The #1Secret to Interviewing SuccessHosted by Ann Martin, CCC, NCCModerated by Cathy Francois, MBA

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Special Guests

Dr. Jeremy PlotnickCriCom, LCC, Founder

Burson-Marsteller, Thailand, Former Dir.

UMUC Adjunct Instructor

Mr. Jake ButlerPerioperative Resource Coordinator,

INOVA Fairfax Medical Campus

UMUC Student, Successful Job Seeker

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Tonight’s Objective

• To provide you new insight into the interviewing process.

• Leading up to improved interview performance

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Phone Screening• Often the first step in the

interview process• Relatively short duration.• Treat them seriously• Have your resume

beside you.• Be aware of distractions

& background noise.• Smile

Conventional Interview• In person, usually at the

employer site.• You may be interviewed

by one or multiple people.

• May have multiple interviews prior to an offer being made.

Interview TypesOne-way Video Screening• Becoming more

common.• Has standardized

questions, and limited time to respond.

• Dress the part.• Eye contact is

important.• Talk slowly and

distinctly.• Practice!!

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Typical Interviewing Advice• Be prompt• Dress professionally/appropriately (prepare outfit beforehand).• Do your homework - research the employer!• Shake hands, have a great eye contact, smile, don’t fidget.• Come prepared with extra resumes, references, notepad, pen.• Answer the question that was asked with well structured answers.

(STAR response format)• Expect, and be prepared, for difficult questions.• Practice, practice, practice!!!• Follow up with the thank you note.

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Answering Interview QuestionsFor Questions asking for a Story

(Behavioral Questions)

The STAR Answer Method

• Situation – Briefly set the stage

• Task – What was the goal or challenge?

• Action – Describe what YOU did. (Use “I” not “we”)

• Result – What was the outcome or accomplishment? What did you learn?

For “Touchy” Questions

“Help Them Get Over It” Formula

• Expect employers to have issues

• Calm the air• Offer evidence to the contrary• Turn the conversation back to

what else you have to offer.

Kay, A. (2013). This is how to get your next job. New York: American Management Association

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Answering Interview Questions

• Beforehand, reflect upon your career. Spend time thinking carefully about skills, accomplishments, challenges, successes.

• If you need more time, repeat the question before answering.

• When you are done answering the question, shut-up• Don’t be intimidated by silence.• Don’t be tempted to ramble to fill up the space.

• Always focus on what you have not what you lack (or don’t have yet).

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The #1 Secret to Interview Success,(that no one tells you)

which is the foundationof the entire Interview Process…

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The Most Important Thing to Know

It’s all about the EMPLOYEERThe needs of the position,

What they need done.

Focus on what you can do for THEM!

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Focus on the Needs of the Employer• Formulate your answers with them in mind.• Focus on how your skill can contribute to meeting their needs• And how your experience demonstrates your ability to do what their

position requirements.)

• Ask questions that show your eagerness to contribute and be successful.

• DO NOT ask to many WIFM questions, or about salary and benefits until they bring it up (likely at a 2ed interview)

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Practice Tools in CareerQuest

InterviewStream• Respond to practice

interview question and review video playback.

Quinncia• The system selects question

based on your resume and uses analytics to provide detailed feedback.

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Questions/ Discussion

For further assistance:careerquest.umuc.edu

UMUC Career Servicescareerservices@umuc.edu