1. Interpersonal Communications in Job Hunting--Chapter 13
(AKA, Interviewing)
Instructor: Dr. Emily E. Bullock

2. Presentation Overview
Types of interpersonal communication
Interview preparation
Interview expectations
Post-interview follow-up

3. Types of Interpersonal Communications in Job Hunting
Information interviews
Social networking
Career/Job Fairs
Job interviews

4. Information Interviews
Not initiated by employer
A way to obtain “insider” information using personal resources
Preparing for the Information Interview
Research employer & develop questions
Create questions for answers not now available
Conducting an Information Interview
After the Information Interview

5. Social Networking What can networking do for you?
Learn about jobs in the “hidden job market”
Make useful contacts
Gain knowledge of career fields & industry trends
Improving networking skills
Join a professional association
Network with alumni
Networking is a transferable skill that can be learned and improved.

6. Career Fairs Prepare as if for an interview
Resume
Dress
Research on organizations and opening
Work toward securing a more formal interview

7. Interview Preparation
Know yourself
Review interview
questions in Table 13.1
Know the employer
Review strategies for
researching employers in
Chapter 12

8. 5 unique things about yourself AND why
Self-Knowledge
Prepare for questions about your:
Values, interests, and skills
Experience (jobs and activities)
Personal qualifications
Career goals/objectives
Motivation
Self-knowledge is very important to use when answering interview questions. See examples of possible interview questions in Table 13.1 in the text.
Use your self knowledge to show the interviewer that you are the best person to fill the position.
5 unique things about yourself AND why

9. Researching Employers Enables You To Answer Their Basic Questions:
(1) Why are you here?
(2) What can you do for us?
(3) What kind of person are you?
(4) What distinguishes you from the others?
(5) Can we afford you?
From Richard Bolles (2008), What Color is Your Parachute?

10. Know the Employer size of firm or industry
% annual sales growth in last 5 yrs
current news events & stock prices
age of top management
geographic locations & home office
who are the competitors
organizational goals
organizational structure & career paths
number of plants/stores, etc.
products or services
Table 13.2 provides more information

11. Pre-Interview Checklist
Identify your transferable job skills
Become aware of your strengths
Determine what you’re looking for in a job
Research the organization
Conduct information interviews
Know how well you “fit” the position or organization
Practice, practice, practice

12. Dress For Success Dress as others in the occupation
Err on the conservative side

13. Types of Interviews On-campus interviews Telephone interviews
Videoconference interviews
Behavioral interviews
Stress interviews
Performance interviews

14. Answering Behavioral Questions
Use the STAR technique:
Situation
Task
Action
Result
When asked a behavioral question, use the STAR Technique to make sure you fully answer the question.
What was the situation?
What was the problem (task that needed to be done)?
What action did you take?
What were the results?

15. Initial Interview Process
Ask basic questions from your resume
Make you feel comfortable
Ask more in-depth (thought provoking) questions
Determine interviewee’s reason for interviewing
Assess motivations for candidate’s actions or activities
Determine individual’s style of operating
*Tip: Back up what you say by citing specific situations

16. Inappropriate or Illegal Questions
Are you a U.S. citizen?
How old are you?
What is your marital status?
What social organizations do you belong to?
Do you have any disabilities?
Have you ever been arrested?

17. Dealing with Inappropriate or Illegal Questions
How to react:
Consider interviewer’s motive
Avoid becoming defensive or angry
Restate your interest & why you are a good fit
Three options:
Answer the question
Examine the intent of the question & respond accordingly
Refuse to answer the question

18. You should have questions
Your Questions
always
You should have questions
The result of thorough research
Reflect a sincere interest in the organization and position
Reflect an awareness of your employment needs
Were not answered in other sources of information

19. Your Questions (contd.)
Address the organization’s issues:
Increase your understanding of the job duties
Explore organizational career paths
Explore organizational training programs
Clarify the organizational structure
*Sample questions are in your book on page 230.

20. Questions to Avoid in the Initial Interview
Salary
Benefits package
Vacation or leave time

21. Closing
When can you expect to hear from the interviewer and by what means?
Ask for the interviewer’s business card.
Re-emphasize your interest and appreciation for being considered.
Be sensitive to signals that the interview is coming to a close.

22. After the Interview
Thank-you letter
Maintain contact
Self-evaluation

23. Thank-you Letters Reaffirm your interest
Restate some of your qualifications
Ask additional questions that will help your decision making

24. Self-Evaluation What points seemed to interest the employer?
Did I present my qualifications well?
Did I talk too much? Too little?
Was I too tense or too aggressive? Not aggressive enough?
Which questions were difficult? How can I improve my answers?
What were your impressions?
What would you do differently?
Where can you improve?

25. Second Interviews and Site Visits
Usually final step before receiving an offer
Chance to view facilities, meet other employees
Focus on your specific qualifications
Do you fit the organizational culture?
Structured vs. unstructured process
What is the difference? How does it matter?
Handling expenses, arrangements, etc. is an important part of the 2nd interview. Do you pay attention to details regarding money and other people.
Try to develop information about the 2nd interview process so you can prepare accordingly. Who will be involved from the organization? Will other candidates be there? Group interviews? In-basket exercises?

26. CIP Perspective on Interviewing
Self-knowledge is a focal point of interviews
Use social networking to learn about job options
Use your social skills to improve decision making in all CASVE phases
Recognize the importance of metacognitions:
Positive self-talk
Self-awareness
Control and monitoring