1. AECC-2 Department of English, Govt. College, Theog
Interview Skills
AECC-2
Department of English, Govt. College, Theog

2. Introduction/Greeting
First impressions count
Appearance is important
Good eye contact
Firm handshake
Introduce yourself
Slow, clear pronunciation of name
Make small talk

3. Employer Questions Will most likely, address items on your resume
ask about behavior/skills you have
Will not
be personal

4. Behavior Based Interviewing
Previous behavior predicts future behavior
Recruiters ask for examples that demonstrate your level of skill with a behavior that is important to the firm.

5. Ask yourself Review the question and answer provided
What skill is the question addressing?
Could the answer be better and how?

6. Effective response?
Q: Give an example of when you had to persuade others to your point of view.
A: I was part of the negotiating team for my department when we negotiated our last contract. Let me tell you the bargaining on this one was tough; no one wanted to give an inch. But in the end we got them to agree to most of our demands.

7. A better response
I was part of the negotiating team for my department. The supplier wanted a large increase of 8%
I listened carefully to the supplier’s needs
I collected data to support my argument on why 8% was unreasonable
I presented analytical data to support our position for a 4% vs. 8% increase
I also worked with management to change some requirements, so it would be less costly for the supplier
The final agreement was for only a 5% increase, saving us $500,000. I learned the importance of really listening to the supplier, collecting and analyzing relevant data and getting management support of my plan.

8. Effective response?
Q: Give me an example of your ability to use analytical skills?
A: I’m good at Excel and have created several spreadsheets to improve processes.

9. What is missing from this response?
Didn’t describe the Situation/Task
Actions are missing
Results are vague
Interviewer will likely ask follow up questions

10. Prepare yourself
Understand what skills the company considers critical to success there
Some common areas covered in behavioral interviews:
Leadership
Teamwork
Initiative
Analytical Ability
Creativity/Innovation
Problem Solving Skills
Customer/Client Relations

11. Other Common Questions to Prepare For
Tell me about yourself? or Walk me through your resume
Why did you decide to go to the XYZ School of Business
Tell me about a time when you had an opportunity to lead others. What did you learn from it?
What are your strengths/weaknesses?
What achievement are you the most proud of?
Why do you want to work for ______ company?

12. Tell me about yourself (Walk me through your resume)
Include
Tie your story to their business needs
Demonstrate 2 or 3 strengths related to the position
How you can contribute to company
Don’t include
Personal/family information
Politics
Create a 60-second sound byte

13. What are your strengths?
Relate them to the job
Give examples of where you have demonstrated them
How were they developed

14. What are your weaknesses?
Admit you have one
Identify what you are doing to improve or learned from this weakness
Detail the results or time frame expected

15. Need more time? Good question, let me think about that a minute.
So, you are asking if…..
Can you repeat that question, please?
No one’s ever asked me that one before…
Silence is okay, too

16. How to prepare for an interview?
Research the company
Review your resume
Prepare questions for interviewer
Prepare yourself

17. Research the Company Know the industry Know the company
Know the job duties

18. Review your Resume How do your career goals align with position?
Do you have succinct stories for each point on your resume?
Anticipate questions

19. Closing Always thank them for the interview
Clarify if they haven’t told you next steps
End with saying that you are looking forward to hearing from them and really enjoyed talking to them.

20. Evaluation Questions
A – Strongly Agree; B-Agree; C-Disagree; D-Strongly Disagree; E-Don’t Know
This session increased my knowledge on what to expect and how to prepare for an interview.
The presenter was well-prepared.
This session should be repeated in future semesters.