1. Successful Interviewing
Brad Collet
Assistant Director
Career Center
I\1 Presentations\Behaviorial Interviewing\2011 Spring JDMc.ppt

2. Know the Company
“If you won’t take the time to review our website before the interview, why should I take the time to interview you?”
A&M Recruiter
I\1 Presentations\Behaviorial Interviewing\2011 Spring JDMc.ppt

3. Research the Company!!! Why am I Interested in this Company?
Why am I a Strong Candidate for this Position?

4. Research the Company Review the job description
Study the company website and learn organization, products, divisions, and new events
Know the organization’s mission, philosophy and goals as thoroughly as possible

5. Tip #1 Prepare The Interview Is Like a Test
Plan to speak on:
What you know
Your accomplishments & impact
What you can contribute
Know:
3 reasons why they should make you an offer
Prepare your questions for the interviewers

6. Tip #2 Know your Strengths
Review your application and resume
Why are you are a strong applicant?
Academic major and classes
Internships or work experiences
Use stories to demonstrate problem solving, leadership, initiative, and time-management skills

7. Tip #2 Transferable Skills
Determine the skills necessary to do the job for which you are interviewing.
Identify your transferable skills and experience related to the job.
Develop and rehearse brief scenarios about how you used those skills, each illustrating a specific activity or task required by the job. If possible give the results in quantifiable terms.
Include learning outcomes when results are not favorable.

8. Tip #2 Preparing for Key Questions
Make answers specific and concise. Don’t generalize; give a detailed account of one event.
Prepare 8-10 examples you can “adjust” on-the-fly to suit a question. Don’t memorize.
Be prepared to articulate why you are interested in the job and why you would be an asset to the company.

9. Tip #3 Practice Practice makes Perfect
Virtual Mock Interview
Video interview practice tool
Available through HireAggies
Mock Interviews:
Schedule a mock interview through the Career Center

10. Tip #4 Prepare for Different Types of Interviews/Questions
Traditional Interview:
Tell me about yourself
Why did you choose…
What are your strengths/weaknesses
What is your greatest accomplishment
Serial Interview:
Series of interviews-various types
Usually at Employer’s location

11. Tip #4 Prepare for Different Types of Interviews/Questions
Group/Panel Interview:
Interview with several people at same time
Often at Employer’s location
Stress Interview:
Questions to see how you perform under stress
Why should we hire you
Tell us everything you know about our company
If quantitative problem to solve-show work

12. Tip #4 Prepare for Different Types of Interviews/Questions
Case Method Interview:
Asked to solve hypothetical problem
Used to evaluate problem-solving, analytical reasoning skills
Most often used to for Investment Banking, Consulting and other MBA-type of positions

13. Tip #4 Prepare for Different Types of Interviews/Questions
Behavioral Interview:
Basic Premise:
Past Performance is good predictor of Future Performance

14. Tip #4 Prepare for Different Types of Interviews/Questions
Examples of Behavioral Interviewing Topics or Themes to Prepare for:
Judgement/Problem-Solving Teamwork/Collaboration
Initiative Adjustment/Flexibility
Leadership Planning & Organization
Technical/Professional Knowledge Customer Focus
Motivational Fit Creativity

15. Tip #4 Prepare for Different Types of Interviews/Questions
General Answer Format
STAR
Describe the Situation you were in.
Describe the Task you performed.
What was your Approach to the problem?
What were the Results of your actions?
Be prepared for interviewer to probe for further details.
I\1 Presentations\Behaviorial Interviewing\2011 Spring JDMc.ppt

16. Tip #5 Dress Professionally
Review Macy’s Dress for Success
video on HireAggies
Suit (pants or skirt)
Black, navy, charcoal
Conservative tie
Closed toe shoes
Hair away from face
Careful with perfume, makeup, jewelry

17. Tip #6 Be an Early Bird Arrive 15 minutes Early
Be friendly and polite to everyone
Turn OFF phone or leave in car
Deep breaths to calm nervousness
Sit tall, breathe from diaphragm

18. Tip #7 Make a Great First Impression!
Greeting the Interviewer
Introduce yourself with a firm handshake, smile
Follow interviewers’ lead
to sit or stand
Confident body language
Eye contact is key

19. Energy Excitement Enthusiasm Eagerness Tip #8 E4
Your genuine enthusiasm will impress the interviewer

20. Tip #9 Ask the Interviewer Questions
Do you have any questions for us? Yes!!!
Make them count
What will help you decide between programs?

21. Tip #10 Close the Deal Prepare a closing statement
Is there anything else you would like us to know? The answer is: Yes!!
Thank you for this opportunity
Express your interest in program

22. Tip # 11 Thank You Notes The Day of your Interview
Send a thank you or
Mail a thank you card
This is part of the interview process
and a way to reinforce your interest

23. So When Do I Start??? Answer: NEVER!!!!
Balding applicant excused himself, returned wearing a hairpiece.
Applicant asked for Interviewer’s resume to see if he was qualified to interview Applicant.
Applicant phoned therapist for advice on answering specific questions.
Applicant’s alarm went off, apologized, had to leave for another interview.
Applicant challenged Interviewer to arm-wrestle.
Readers Digest, October 2009

24. Research the Company!!!