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Chapter 9 “Exploring the Interview Process”

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Topics of Discussion

Roles in the interview process Types of interviews Preparing for an interview The actual interview Post interview Personal appropriateness Appropriate questions

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Section 1 Nature of Interviews

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Roles in the Interview Process

Interviewer Set goal Develop structure Prepare and ask questions Control the direction of discussion

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Roles in the Interview Process

Interviewee Provide clear, complete, and appropriate

answers Think about responses before voicing them Gather information

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Types of Interviews

Information-gathering Survey interviews

1. Used to gather reactions Investigative interviews

1. Used to find out unknown info– Exit interview

1. To determine why a person has decided to leave

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Types of Interviews

Information-giving Performance appraisal Counseling interview

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Types of Interviews

Employment Importance

1. Single most important factor in landing a job

2. Communication skills and interview knowledge more important than GPA or work experience

3. Used to size up whole individuals

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Types of Interviews

Employment Building skills

1. Study of employment ads may indicate what you need to prepare for in an interview

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Types of Interviews

Employment Variations

1. Most conducted on-site

2. Most off-site locations are chosen for convenience

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Section 2 “Understanding the Interview Process”

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Preparing for an interview

Goals of Interviewer Decide what you want the outcome to be Decide the approach to take

Goals of the interviewee Decide what you want to accomplish

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Preparing for an interview

Determine type of interview Choose type that best reaches goal

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Preparing for an interview

Determine structure Scheduled interview1. Standardized questions2. Answers tend to be limited3. Follow up on answers may lead off track4. Devising questions takes skill; interviewing

doesn’t5. EX: poll

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Preparing for an interview

Determine structure Nonscheduled

1. Topic but not standardized

2. Require interviewing skill

3. EX: sales call

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Preparing for an interview

Determine structure Moderately scheduled

1. Questions are a guide but not strict

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Preparing for an interview

Research other party Information gathering

1. Primary goal is to prepare research

2. Need background on topic and interviewee

3. EX: news report

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Preparing for an interview

Research other party Information giving

1. Performance appraisal

2. Need research and data to support

3. Interviewee should know about topic and interviewer as basis for understanding critique

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Preparing for an interview

Research other party Employment

1. Requires preparation by both parties, but primarily with interviewee

2. Info available from current employees, internet, Better Business Bureau

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Preparing for an interview

Research other party Employment 1. When and by whom was company founded2. Who runs it now3. What is its main line of business4. What are recent changes at business5. Who is the competition6. How many employees7. How does it train8. What are the benefits, such as insurance, etc.

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Preparing for an interview

Research other party Employment

1. Primary responsibilities

2. What role would you play

3. What skills are required

4. What training will you get

5. Where can it lead in the future

6. What performance appraisal is there

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Preparing for an interview

Research other party Employment Benefits

– Helps decide if the match is good for goals and skills

– Is company stable and ethical– Is it a safe environment– Will it be challenging– Enter interview with confidence

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Actual Interview

Opening Introduction Handshake Small talk Sets tone for interview

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Actual Interview

Body Conversation turns to specific questions Both parties speak and listen Both answer and ask questions Both parties make decision based on info

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Actual Interview

Possible questions Open ended

1. Gives freedom in answering

2. “Tell me about yourself”

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Actual Interview

Possible questions Closed

1. Seeks specific info

2. “What hours are you available to work”

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Actual Interview

Possible questions Highly closed

1. Provides answers from which to choose

2. “Would you prefer to work morning or evening”

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Actual Interview

Possible questions Primary

1. Begins new topic

2. “Tell me about your hobbies”

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Actual Interview

Possible questions Secondary

1. Helps understand the answer to primary

2. “Why do you like that hobby”

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Actual Interview

Possible questions Leading

1. Suggests the desired answer

2. “You do want to work weekends, right?”

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Actual Interview

Possible questions Neutral

1. Implies no specific right or wrong

2. “Would you like to work weekends”

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Actual Interview

Possible questions Direct

1. Straight forward, no ambiguity

2. “Can you work Friday evenings”

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Actual Interview

Possible questions Indirect

1. Seeks specific info w/o directly asking

2. “What do you usually do Friday evenings”

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Actual Interview

Possible questions Factual

1. Seeks info that can be proven

2. “Where do you attend school”

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Actual Interview

Possible questions Opinion

1. Asks for judgment

2. “What is your opinion of employees who steal”

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Actual Interview

Possible questions Hypothetical

1. Asks for reaction is a given situation

2. “If you knew someone was stealing from the company, what would you do”

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Actual Interview

Closing Summary of what has occurred Gives interviewee chance to correct any

misinformation Discuss future action

1. May follow-up call be made

2. When is decision expected

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Post Interview

Follow-up thank you letter is crucial Reconnect with interviewer to remind of

strong points Summarize discussion Thank him/her for meeting with you Be warm but professional

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Post Interview

Self Analysis Was I prepared Did I ask clear questions Were responses accurate and complete Did I listen carefully Did I seem confident Would I have hired me What would I change next time

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Section 3 “Appropriateness in Interviews”

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Personal Appropriateness

Dress and Appearance Confident posture Smiling Dressed appropriately Neat and clean clothes Clean and well groomed Calm Outgoing and enthusiastic

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Personal Appropriateness

Demeanor

1. Friendliness

2. Poise

3. Confidence

4. Verbal skills

5. Body language

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Interviewing Dos and Don’ts

Do Look professional Make good eye contact Be specific Be flexible Listen carefully Be enthusiastic Speak clearly and concisely smile

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Interviewing Dos and Don’ts

Don’t Chew gum Wear too much fragrance Wear excessive jewelry Lie Mumble Brag Interrupt Look at your watch

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Common reasons for rejecting

Poor appearance Poor diction, grammar, voice Little enthusiasm, passive, indifferent Late for interview, disrespectful Talks too much, rambles Unable to handle silence Negative attitude Couldn’t sell self to employer Talked about salary

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Common reasons for rejecting

Overbearing, aggressive Lack of purpose, career goals Unwilling to start at bottom Lack of courtesy, proper etiquette Poor eye contact, extreme nervousness Lack of poise, confidence Lack of leadership skills Condemned previous employer Didn’t ask for the job

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Appropriate Questions

Interviewee Questions What are specific duties Can you describe a typical day Is this a new or recently vacated position Is travel normally involved With whom will I be working What type of technology skills are needed Is special training provided Is performance reviewed regularly What else can I tell you about my qualifications When do you expect to make a decision

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Appropriate Questions

Interviewer Questions Tell me about yourself Tell about a strength/weakness How will qualifications help you do this job Why did you leave your last job What is most important thing learned from job or school What did you like most/least about last job What have you done that shows initiative Why do you want to work for this company Why should we hire you When are you available to start May we contact your references What is your best/worst subject

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Laws governing questions

Can not ask questions that can be used to discriminate on race, color, religion, sex, disabilities, marital status, national origin, age

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Illegal questions

Birthplace, nationality or ancestry

“Pasquale, is that a Spanish name Gender/marital status

“Is that your maiden name” Race/color

“Are you considered to be part of minority group

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Illegal Questions

Religion/holiday observation “Does your religion prevent you from working

on weekends” Physical challenges/disabilities “Do you have any use of your legs” Health or medical history “Do you have any pre-existing health

conditions”

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Illegal Questions

Pregnancy/child care

“Do you plan to have children”

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Responding to an Unlawful Question

Simply answer the question Note that you think it is illegal, but answer Ask “Why? Is it a factor in my being hired?” Refuse to answer saying it has no bearing on

ability to do the job Ask how it relates to job and is it lawful Redirect the focus Refuse to answer End the interview and leave

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Considerations on Illegal Questions

Why was the question asked How badly do you want the job How comfortable are you Your own personal style