The Art The Art ofof

InterviewingInterviewingUniversity Career Development ServicesUniversity Career Development Services

Holly HeilbergHolly HeilbergCareer Development SpecialistCareer Development Specialist

Hollyh@virginia.edu 924-4343924-4343

Agenda:Agenda:

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IntroductionsIntroductions

Your experiences with Your experiences with interviewinginterviewing

Type of InterviewsType of Interviews

Stages of an effective interviewStages of an effective interview

The PAR techniqueThe PAR technique

Bonus points!Bonus points!

Practice……it’s like riding a bikePractice……it’s like riding a bike

Let me know what you needLet me know what you need

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No question is unimportantNo question is unimportantand there are no mistakesand there are no mistakes

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Mind absorbs as much as…..Mind absorbs as much as…..

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ConfidentialityConfidentiality

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A Story……A Story……

There once was……….There once was……….

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SHARPENINGSHARPENING your your Interviewing Skills involves:Interviewing Skills involves:

Learning about the different Learning about the different typestypes of interviews of interviews Preparing for the interviewPreparing for the interview Understanding the stages of an effective Understanding the stages of an effective

interviewinterview Learning Learning tipstips for answering questions for answering questions Knowing how to get Knowing how to get bonus pointsbonus points!! Asking the right questionsAsking the right questions Practicing!Practicing!

What has been your experience What has been your experience with interviews?with interviews?

Get with a partnerGet with a partner Gather the following:Gather the following:

Their nameTheir name What they do at U.Va.What they do at U.Va. Experiences with interviewingExperiences with interviewing

• 1 – did poorly1 – did poorly• 5 – did so-so5 – did so-so• 10 – did great!10 – did great!

Be prepared to report back what you learnBe prepared to report back what you learn

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Ideal Job!

Job Search Tools:

Resume, cover letter,

application and

INTERVIEWWW

Knowledge

of Careers and

Environments

Self Knowledge:Values, Interests, work preferences

and Skills

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Criteria used to select Criteria used to select candidates:candidates:

The application!The application!

The resume The resume

Have already made a Have already made a connection through connection through networkingnetworking

Recommended by Recommended by someone elsesomeone else

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Criteria used to select Criteria used to select candidates:candidates:

AttitudeAttitude Communication skillsCommunication skills

Written (resume)Written (resume) VerbalVerbal Non-verbalNon-verbal

Emotional IntelligenceEmotional Intelligence InitiativeInitiative Self esteemSelf esteem Passion for the field!Passion for the field!

Types of InterviewsTypes of Interviews

Phone (for pre-screening) Phone (for pre-screening) Resume-basedResume-based

TraditionalTraditional BehavioralBehavioral Group/panelGroup/panel CaseCase

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Traditional or Resume based:Traditional or Resume based:

Tell me about yourself.Tell me about yourself. Tell me about your current position.Tell me about your current position. What did you learn from this experiences?What did you learn from this experiences? What did you like the most about your program What did you like the most about your program

of study at JMU?of study at JMU? What accomplishment are the proudest of?What accomplishment are the proudest of? What skills, experience and training do you have What skills, experience and training do you have

that make you qualified for the position?that make you qualified for the position?

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Traditional…...Traditional…...

What do you know about our What do you know about our department/organization?department/organization?

Why do you want to work at this Why do you want to work at this department?department?

What are your strengths? Weaknesses?What are your strengths? Weaknesses? What kind of supervisor do you like to What kind of supervisor do you like to

work for?work for? What are your career goals?What are your career goals?

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Panel Interview:Panel Interview:

Recognize each Interviewer:Recognize each Interviewer: Acknowledge with a handshake, eye contact Acknowledge with a handshake, eye contact

and a nod of your head.and a nod of your head. When responding to questions try to make When responding to questions try to make

eye contact with everyone.eye contact with everyone. Send a different thank you note to each Send a different thank you note to each

interviewer (or one to the lead interviewer interviewer (or one to the lead interviewer asking them to relay your thanks).asking them to relay your thanks).

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Behavioral Interview:Behavioral Interview:

Is based on the premise thatIs based on the premise that::

““The most accurate predictor of The most accurate predictor of future performance is past future performance is past

performance in a similar situation”performance in a similar situation”

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Behavioral Interview:Behavioral Interview:

The interviewer identifies the top skills and The interviewer identifies the top skills and competencies they need for the position.competencies they need for the position.

They craft questions based on these skills and They craft questions based on these skills and competencies:competencies: Customer servicesCustomer services Problem solvingProblem solving Written communicationWritten communication ResearchResearch

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Behavioral:Behavioral:

Tell me about a time when you solved a Tell me about a time when you solved a problem.problem.

Describe a situation where you were able to Describe a situation where you were able to successfully juggle multiply priorities.successfully juggle multiply priorities.

Give me a specific example of a time when you Give me a specific example of a time when you used good judgment and logic.used good judgment and logic.

By providing examples, convince me that you By providing examples, convince me that you can adapt to a variety of people, situations and can adapt to a variety of people, situations and environments.environments.

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Behavioral:Behavioral:

Tell me about a time when you used Tell me about a time when you used written communication skills to get an written communication skills to get an important point across.important point across.

Give me an example of an important goal Give me an example of an important goal you set for yourself and how you reached you set for yourself and how you reached it.it.

Tell me about a time when you needed to Tell me about a time when you needed to communicate unpleasant information.communicate unpleasant information.

Let’s Begin!Let’s Begin!

FIRST…..Please FIRST…..Please take a candy of take a candy of your choiceyour choice

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Get with the folks with your Get with the folks with your same candy same candy choicechoice

((A bit of comic relief)A bit of comic relief)

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Let’s Begin!Let’s Begin! Get with your groupGet with your group Discuss the job Discuss the job

descriptiondescription Identify the “skills” and Identify the “skills” and

competencies they are competencies they are looking forlooking for

Have one person take Have one person take notes notes

Report back to the large Report back to the large groupgroup

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Finder’s SheetFinder’s Sheet

Find someone who fits Find someone who fits for each item on this listfor each item on this list

If you’re skill is not on If you’re skill is not on the list, please add it to the list, please add it to “other”“other”

Try to find a different Try to find a different person for each itemperson for each item

The best way to prepare:The best way to prepare:

Think about the past 3-5 years and any experiences you’ve had Think about the past 3-5 years and any experiences you’ve had where you were “where you were “at you best” (at you best” (when you felt a great sense of when you felt a great sense of accomplishment)accomplishment)

Work related experiences (current and past)Work related experiences (current and past) Team projectsTeam projects Committees, task forces, etc. Committees, task forces, etc. Professional associationsProfessional associations Volunteer and community serviceVolunteer and community service Other outside activities (hobbies and interests) Other outside activities (hobbies and interests)

Draw on these and be prepared to tell very “short stories” about Draw on these and be prepared to tell very “short stories” about these experiences.these experiences.

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Think about your Think about your accomplishments!accomplishments!

Take some time to write Take some time to write down examples of down examples of “accomplishments” “accomplishments”

Be prepared to tell the Be prepared to tell the group about one of themgroup about one of them

Capture these activities:Capture these activities:

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When describing your When describing your accomplishments:accomplishments:

Describe or tell a “story”:Describe or tell a “story”:

P – The P – The PROBLEMPROBLEM or or SITUATION SITUATION you facedyou faced

A – The A – The ACTIONSACTIONS you took you took

R – The positive R – The positive RESULTS RESULTS of these actions!of these actions!

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PAR - Example:PAR - Example:

““As a Program Coordinator at the Leadership As a Program Coordinator at the Leadership Development Center I Development Center I determineddetermined that we that we needed greater participation at our programs needed greater participation at our programs and events. I and events. I researchedresearched and and analyzedanalyzed the the history of our programs from the past two years. history of our programs from the past two years.

This included This included compilingcompiling a list of attendees and a list of attendees and determiningdetermining the departments they represented. the departments they represented. I also gathered data on the topics that the I also gathered data on the topics that the programs and events had the greatest programs and events had the greatest participation. participation.

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PAR - Example:PAR - Example:

““Based on this research I Based on this research I identifiedidentified the programs the programs that were more attended and the departments that that were more attended and the departments that supported these programs.…….” supported these programs.…….”

““I then met with our team and I then met with our team and presentedpresented this this information and information and communicatedcommunicated my my recommendations. I recommendations. I gatheredgathered feedback from the feedback from the team members and we then team members and we then plannedplanned three three programs and one major event.”programs and one major event.”

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PAR - Example:PAR - Example:

““The The resultsresults of this process led to an increase in of this process led to an increase in participation at the programs by 30% and a 35% participation at the programs by 30% and a 35% increase in attendees registering for our major event. increase in attendees registering for our major event.

““My Director My Director commendedcommended me on the positive results me on the positive results of my research and acknowledged my part in helping of my research and acknowledged my part in helping to to increase revenues increase revenues for our departments.”for our departments.”

An Example…..An Example…..“Tell me about a time you had to “Tell me about a time you had to

meet a deadline”meet a deadline”

Observe a Mock InterviewObserve a Mock Interviewusing PAR:using PAR:

Other questions you Other questions you need to be prepared for:need to be prepared for:

Tell me about yourself?Tell me about yourself?

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Elevator SpeechElevator SpeechEXAMPLE:EXAMPLE:

My name is Jenny Jobseeker and I’m a career counselor working with adults My name is Jenny Jobseeker and I’m a career counselor working with adults looking for career advice and direction. I thrive on helping people find looking for career advice and direction. I thrive on helping people find career fulfillment. I discovered this after I studied to be a teacher and career fulfillment. I discovered this after I studied to be a teacher and student taught 150 seventh grade boys in a Bachelor Living class. This student taught 150 seventh grade boys in a Bachelor Living class. This experience helped me learn about the elements I do want in my profession experience helped me learn about the elements I do want in my profession and what I never want to do again!and what I never want to do again!

This personal experience led me to discover my love of helping other people This personal experience led me to discover my love of helping other people find their career fit before they commit to a career that is not a good match. find their career fit before they commit to a career that is not a good match. I like to think that I’m a catalyst in helping people clarify their skills, values I like to think that I’m a catalyst in helping people clarify their skills, values and unique gifts in order to find fulfilling and meaningful work in a career and unique gifts in order to find fulfilling and meaningful work in a career they love.they love.

Include the four W’s:Include the four W’s: WhoWho you are you are What What fieldfield you are in you are in What makes you What makes you

differendifferent from otherst from others What What benefitsbenefits you you

offer to othersoffer to others

Elements of an effectiveElements of an effectiveElevator speechElevator speech

Compose it Compose it Compose it againCompose it again Re-write it 5-15 timesRe-write it 5-15 times Edit itEdit it Present it to others for Present it to others for

feedbackfeedback Rewrite it againRewrite it again Practice LOTS and Practice LOTS and

memorize itmemorize it Un-memorizeUn-memorize

Elements of an effectiveElements of an effectiveElevator speechElevator speech

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Prepare a thirty secondPrepare a thirty second“Elevator Speech”“Elevator Speech”

““My name is Sue Adams and I have worked at My name is Sue Adams and I have worked at U.Va. since …….. in a variety of capacities….U.Va. since …….. in a variety of capacities….

““Most recently I completed a project at XYZ Most recently I completed a project at XYZ department that looks at the study habits of first department that looks at the study habits of first year students ……………..year students ……………..

““My recent professional development courses My recent professional development courses combined with my work experience in XYZ has combined with my work experience in XYZ has allowed me to further develop knowledge and allowed me to further develop knowledge and skills in……”skills in……”

““After researching your department and the After researching your department and the position you have available I believe this position position you have available I believe this position is a good match based on my interests, skills is a good match based on my interests, skills and career goals”and career goals”

What is your What is your Elevator speech?Elevator speech?

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PREPARING FOR THE PREPARING FOR THE INTERVIEW:INTERVIEW:

Learn about the Learn about the organizationorganization

Talk to current Talk to current and past and past employees.employees.

Analyze your Analyze your skills and skills and abilities.abilities.

Prepare for questions Prepare for questions from the Interviewers.from the Interviewers.

Consider questions Consider questions you can ask.you can ask.

Know where the Know where the interview will be held interview will be held (and how to get to it!).(and how to get to it!).

Plan your outfit.Plan your outfit.

Interview AttireInterview Attire93% of communication is non-verbal 93% of communication is non-verbal

Men’s Attire and AccessoriesMen’s Attire and Accessories

Men’s FootwearMen’s Footwear

Professional GroomingProfessional Grooming

Women’s AttireWomen’s Attire

Interview AttireInterview Attire93% of communication is non-verbal 93% of communication is non-verbal

Men’s Attire and AccessoriesMen’s Attire and Accessories

Men’s FootwearMen’s Footwear

Professional GroomingProfessional Grooming

Women’s AttireWomen’s Attire

Business Casual Business Casual

A comfortably relaxed version A comfortably relaxed version of classic business attire:of classic business attire: Men – Slacks/khakis, shirt, tie and Men – Slacks/khakis, shirt, tie and

jacketjacket Women - Slacks or skirt, sweater or Women - Slacks or skirt, sweater or

nice blousenice blouse

Cultural/Ethnic DressCultural/Ethnic Dress

Styles worn due to Styles worn due to religious and cultural religious and cultural beliefs are protected beliefs are protected under U.S. law, under U.S. law, whereas fashion whereas fashion decisions based on decisions based on personal preference personal preference may not bemay not be

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Manage your Stress:Manage your Stress:

The interview is a The interview is a chance to learn if the chance to learn if the position is a “fit for position is a “fit for YOU”.YOU”.

Beware of “sweaty Beware of “sweaty palms”.palms”.

Put the Interviewers Put the Interviewers at ease.at ease.

To Do’sTo Do’s Get plenty of rest and try and do some stress Get plenty of rest and try and do some stress

management techniques:management techniques: ExerciseExercise MeditationMeditation LAUGH!LAUGH!

Dress appropriately and limit what you carry with Dress appropriately and limit what you carry with you:you: PortfolioPortfolio Women – appropriate size purseWomen – appropriate size purse Turn off cell phone when you get thereTurn off cell phone when you get there

Day of the InterviewDay of the Interview

Travel/DirectionsTravel/Directions

Plan to arrive 20 Plan to arrive 20 minutes early for minutes early for your interviewsyour interviews Or better yet…..do Or better yet…..do

a test run!a test run!

Arriving for Check-inArriving for Check-in

Making a Solid First ImpressionMaking a Solid First Impression

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The First THREE MinutesThe First THREE Minutes“Halo Effect”“Halo Effect”

Interviewers Interviewers focusfocus on:on:

• AppearanceAppearance• Facial Facial

expressionsexpressions• Eye contactEye contact• MovementMovement• Personal spacePersonal space

Non-Verbal CommunicationNon-Verbal Communication

Conversation

General appearance,

facial expressions, posture, and tone of voice

93% of communication is non-verbal 93% of communication is non-verbal

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Be aware of:Be aware of:

Body LanguageBody Language

HandshakeHandshake

Social SkillsSocial Skills

Warm-up questionsWarm-up questions

Positive Non-Verbal BehaviorsPositive Non-Verbal Behaviors

Reframe from sitting down Reframe from sitting down until you’ve been offered a until you’ve been offered a seatseat

Sit upright in your chair and Sit upright in your chair and lean forward a bitlean forward a bit

Keep feet flat on the floor Keep feet flat on the floor and crossed at the ankle and crossed at the ankle

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The SECOND Minute:The SECOND Minute:

The Interviewer The Interviewer focuses on:focuses on:

• Rate of speechRate of speech• VolumeVolume• Pitch/TonePitch/Tone• ArticulationArticulation

The Information ExchangeThe Information Exchange

Let’s try a few questions:Let’s try a few questions:

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Most Most FEAREDFEARED QuestionsQuestions

““Tell me about yourself.”Tell me about yourself.” Prepare a 30 second Prepare a 30 second elevator speechelevator speech

““What is your greatest weakness?”What is your greatest weakness?” Tell them what you learned…..Tell them what you learned…..

““What salary do you expect?”What salary do you expect?” Ask them for the range they expect to payAsk them for the range they expect to pay Do your researchDo your research Plan to negotiate (signing bonus? Relocation Plan to negotiate (signing bonus? Relocation

expenses? Loan forgiveness? Tuition assistance?expenses? Loan forgiveness? Tuition assistance?

Be prepared to ask the Recruiter Be prepared to ask the Recruiter Questions:Questions:

What will the orientation process consist What will the orientation process consist of? of?

How will I receive feedback on my How will I receive feedback on my performance?performance?

What critical issues is the organization What critical issues is the organization currently facing?currently facing?

What training and professional What training and professional development opportunities are available?development opportunities are available?

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Be prepared to ask the Be prepared to ask the Interviewers some questions:Interviewers some questions:

What traits do you consider critical to What traits do you consider critical to success in this position?success in this position?

How will I receive feedback on my How will I receive feedback on my performance?performance?

How will I be oriented to your department?How will I be oriented to your department? What other training and professional What other training and professional

development opportunities exist within this development opportunities exist within this department?department?

Handling the ClosingHandling the Closing

Ask your questionsAsk your questions Reiterate your interest Reiterate your interest in the positionin the position Get business cardsGet business cards Ask about next step in Ask about next step in the hiring processthe hiring process Go home and send a “Thank Go home and send a “Thank

You” note!You” note!

After the Interview: EmployersAfter the Interview: Employers

Top candidate is chosenTop candidate is chosen Candidate approved by HR and Candidate approved by HR and

supervisorsupervisor Offer is madeOffer is made

This is the time to negotiateThis is the time to negotiate

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Bonus Points:Bonus Points:

Focus on those positive experiences that Focus on those positive experiences that you feel the you feel the proudest ofproudest of. . Your confidence Your confidence and enthusiasm will come throughand enthusiasm will come through!!

Treat less confident issues like a “hot Treat less confident issues like a “hot potato”.potato”.

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Bonus Points:Bonus Points:

Identify several “key Identify several “key words” that describe words” that describe you. Incorporate you. Incorporate these throughout the these throughout the interview and cite interview and cite examples of when examples of when you have you have demonstrated them:demonstrated them:

Critical thinkerCritical thinker Good decision makerGood decision maker Advocate for patientsAdvocate for patients Fast learnerFast learner Problem solverProblem solver Team playerTeam player ReliableReliable AdaptableAdaptable Hard workingHard working

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How to use these key words:How to use these key words:

Mention these keys wordsMention these keys words

Describe a positive experience that would show Describe a positive experience that would show you demonstrating these.you demonstrating these.

For example……….For example……….

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An Example:An Example:I consistently take initiative, work hard and I consistently take initiative, work hard and

demonstrate creativity when facing new demonstrate creativity when facing new projects. projects.

An example of this is when I decided to create An example of this is when I decided to create an confidential on-line survey gather an confidential on-line survey gather

information on the success of our programs information on the success of our programs and to solicit new ideas and ways to improve.and to solicit new ideas and ways to improve.

(then describe all that went into this (then describe all that went into this experience)experience)

Look over the skills list Look over the skills list andand

identify your top 5-10 skillsidentify your top 5-10 skills(and think about an experience (and think about an experience

where you demonstrated where you demonstrated these skills)these skills)

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Do you have an Example?Do you have an Example? Start with key Start with key

wordswords

Give an example of Give an example of how you’ve how you’ve demonstrated demonstrated thesethese

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Bonus Point:Bonus Point:Tell your S.T.O.R.Y. when answering questions:

(S) State your qualities (T) Toot your horn (without blowing it!) (O) Outline your progress to date (R) Relate your background and experiences to the job(Y) Why should they hire you?

Talk about what makes you unique.

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Bonus Point:Bonus Point:

Teach the Interviewers Teach the Interviewers something!something!

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Teach them something:Teach them something:

Something new that you learned in class Something new that you learned in class or workshop you’ve attendedor workshop you’ve attended

The findings from an interesting research The findings from an interesting research study.study.

A current event you read about in a A current event you read about in a professional magazine.professional magazine.

Something you learned about at a Something you learned about at a professional organization meeting.professional organization meeting.

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Bonus Point:Bonus Point:

It always impresses Interviewers if It always impresses Interviewers if you can tell them what you you can tell them what you learnedlearned from a particular experience. This from a particular experience. This shows shows maturitymaturity and a willingness to and a willingness to reflect and learn from your reflect and learn from your experiences.experiences.

An Example:An Example:

““When I served on When I served on the Advisory Board the Advisory Board of my professional of my professional organization I organization I learned a valuable learned a valuable lesson about lesson about “leadership”. “leadership”.

Then describe what Then describe what you learnedyou learned

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Bonus Point:Bonus Point:

Let them know how very Let them know how very much much you wantyou want the job! the job!

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Practice a Mock Interview Practice a Mock Interview with a partner:with a partner:

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Interviewing is a Interviewing is a Skill…….Skill…….

The more you The more you practice……. practice…….

The better you will get The better you will get at it!at it!

Notify us of Your Success!Notify us of Your Success!

QUESTIONSQUESTIONS

?