1. Human Resources Department
Workshop Series
Success at Interviews
“Moving on Up”
Presented by:
Steven V. Pham
Executive Director of Human Resources

2. Human Resources Department
A job interview can be one the most intimidating experiences and it can be worse when you are unprepared.
Human Resources Department
Workshop Series

3. Human Resources Department
The desired outcome for this Lunch and Learn Workshop is for you to:
Understand the difference between a Statement of Qualifications (SOQ), and a Cover Letter
Gain an overview of the Interview Process, how to prepare for it, and make it work for you
Gain techniques to be successful in completing your Opening Statement and your Closing Remarks
Discuss various questions and your potential responses
Human Resources Department
Workshop Series

4. Statement of Qualifications, Resume and Cover Letter
Human Resources Department
Workshop Series

5. Human Resources Department
The Interview
Process and
Preparation
Human Resources Department
Workshop Series

6. Human Resources Department
Prior to Your Interview
Study the Job Bulletin and/or Class Specs
Never go into an interview without any knowledge of the duties and responsibilities of the position
Study the Organization that you are applying for
Know what’s in your Employment Application, SOQ, Resume, etc.
Human Resources Department
Workshop Series

7. Human Resources Department
Your First 8 Minutes
You have about 8 minutes to Make that impression!
Your Opening Statement is EVERYTHING in an interview
Who are you?
What do you have to offer?
Why are you here?
Your Closing Statement – How do you want to be remembered?
Human Resources Department
Workshop Series

8. Human Resources Department
The Day of Your Interview
Never show up late
Don’t show up empty handed
Personal Appearance is everything
X  X  X
Human Resources Department
Workshop Series

9. Human Resources Department
Making the Interview Work for You
Be natural. Be enthusiastic and confident
Prepare to deliver your opening statement
Do not make wisecracks or initiate extensive small talk
Listen well and do not interrupt
Make sure you understand the question
Keep your responses to the point
Prepare to deliver your closing statement
Never discuss compensation at the first panel interview
Never discuss politics and religion
Human Resources Department
Workshop Series

10. Potential Questions for Interviews
Human Resources Department
Workshop Series

11. Human Resources Department
Workshop Series

12. Human Resources Department
Describe an experience where things did not go as planned. How did you handle the situation and what lessons did you learn? What would you do differently?
Human Resources Department
Workshop Series

13. Human Resources Department
What three words best
describe you and why?
Human Resources Department
Workshop Series

14. Human Resources Department
Congratulations, you have been selected as the lead worker/senior/supervisor /manager for this office. Please share with us your plans and objectives during the first 90 days.
Human Resources Department
Workshop Series

15. Human Resources Department
Your manager/director has informed you that there has been a change in your unit/division that requires implementation. You are to provide an action plan, but you strongly disagree with a proposed change. How would you handle this situation?
Human Resources Department
Workshop Series

16. Human Resources Department
Workshop Series
Success at Interviews
“Moving on Up”
Presented by:
Steven V. Pham
Director of Human Resources and Employee Relations