Successful Interviewing Strategies that will help you answer the really tough questions.

Learning Outcomes  Purpose of Interview  Types of Interviews  Prepare for Interview  STAR Technique  Invitation to Interview  Interview Process  Types of Interview Questions  Seal the Deal  Concluding the Interview

Tough Competition

Purpose of the Interview  Sell yourself  Find out more about the organization  Determine good fit for you and the employer  Provides the opportunity for two-way communication

Types of Interviews 1.) Screening  Telephone/Video 2.) Selection  Individual  Panel/Committee  Group  Performance/Presentation  Lunch/Dinner

Selection Interviews Selection Interviews  Interview with hiring manager or department lead rather than HR Recruiter  Usually held at company /organization location  Frequently is a series of interviews (multiple interactions with panels and/or individuals)  May include lunch or dinner Remember- You are being evaluated throughout the entire process!

Invitation to Interview  Missed the call »Professional voice message »Accurate message taking »Timely Response  Ask what to expect »Interview schedule »Interview process and format »Interviewers or committee members (Request titles and correct spelling of names)

What Employers Really Want to Know The 3 Underlying Questions 1) What are you like? 2) Can you perform the responsibilities of the job? 3) Will you fit with the organization/team?

Overcome Nervousness  Prepare for the interview! »A large majority of graduates stumble through their first 2-3 interviews  Why are practice interviews so valuable? »Receive constructive feedback »See yourself (body language, expression, nervous habits) »Listen to yourself (catch phrases, speech patterns, effective communication of message)

Company and Position Research  Know: »Organization Services, size, locations, culture, mission, customer/client base »Position description Responsibilities, job tasks, qualifications  Resources: »Company website »Company information sessions »Career Insider

Develop/Enhance Your Professional Image Attend to your appearance and carefully select your wardrobe

Make a Great Impression  Be on time  Leave cell phone in the car  Be positive and enthusiastic  Have a firm handshake  Demonstrate strong non- verbal communication »Eye contact, posture, smile and voice quality

Non-Verbal Communication  More than half of what we try to communicate is received non- verbally  Understand what your body language is communicating about you  Pay attention to your interviewer’s body language, but don’t over analyze

Types of Interview Questions  Open-ended: »“Tell me about yourself” »“What do you expect to be doing in 5 years?”  Qualifications: Summary of academic and experiential background relevant to the position  Proven successes: »GPA, leadership, initiatives taken, projects completed  Off-beat: »Don’t get rattled by these types of questions »“If you were an animal, what kind would you be and why?”

Types of Interview Questions  Case Study / Hypothetical »Requires you to analyze and develop problem solving strategy on the spot »“What would you do if …”  Opinion »Be honest, professional, and positive »“What are your strengths?” »“What is your greatest weakness?”  Behavioral »Past behavior = future behavior »“Tell me about a time when…” »Use the STAR method to answer

STAR Method  Situation or Task »Describe the situation that you were in or the task that you needed to accomplish. You must describe a specific event or situation, giving enough detail for the interviewer to understand.  Action you took »Describe the action you took and be sure to keep the focus on you.  Results you achieved »What happened? How did the event end? What did you accomplish? What did you learn?

Some Questions to Ask  “What are the three most important attributes for success in this position?”  “What are the opportunities for growth and advancement for this position?”  “What opportunities exist for professional development?”  “When can I expect to hear from you regarding your hiring decision?”

Illegal Questions  Age/date of birth  Marital status  Parental status  National origin  Religion  Mental health issues  Race/ethnicity  Arrest history  Impairments or disabilities irrelevant to the position What is the Proper Response?  Examine the interviewer’s intent: »Ignorance/Innocence: answer in brief or address perceived concern. »Blatant discrimination: you have the right to terminate the interview.

Recommendations  Don’t bring up salary, but be prepared if you are asked about it  Don’t accept an offer on the spot  Consider the full compensation package when deciding on a job offer  When you accept a position, employers generally expect that you have made a 2 year commitment  Getting the job is the first step on your career ladder – the first year on the job can make or break you

Closing the Interview  Ask about the next step  Reiterate your interest in the position  Make sure to request business cards while at the interview  Thank the interviewer(s) and shake hands

Interview Nuances  Employers may search your online profiles prior to the interview  On the spot assessments may be used  All interviewers are different  Don’t give up on the interview – it’s not over until it’s over!  Don’t make assumptions

Interview Thank You Letter  Send one to every person that interviewed you  An opportunity to reiterate your interest in the position  Should be sent within 24 hours of interview »Mailed, ed, typed or handwritten  Tailor your thank you letter to the interview experience  Focus on elements that were indicated as high interest during the interview

Standout Resumes Do!Don’t!  Respond timely to all employer communications  Review your strengths and be able to provide examples  Refined research on company and position  Purchase appropriate interview attire  Try to wing it  Create a poor impression  Forget the importance of non- verbal communication  Be negative, insincere or desperate  Fail to acquire names and titles of those interviewing you

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