you leave your last job What is most important thing learned from job or school What did you like most/least about last job What have you done that shows initiative Why do you want to work for this company Why should we hire you When are you available to start May we contact your references What is your best/worst subject

Laws governing questions Can not ask questions that can be used to discriminate on race, color, religion, sex, disabilities, marital status, national origin, age

Illegal questions Birthplace, nationality or ancestry “Pasquale, is that a Spanish name Gender/marital status “Is that your maiden name” Race/color “Are you considered to be part of minority group

Illegal Questions Religion/holiday observation “Does your religion prevent you from working on weekends” Physical challenges/disabilities “Do you have any use of your legs” Health or medical history “Do you have any pre-existing health conditions”

Illegal Questions Pregnancy/child care “Do you plan to have children”

Responding to an Unlawful Question Simply answer the question Note that you think it is illegal, but answer Ask “Why? Is it a factor in my being hired?” Refuse to answer saying it has no bearing on ability to do the job Ask how it relates to job and is it lawful Redirect the focus Refuse to answer End the interview and leave

Considerations on Illegal Questions Why was the question asked How badly do you want the job How comfortable are you Your own personal style