MODULE 11 : INTERVIEWING SUCCESSFULLY

Counseling 12

Interviews

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Q0RdmhSO-wA&list=FLSdq5WJ8t_w0&index=3

Agenda

Purpose of InterviewsTypes of InterviewsBefore the interviewDuring the interviewAfter the interviewThe HandshakeDining EtiquetteMock Phone Interview PreparationReminders

Purpose of Interviews

“We like you on paper … but what about in person?”

Are you a good fit with the company? (Conversely, is the company a good fit for you?)

Types of Interviews

IndividualPanel/CommitteeGroupBehavioral/Situational StressLunch/DinnerPhone

Typical Setups

Skills/technical testing (e.g. typing, programming, writing, psychological)

May include several rounds of interviews in which you meet people from different parts of the organization

Typical Interview Components

1. Introductions: Establish rapport2. Interview Question & Answer3. Wrap up: Answer any questions you may

have, follow-up questions

Video about asking questions during an interview:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pEvy_en8sVU

Interview Types & Purpose

Individual How do you interact 1:1 with someone? Screen you before you meet more people from the

company

Interview Types & Purpose

Panel Interview How well can you respond to many people asking you

questions? Will you get along with different people in the same

company? Make eye contact with each person Remember their names

Interview Types & Purpose

Group Interview Panel

How well can you respond with another competitor in the room?

Do you have thoughtful answers compared to the other person?

Group Exercise How well do you work with others? Do you take

leadership?

Interview Types & Purpose

Behavioral/Situational (Role Play) Past behavior as a measure of future performance

Interview Types & Purpose

“Stress” Interview Test your ability to think on your feet It’s not your answer to the question but HOW you

handled the question

Interview Types & Purpose

Lunch/DinnerMenu Items

Turkey Sandwich Chicken Salad Spaghetti with meatballs Filet Mignon Hamburger with fries

Soda Beer/Wine Chocolate cake Onion rings Garlic fries Noodle soup Fried chicken

Lunch/Dinner Interviews

Test your social etiquetteHow you are as a person outside of the work

environmentDo not order alcohol unless other person does

and it makes sense for the type of work you seek (if wine, take small sips)

Avoid ordering messy or smelly foodsOrder within moderate price rangeRemember: You are still in the hot seat!

Interview Types & Purpose

Phone Interview Be careful of answering machine message Schedule time when it’s quiet at home Take notes during the interview

What your Voice says about You

http://jobs.aol.com/articles/2009/02/11/what-your-voice-says-about-you/

This is a great article about what a person’s voice conveys about them.

Six Sloppy Speech Habits

1. Non-words2. “Up-talk”3. Grammatical Errors4. Sloppy Speech5. Speed Talking6. Weak Speak

Conquering the 6 Sloppy Speech Habits

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1geJXMFCfF8

Recommended Classes

Comm 22: Voice & ArticulationComm 51C: Effective Speech: Overcoming

Speech AnxietyESL 970AM (Accent Modification) ESL 970AR (Accent Reduction)

Body Language

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BLJz16e3XLs&list=FLSdq5WJ8t_w0&index=1

Body Language

Positive Negative

Sitting up straight Slouching

Nodding, Smiling YawningPopping knuckles

Listening attentively Chewing gumPlaying with hair

Open, relaxed position Crossing armsPlaying with keys

Level eye contact Little or no eye contactTapping pen

The Handshake

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=k8JU1iZd0pE&feature=related

Fast forward to 49 seconds into video for quick tutorial on giving a professional handshake

Interview Questions: Type & Purpose

1. Open-ended: “Tell me about yourself” 2. Behavioral/Situational: “Give me an

example of …” 3. Technical: “How would you fix this?”4. Future-oriented: “Where do you see

yourself in 5 years?”5. Illegal/Inappropriate

Illegal Interview Questions

Under Fair Employment Practices Act, American with Disabilities Act & other governmental regulations, certain questions on the application and during the interview are considered illegal

Exhibit 11.1 (pages 256-257) of the textbook outlines what types of inquiries are acceptable and unacceptable according to the law.

Ways of handling illegal interview questions

Ask how this is related to the jobAddress the employers’ concerns and

reassure them of your commitment to the work

Although this may jeopardize your chance for employment, you have the right to refuse to answer

Preparation for Interviews: Before the Interview

Research the company, organization, interviewer(s) Review typical interview questions Write down questions to ask interviewer(s) If possible, find out how many people are interviewing you,

interview schedule If time, conduct an informational interview or casually ask

someone for a sense of the company culture Rehearse in front of mirror, videotape or tape-record yourself,

practice with friend, counselor, teacher Review your cover letter/resume (bring copies to interview) Apply stress management techniques if nervous Pick out professional attire for interview (ask others for

suggestions) Be sure finger nails, hair are nicely trimmed and clean

Dress for Success: General Guidelines

For men:Suit (black, dark blue

slacks)Dress shirt with collar

(solid color)Tie (be careful of bright,

loud colors)Clean, polished dark

shoes Be careful of powerful

colognes, flashy jewelryNeat haircut, facial hair

For women:Dress shirt (solid color)Blouse (solid color)Suit (skirt or pants)

Skirt: knee-length Pantyhose: tan, dark, no

holesBe careful of low

necklines, flashy jewelry, powerful perfume

Comfortable heelsMinimal makeup, neat

hairdo

Dressing on a budget

Invest in a high quality tailored traditional suit for ALL future interviews

Collect each quality item overtime (look for year-end sales at the mall)

Shop at Sears, Ross, Payless Shoe Source, outlets for deals

Borrow clothes from a family member or friend

Preparation for Interview: During the Interview

Find the interview location beforehand and arrive early Be nice to everyone you see (smile) especially the receptionist Bring a newspaper/magazine to read if it helps control your

nervousness If hands get clammy, bring handkerchief or tissue Check makeup, hair, jewelry, clothing to ensure you are neat, clean,

nothing distracting Do not wear perfume but deodorant is appreciated Tell yourself you CAN DO IT! Think of all the people at home rooting

for you. Do your best and learn from the experience Bring a clipboard with notepad to jot down questions and notes Remember the HANDSHAKE If it helps, jot down key words/points you want to mention during the

interview Pause, take time to breath and think before answering questions Remember the NAMES of your interviewers to send a thank you

email immediately afterwards

Preparation for the Interview: After the Interview

Send a thank you email to all your interviewers

Write down all the questions asked of you and your answers to them (for later critique)

Follow up with employer 1-2 weeks after the interview (or specific time indicated)

Answering the Questions

Typically have 3-5 minutes to respond to an interview question be careful of rambling or being too brief

Answering Tough Questions http://www.collegegrad.com/jobsearch/Mastering-the-I

nterview/Ten-Tough-Interview-Questions-and-Ten-Great-Answers/

What format has been most effective for successful interviewers? STAR Responses

Watch the York University Career Centre Videos

STAR Responses to Interviews

S – Situation (briefly describe event)T – Tasks you had to perform (“the problem”)A – Actions you took (how you solved the

“problem”)R – Results (“happy ending”)

http://www.cacareercafe.com/prepare/interview/

Videotaping yourself

Taped Mock Interviews

If you are not offered the job…

Review your performance with a career counselor

Ask the interviewer for feedback and what you can do to better prepare next time (some are willing to provide assistance)

Do not give up! Be proud of surviving the stress of an interview!

Mock Phone Interviews

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TMtiIkXw8fw

(YouTube video on “Acing the Phone Interview”)