1. Presented by: Lucia V. Cook Catch the Fever March 2014
Interview Skills
Presented by:
Lucia V. Cook
Catch the Fever
March 2014

2. Interview Skills Purpose
Interviewer and candidate to determine if there is a correct fit between them.
First impressions are key for both parties involved – first impressions last, so make it count.
Employers
Is the candidate qualified?
Are they a good fit for the company?
Determine of you are invited back for a second interview and ultimately whether you are offered a job.
Job Seekers
Opportunity to meet and connect with the prospective employer.
Sell your skills and abilities.
Help you determine if you are a good fit for the company.

3. Interview Skills 3 Step Process Before the Interview
During the Interview
After the Interview

4. Pre-Interview Know Yourself Do your homework Be prepared for questions
What are my strengths?
What am I good at doing?
Do your homework
What do I know about this company?
Be prepared for questions
You will be asked questions on your strengths
You should be ready to ask questions about the job/company

5. Pre-Interview What to Bring What Not to Bring Notepad & Pen Resume
Friends, family members or children
Cell phones- if you have them, turn them OFF.
Ipods or any other electrical devices
Food / Drinks
Anything Distracting

6. Dress for Success
You never get a second chance to make a first-impression
Hair should be clean and combed.
Fingernails must be clean with no gaudy polish.
Keep perfume, cologne and aftershave to a minimum. Brush your teeth and don’t forget deodorant.
Women: dress, skirt (not too short), or dress pants with a nice blouse or blazer. No excessive jewelry, make-up, or ungroomed hair.
Men: pants (not jeans!), collared shirt, tie, sport coat and shoes. A suit is not always necessary.
What not to wear!
Jeans and tee shirts
Shorts
Casual sandals and tennis shoes

7. The Interview
Shake hands firmly with the interviewer. A firm hand shake is important and OFTEN mishandled.
While shaking hands, make good eye contact, smile and greet the person with “Pleased to meet you, I am…”
Be polite; use the formal address of Mr., Ms., unless invited to do otherwise.
The first few minutes are crucial. Studies have shown that interviewers can form an overall impression within the first 4 minutes of the interview.

8. The Interview Body Language Stand Tall
Sit straight and tall and look attentive and enthusiastic
Listen attentively but avoid staring at the interviewer
Place all material you brought with on the floor beside you with the exception of a note pad
Nod when appropriate to demonstrate interest and evidence that you are paying attention
Remain calm; Don’t fidget
Be careful not to speak too quickly
Respond to questions appropriately
Be warm and conversational, but don’t ramble

9. The Interview Be honest with all answers.
Be thorough with your answers.
Never answer with just a “yes” or “no.” Always provide explanations and examples.
If you don’t understand the question, ask the interviewer to explain.
Organize your thoughts before speaking.
Feel free to think for a moment about tough questions. Silence is not a bad thing as long as you do not take an excessive amount of time.

10. The Interview
Ask the job-related questions you prepared for the interview.
If you are told you will be contacted, ask about how long it will be.
Offer to call in a few days to find out the decision. This shows your continued interest.
Make sure the interviewer knows how best to contact you.
Phone number, address, physical address
Thank the person for the interview. Shake hands firmly on the way out.

11. Common Interview Type Behavioral Interview
Systematic process that ensures a fair selection process
Use candidate’s previous behavior as an indicator of future performance
May involve standardized assessment instruments, such as personality, aptitude and interest inventories
Involves directive and probing questions
Questions may ask you to describe problem-solving skills, adaptability, leadership, conflict resolution, stress management, etc.
Involve what you thought, felt, did and the
resulting outcome

12. Common Interview Type Sample Questions
Describe a time when two of the members of your team did not work well together? What did you do to get them to work together?
What is the most difficult decision you’ve had to make? How did you arrive at your decision? What was the result?
Answers should follow C A R format
C – Context
A – Action
R – Result
Give me an example of a project that best describes your organizational skills.

13. Post Interview Thank you Notes
Can be a typed or hand written letter or note. An is also acceptable. Customize the note.
Free of spelling or grammar errors.
Should be completed within 2-3 days of the interview.
Highlight key points you want to reiterate or forgot to say, information you learned about the company, express enthusiasm about the opportunity.

14. Summary Be prepared Know your stuff Dress for Success
Body Language is Key
Follow – Up
These tips help you Stand Out!

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