1. Job Interviewing for Students in the Sciences

2. STRESS
Only a fool would tell you that looking for a job isn’t stressful. And it would take an even bigger fool to tell you that interviews will not produce stress. After all, you’re in an unfamiliar setting, meeting strangers, risking your ego, and about to embark on a conversation that can affect the rest of your life.

3. Presentation Format We will discuss: Types of Interviews
ABC’s of Interviewing
What to do Before the Interview
Do Your Homework
What to do During the Interview
What to do After the Interview

4. Types of Interviews Information Interview Telephone Screening
In-Person Screening
Selection Interview
Work Sample Interview
Peer Group Interview
Behavioral Interview
Consulting and Case Interview
Video Interview

5. Types of Interviews
Telephone Screening – used to eliminate candidates based on essential criteria
In-Person Screening – used to verify the candidate’s qualifications
Information – used to gather information from someone currently working in an you wish to explore
Work Sample – allows the applicant to opportunity to “show their wares.”
Peer Group – opportunity to meet and talk with co-workers and they evaluate the candidate
Consulting – problem posed relevant to the business and look for logical steps to solve

6. Behavioral Interview
Based on the premise that the most accurate predictor of future performance is past performance in a similar situation
Situation – describe a challenge you faced similar to the example posed by the interviewer
Action – explain the actions that you took to resolve the situation
Results/Outcome – detail the beneficial and positive outcomes that came from your initiatives

7. ABC’s of the Job Interview
Always
Beware of
Crash and Burn

8. Always Research the company with a focus on customers and competition
Research can be done on the internet, by reading annual reports, and by talking with credible people in the industry
Provide examples of when you have successfully worked in team environments
Demonstrate creativity and responsibility

9. Beware of Having an “I” attitude
Don’t overstate your accomplishments - be honest
Negotiating too early
Doing this during the job interview sends a message that you are more interested in money than the job
Being too casual with the interview
Recognize that the job interview starts when you first arrive and does not end until you are out the door and on your way home

10. Crash and Burn Displaying bad manners
Poor etiquette and boorish manners send a message to the interviewer that you will behave that way with clients
Demeaning your current or past employer
It is a very small world, and reputations are made and broken on the basis of sometimes unknown relationships
Being dishonest
An interview is the time to put the best spin possible on your career, but not at the cost of your integrity

11. Before The Interview
Review your skills -- be positive and honor your achievements. Do not underestimate your skills. Write your top accomplishments down on paper
Know your resume well. Look at ways that your qualifications meet the job description
Are there things NOT on your resume that are relevant to the job?
Recognize areas for improvement and develop a plan for downplaying these weaknesses in the interview

12. Know the Specifics of the Job
Become very familiar with the job description and the requirements for the position
List the specific qualifications and requirements sought by the employer.
Match these qualifications with the accomplishments that you already wrote down
In order to support this, identify and list specific examples (quantify if possible) of your past accomplishments
Be prepared to answer questions regarding gaps in your skill level

13. Know the Employer
You should learn as much about the company as you can
Company website. Know it well!
Company literature
Annual reports
Network with current employees
Attend employer informational session at the Career Center, if applicable

14. Do Your Homework News Sources Employers’ Web Sites Trade Journals
Find general interest web sites to see what they say about this employer
Find hometown newspapers on-line to read about this employer
Trade Journals
Read these for new products, find its place in the industry
Industry Directories
If you belong to a professional organization go to its directory
Employers’ Web Sites
Best place to “see” the company as it wants to be seen
Check the annual report, look for press releases
Look for the “head of R&D”
Research Sources
Get vital statistics and independent perspectives on the employer from On-line resources
Look at financial data, list of competitors

15. During the Interview
Arrive 15 minutes early to allow time to relax and complete any paperwork
Learn the interviewer’s name and greet with a firm handshake
Make sure you have a clear understanding of the job and the company
Consider offering examples of your work

16. Structure your answers to speak to your qualifications, be concrete and detailed
Be sure to answer ALL parts of a question
Closure and timeline for decision
Thank You and a firm handshake

17. AFTER the Interview Write down notes after you leave the building
Follow-up with thanks by sending a note to your contact
– Any Questions?