Objectives
• To better understand the interview process: the before, during, and after
• To be aware of the appropriate interviewing behaviors
• To learn about behavioral interviewing
• To practice interviewing skills
Goals of the InterviewGoals of the Candidate (you):
• To obtain information about the job/organization.• To communicate important information about yourself. • To make a positive impression upon the employer.
Goals of the Interviewer:
• To promote the organization and attract the best candidate. • To assess if qualifications match the job requirements. • To determine candidate fit with the organization and staff.
Skills/Qualities Sought by Employers Ability to learn Technical Skills Communication skills Critical thinking Personal management Teamwork Leadership Adaptability
NOTE: Know the specific technical skills for your areas of interest!
Organization Skills Motivation Problem Solving Maturity Professional Judgment
Before the Interview
• Research the industry/company
• Identify reasons for wanting to work or having interest in that industry/company
• Recall situations that show favorable behaviors/actions
• Analyze the skills the employer is seeking
• Practice answering common interview questions
• Prepare questions to ask the employer
Company/Industry Research
Learn more about the industry Wetfeet.com Vault.com Factiva.com Informational Interviews & Networking
Learn about the company Crain’s Business Glassdoor.com Student Evaluations Company Website
Dress for the Interview
• Business professional dress, unless notified otherwise
• Carry a binder/portfolio to contain resumes, personal calendar, pen
• Don’t chew gum or bring beverages or food
Dress to Impress- Women
Navy, gray, and black suits
Skirts length should be below the knee
Keep accessories to a minimum
Make-up should look natural
Choose one; handbag or briefcase
Dress to Impress- Men
Invest in a conservative color
Check for proper fit
Wear socks that match your trousers
Clean your shoes
The tie knot should be small
Interview Structure Pre-Interview
Greeting, Introduction, “Small Talk”
Information Exchange Interview questions/responses Information sharing about employer Interviewee’s questions
Closing Next steps Business card?
Pre-Interview & Greeting
Pre-Interview• You're being judged as soon as you arrive
• Arrive 10-15 minutes early to compose yourself
Greeting• Know the interviewer’s name and pronunciation
• Extend a warm greeting and firm handshake
• Wait to be asked to have a seat
Information Exchange
• DIRECT: confirms information• Are you able to...
• OPEN-ENDED: generates performance data• Tell me about a time when you…• How did you…• Describe a situation where you…• Give me an example of…
• WHY QUESTIONS: reveal preferences, motives
Tell me about yourself…
A dreaded, but very common question.
Importance: First Impression still malleable Tone of interview Provide depth to resume Insight into who you are
Share information the employer may not already know and present it in
a way that connects to the position you
are seeking.
Direct Questions
Direct questions often require only a short answer with minimal elaboration
Examples: Are you able to … Are you willing to relocate? Are you willing to travel?
Behavioral interviewing
“The best predictor of future performance is
past performance in similar situations.”
Provide specific examples/situations based on
actual past behaviors, instead of based on
responses to hypothetical questions.
Tell me about a time when you took initiative?
Situation
Task
Action
Result
• During my internship last summer, I was responsible for managing various events.
• I noticed that attendance at these events had dropped by 30% over the past 3 years and wanted to do something to improve these numbers.
• I designed a new promotional packet to go out to the local community businesses. I also included a rating sheet to collect feedback on our events and organized internal round table discussions to raise awareness of the issue with our employees
• I was able to incorporate many of the ideas from the community, as well as make the internal systems more efficient and visible. I am proud to report that attendance increased by 18%.
About Your Body Language• Be sure to smile
• Don’t hurry gestures/movements
• Use good posture
• Lean forward while listening and answering questions
• Make eye contact
• Use mirroring
Do and Don’t DO
• Convey enthusiasm, confidence, friendliness
• Convey maturity and professionalism
• Know your nervous body language tendencies and avoid them
• Be articulate
• Take time to reflect, if necessary, before answering
• Be aware of your eye contact
DON’T
• Be negative
• Use ums/likes
• Exaggerate or lie
• Have your cell phone turned on
• Interrupt the interviewer
• Engage in a debate
• Use acronyms
Asking Good Questions
Prepare questions before the interview
They should be thoughtful and relevant
Address the position, skills, qualifications, etc…
Avoid salary benefits and/or personal topics
After the Interview• Write a thank you note to the interviewer within 48 hours
• Recall pieces of your interview conversation
• Remind them of your applicable skills and experience
• Reiterate your interest in the position
• Reflect/Process your experience• What did you do well?
• What didn’t go so well?
• How can you change that in a future interview?
• Process your interaction to assess your fit