1. INTERVIEWING Karen McClughan myCareer Centre A218 – 15 519 542 7751 Ext. 3386 karen.mcclughan@lambtoncollege.ca 1 myCareer Centre Lambton College

2. Objectives Advance Preparation Interview Attire Day of the interview Behavioural Based Interviews 2 myCareer Centre Lambton College

3. Advanced Preparation is the Key to Interview Success ! 3

4. Advanced Preparation Company Research Questions employer could ask Mock interview Practice interview questions – out loud Appearance Questions you will ask Location 4 myCareer Centre Lambton College

5. Why Research a Company? More effective in an interview Employers have an expectation that you are aware of their services, products, locations, current events etc Assists you in making informed employment decisions 5 myCareer Centre Lambton College

6. Interview Preparation COMPANY RESEARCH Interviews are a two way street! 6 myCareer Centre Lambton College

7. Preparing for Interview Prepare practice questions Tell me about yourself Why should we hire you What are your strengths/weaknesses Wrap up at end – FINAL SELL Practice out loud Optimal Resume interview prep Arrange mock interview 7

8. Prepare Questions YOU Could Ask Training? Typical work assignments? Daily work? Required travel? Opportunities for growth? Professional Development? 8 myCareer Centre Lambton College

9. What to Wear….Appearance Dress conservatively in business attire Shoes in good repair Good hygiene No visible body piercing/tattoos Hair neatly styled Basic jewelry No perfume/cologne Men – shave Women – modest make up 9 myCareer Centre Lambton College

10. Interview Attire is NOT Club/Bar Attire 10 myCareer Centre Lambton College

11. WOMEN 11

12. MEN 12

13. The Day Of The Interview Arrive at least 10 – 15 minutes early 13 myCareer Centre Lambton College

14. The Day Of The Interview You have researched the company! You’ve done a mock interview! You’re properly dressed! You’re early for your interview! YOU ARE CONFIDENT & PREPARED! 14

15. What To Bring? Resume Transcript Reference Letters Notepaper/pen Portfolio Samples of Work If you do not have a portfolio bring materials in a folder 15

16. Stages Of An Interview Reception/Lobby Introduction (Greeting) Small Talk (brief) Discussion of the Company Q & A Opportunity to Ask Questions of Company Final “Sell”!!! Thank You! In person & by letter 16

17. During the Interview - handshake 17 myCareer Centre Lambton College

18. During the Interview – eye contact 18 myCareer Centre Lambton College

19. During The Interview - posture 19 myCareer Centre Lambton College

20. During the Interview One of the most common reasons that interviews fail is the candidate does NOT answer the question that was asked 20 myCareer Centre Lambton College

21. Interview Pitfalls Do not discuss family in the interview Not asking any or the wrong questions Weak answers Play on sympathy of interviewer Too long/short answers Not being prepared 21 myCareer Centre Lambton College

22. Behavioural Based Interviewing Typical Interview Question “What would you do if…?” Behavioural Based Interview Question “Tell me about a time when…?” 22 myCareer Centre Lambton College

23. PHILOSOPHY The best predictor of FUTURE behaviour is PAST behaviour in a similar situation ! 23 myCareer Centre Lambton College

24. Why Do Employers Like It? Sifts out candidates who haven’t had the experience they are looking for The candidate must offer solid back-up to what was outlined on the cover letter and resume Standard marking scheme allows for equitable candidate ranking 24 myCareer Centre Lambton College

25. How Does It Benefit You? Allows the candidate to relate the question to their real life experiences There is no one “right” answer Allows the candidate to draw on ANY past experiences and highlight transferable skills 25 myCareer Centre Lambton College

26. INTERVIEW TIP! In a written test, if you don’t write down the answers, you don’t get a mark. The same is true for an interview…if it doesn’t come out of your mouth, you don’t get the points! 26 myCareer Centre Lambton College

27. How Does It Work? PROOF STORIES You must create proof stories that provide “proof” to support the claims that you have made on your resume. Proof stories demonstrate specific skills that you possess by providing factual examples from your own life experiences. 27 myCareer Centre Lambton College

28. Skills Proof Story Examples Adaptability Communication Attention to Detail Customer Service Flexibility Getting along with difficult people Conflict Initiative Problem Solving Safety Awareness Teamwork Computer Proficiency Work Standards Organization Perseverance 28 myCareer Centre Lambton College

29. Creating A Proof Story S T A R = Situation/ = Task = Action = Result 29 myCareer Centre Lambton College

30. REMEMBER: BEGINNING BEGINNING ( S ituation/ T ask) MIDDLE MIDDLE ( A ction) END END ( R esult) STORIES ARE 3 PARTS 30

31. Enhancing your Proof Story DETAILS ARE IMPORTANT! 31 myCareer Centre Lambton College

32. Details tell the story 32 myCareer Centre Lambton College

33. ANOTHER TIP: LOOK FOR THE QUESTION BEHIND THE QUESTION! 33 myCareer Centre Lambton College

34. Behavioural Based Interviewing “Give me an example that you feel best demonstrates your ability to solve problems” Problem Solving “Give me an example of a time when you stayed focused on a goal even though you were faced with setbacks and others had given up?” Perseverance 34 myCareer Centre Lambton College

35. Behavioural Based Interviewing “Tell me about a time when you had a conflict with someone and how you resolved it.” Problem solving, communication “Describe a situation in which you did more that was required to achieve the goal. Tell us why you put out the extra effort and what the result was.” Initiative 35 myCareer Centre Lambton College

36. QUESTION “.” “ Tell me about a time that you had to use your judgment and make a decision in your previous job.” 36 myCareer Centre Lambton College

37. Situation/Task “ I was responsible for ordering office supplies for the company.” 37 myCareer Centre Lambton College

38. Action “The company always ordered a month's supply at a time to keep inventory costs low. I had to decide whether to keep doing this or buy six month's supply and get a discount for ordering a much larger volume and escape possible future price increases. I did some research and worked out we could reduce our costs by buying for six months, especially since the amount we used remained practically unchanged month to month.” 38 myCareer Centre Lambton College

39. Result “ I was right, the prices went up quite a bit during those six months. I saved the company 15% and my boss was impressed with the decision that I made. ” 39 myCareer Centre Lambton College

40. QUESTION “ “Describe a time when you were faced with a stressful situation that demonstrated your coping skills” 40 myCareer Centre Lambton College

41. Situation/Task “I worked for a manager who used to yell at me when he was under pressure to meet deadlines” 41 myCareer Centre Lambton College

42. Action “I got upset the first couple of times and then I decided to talk to him about it. I empathized with the stress he was under and suggested that he communicate his expectations clearly to me on a daily basis so that I knew exactly when he needed something and I could also give him feedback on progress. We arranged an early morning feedback meeting every day.” 42 myCareer Centre Lambton College

43. Result “My boss thanked me for bringing this to his attention and during our daily meetings we were able to sort out issues immediately and anticipate likely problems." 43 myCareer Centre Lambton College

44. Pre Employment Testing TYPES OF TESTS Aptitude Personality Technical Drug/Alcohol Physical Security Clearances Criminal Background Driver’s Abstract

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46. QUESTIONS? Thank You! 46 myCareer Centre Lambton College