The Art of the Interview

Presented by: Lovell Brigham, MAPDDewotta Gossett, MBA

March 27, 2014

Agenda

I. IntroductionII. What is the problem?III. From the eyes of the recruiterIV. Do’s and Don’tsV. Know your messageVI. It’s all in the presentationVII. Addressing sensitive issuesVIII.Go get the job!

What is the problem?• How does your resume look and what does it say?

– Detailed job description– Specific examples– Hard numbers or budgets

• Is it how you answer questions?– Give examples that highlight your strengths– Know what you want to say– Explain how you could do the job and link to your qualifications

• Is it your appearance?– Dress for the job you want– Always wear professional attire– Look pleasant and at ease during the interview

Remember

First Impression/Perception

Communication/Speech

Attitude/Body Language

Dress yourself for success!!!

“From the eyes of the Recruiter”

What type of selection methods are used:Interviews Competency TestBehavioral Test Work SamplesReferences and Biographical Data Physical Ability Test

Interview Questions1. Tell me a little about yourself?2. What were your current job duties?3. What are your strengths?4. What would be an area of

improvement you would like to work on personally?

5. Why are you interested in working at this company?

Do’s and Don’ts

Phone Interview

Do’s

• Be available at the time of the interview

• Be polite and calm when answering the phone

• Be prepared (i.e. have resume to refer to)

• Answer all questions• Have questions• Close the interview

Don’ts

• Be unavailable or late• Answer in a frustrated,

yelling or confused voice• Be unprepared (i.e. not

knowing what’s on your resume)

• Leave questions unanswered• Not ask questions• Leave the interview open

Resume Information

Do’s

• Include contact information• State your objective• Highlight your skills• List your past employment• Include duties/responsibilities

Don’ts

• Include outdated contact information

• Be unsure of what you are looking for

• Keep your skills a secret• Include just your previous job• Put too much wording in

listing your duties/responsibilities

Know Your Message

• Develop your story– Identify a situation in advance that shows how

you overcame an obstacle.– Be prepared to use this example to show

something positive you have done or as an example of overcoming an obstacle.

– In either situation, paint yourself in a positive role.

The Presentation

• Your interview is a presentation. Consider it showtime!– Prepare• Know the company and information about the

interviewer.– Practice• Practice key message points and how to weave them

into the interview.– Present• Present yourself as poised and confident.

Sensitive Issues

• Your personal business– Personal health is not to be shared

• Family– Daycare issues or caring for family member should not be

discussed

• Financial state– Your financial needs such as bills owed is not the company’s

responsibility

• Background– Make sure you are aware of your status. (i.e. Pending

charges)

Go Get the Job!

1. Summarize at the end the complimentary match between your skills and the job requirements.

2. Keep your enthusiasm from the beginning of the interview until you walk out of the door.

3. Ask for the job! Conclude the interview by saying you would love to be a part of team.

4. Always say “Thank You” for the interview and Follow-up on your interview with a “Thank You!”

ConclusionThe Art of the Interview

In the “Art of the Interview,” you are the artist. You can tell your story better than anyone else.

But you must tell it!