1. Basic Interview Skills
An Overview

2. What is an interview? An interview is a…
Structured meeting between you and the employer
Interviewing is a skill to be developed
Practice makes perfect
The purpose of an interview is to
Allow you to assess the position and nature of the organization to determine if there’s a fit between your professional goals and the job
Allow the Interviewer to gather information regarding your interests, skills, & abilities to determine if you will meet their needs

3. Interview Formats
Phone or Screening Interview: Used to narrow the field
One-on-One Interview: Most common type; usually conducted by hiring official
Group/Panel Interview: Conducted by several people at once
Meal Interview: Used to see how you interact in a social situation
Second/Site Interview: Tour of the workplace, meet the staff, and asked additional questions by employer; usually ½ or full day

4. Before for the Interview
Research the company and position
Company website
Information sessions
Know yourself and be able to articulate (sell yourself):
Skills
Strengths
Accomplishments
Career goals
Areas of development
Why you should be hired
Based on your research and knowledge of yourself, communicate your “fit” with the company
Be prepared to ask and answer questions and provide specific examples
Be prompt and prepared
Arrive 10 to 15 minutes early
Scout location/parking prior to interview date
Bring extra copies of resume
Bring Reference List (name, title, complete address, telephone, and )
Bring list of questions for interviewer

5. Professional Dress Men Women
Two-piece suit; single or double breasted (dark blue or gray; avoid brown or sport coats)
Solid colors and tighter-woven fabric
Simple pattered tie
Polished shoes with socks high enough so no skin is visible when sitting or crossing legs
Neatly groomed hair and beard/mustache
Avoid strong colognes, earrings and body piercings
Women
Conservative, tailored suit or suit dress (skirt length: top of knee down)
Simple tailor blouse
Accessories should be simple
Basic medium/low heeled pumps
Conservative jewelry coordinated with outfit (no dangles)
Handbag should be small and appropriate with outfit

6. What to Take to the Interview
Nice notepad in leather folder
Good pen
Any completed application materials
Teaching portfolio
Portfolio
Performance pieces (audio, video, live performance)
Your own business cards
Breath mints
Extra money for parking garage or public transportation

7. Body Language Tips for projecting a positive image
When entering the room, give the appearance of high energy and self-confidence. Walk briskly and SMILE!
Shake hands firmly but don’t crush bones
Maintain eye contact throughout the interview
Sit up straight
Demonstrate that you are listening intently to the interviewer – occasionally nod your head
Don’t let your hands or fingers fidget (with themselves or other objects such as a pen, paper, or your hair)
Avoid folding your arms across your chest

8. Stages of the Interview
Introduction – Interviewer will attempt to establish a rapport with you – 1st impression very important
Review – Background (education and experience), interests, abilities, career goals, traditional or behavioral questions
Discussion – Potential opportunities and how you can possibly fit (present & future)
Conclusion – Points can be clarified by both parties and questions asked and answered by each – Interviewer may explain procedural matters and discuss how and when further contact will be made

9. Behavior-Based Interviews
Based on the idea that past behavior is the best predictor of future success
Relies less on general questions and more on specifics
Questions usually begin with
“Tell me about a time when. . . “
“Give me an example of “
Targeted Skills:
Alertness
Assertiveness
Commitment to task
Coping
Creativity
Decision making
Goal setting
Leadership
Listening
Management
Communication
Organization/planning
Perception
Problem solving
Team building

10. Interview Techniques
How to answer behavior-based questions (storytelling)
SAR
Situation
Action
Result
Review your resume for examples and write down potential answers to major skill areas

11. After the Interview Thank you notes/letters Make Notes Evaluate
Send thank you note to each individual with whom you interviewed (business cards)
Each note should be individualized
Should be sent within 24 to 48 hours
Handwritten notes are still the norm
thank you is acceptable if you know interviewer will not be in his/her office to receive your note in a timely fashion
Make Notes
What did you like?
What didn’t you like?
Evaluate
Determine if the job is right for you?
Environment
Culture
Location
A good fit will lead to a more successful, fulfilling career

12. Reasons for Rejection may Include
Inability to express self clearly and/or poor communication skills
Uncertainty about future goals and/or career plans or unrealistic goals
Poor personal appearance
Lack of enthusiasm or interest in the jobs or organization (failure to ask questions)
Excessive interest in salary, benefits, and vacation
Lack of courtesy, maturity, or tact
Lack of knowledge about the organization
Lack of confidence or over-confidence
Evasiveness

13. Remember Behave professionally
Practice initial greeting and handshake (firm)
Smile
Maintain eye contact
Remain calm and confident
Obtain a business card from each interview (thank you letters)
Dress professionally
Be prepared to talk about yourself and your experiences
Education
Work
Volunteer/community service
Learn to be a storyteller
Provide specific, concrete examples of results & accomplishments
Remain positive, enthusiastic, poised and confident throughout the entire process
An interview is a formal conversation – avoid filler words such as “um,” “ah,” and “you know.”
Avoid indecisive phrases such as “I think,” “I guess,” “probably,” or “pretty good”
If you do not hear or understand a question, ask interviewer to repeat or clarify