Winning Interviews

Pomerantz Career Center Serves students and alumni on the UI campus Is located just north of the Pappajohn Business Building For more information please visit our web site You can also get a copy of our career guide online or in our office.

Presentation Outline Types of Interviews Typical Interview Format 5 P’s of Interviewing

Types of Interviews Traditional –One-on-one session where interviewer asks you questions Group –2 different formats: You are interviewed by a group of people You and others are interviewed collectively Telephone –Most commonly used as a screening device. If you are caught off guard, ask to call back after you have prepared Work Simulation –Allows you to demonstrate your skills

Typical Interview Format Each interview will be different, however most follow a format similar to this: –Introductory Stage/Rapport Building First impressions are formed Interviewer will create relaxed but business-like atmosphere They may ask you to tell them a little bit about yourself – keep it professional

Interview Format (cont.) –Question and Answer section Questions to review your background and interests Questions to match your skills with the skills necessary for the job Focus on what you have accomplished Give concise and thurough answers

Close –Close Time for you to ask questions of the interviewer –make sure you have well thought out questions Interviewer explain the steps of hiring process

The 5 P’s of Interviewing Preparation Practice Personal Representation Pertinent Questions Post-Interview P

Preparation Do your research on the organization Employers cite “Not having enough knowledge of the job and/or company presented during the interview” as the #1 reason for failing to get hired.

Research Provides –Information specific to the position within the company –General knowledge of company –Ability to ask informed questions –Insight into whether you want to work for company

You should know these things about the organization: Type of organization Goals and mission Products or services offered Current projects/research Sales and earnings New trends in the field

You can get this information from these sources: Employers’ web sites Company literature Trade Journals Occupational Outlook Handbook Dunn & Bradstreet, Standard and Poor's Register

Preparation Do research on the questions you could be asked –The job posting will shed light onto the qualities the employer is looking for and possible questions the interviewer will ask –Organize a collection of your experiences that demonstrate your transferable skills and abilities –Review your resume, it may provide potential questions and be able to elaborate on it

Preparation Behavior-based Questions –Questions designed to see how you acted in past situations in order to predict how you will act in similar situations in the future –Open-ended questions often beginning with, “Tell me a time when…”

Tips for Behavior-based Questions –Listen carefully to the question –Ask for clarification if necessary –Always answer the question completely (Use the STAR Method) –Use examples from past internship, work experience, activities, and classes

Preparation The STAR method to answer Can help you to answer behavior based questions S =Situation (define it) T =Task (what was expected of you) A =Action (state what you did) R =Result (what you accomplished) Spend most of your response on the RESULT! Employers want to know the outcome.

Preparation Your interview folder should include: –Extra resumes –Cover Letter –References –Copy of Transcript – if applicable –Application or Job posting - if available –Pen and a pad of paper –Your list of questions for employer

Practice Practice will help you define problem areas and help ease your nerves –Sign up for a mock interview on the UI campus using UI Employment Expo –Rehearse with a friend or relative –Video tape yourself and view the tape later to identify nervous tendencies

Personal Representation Women Conservative suit or dress-below the knee please What to Wear

What to Wear (cont.) Men Dark conservative suit with white, long-sleeved dress shirt and tie Dress for the job you want, NOT the job you have!

General Appearance Tips Avoid excessive perfume and jewelry, Hair should be well-groomed and clean Shoes should be polished and coordinate with suit

Personal Representation Maintain eye contact Smile Good posture Firm handshake Facial expressions Nervous tendencies (try not to twiddle thumbs, twirl hair, etc.) Non-verbal behavior

Personal Representation Be minutes early Know the interviewer’s name and how to pronounce it Don’t interrupt Be honest, lies will come back to haunt you! Interview Etiquette

Interview Etiquette (cont.) Emphasize what you can do for the organization Provide a positive “spin” as often as possible Correct yourself if you make an error Avoid making disparaging remarks about former workplace or personnel Wait for the interviewer to bring up salary and benefits

Pertinent Questions Ask Questions! –Shows preparation and initiative –Prepare at least 10 questions about: –The position –The company –The industry –Ask each interviewer a question –Avoid obvious questions

Post-Interview Jot down key questions for future reference Also, any relevant information from interview Send thank you note within hours –Handwritten thank you notes are ideal –Send a note to each person you spoke with, even the person who greeted you

Remember… An interview is a conversation between two people, where BOTH are trying to find out information. Use this opportunity to find if the position and company are a good fit for you.