Interview techniques

Interviewing Techniques

The Handshake

Keep your right hand free

Meet the other person’s hand “web to web”

Keep hand in a vertical position

Shake from the elbow, not the wrist

Two to three smooth pumps

Workshop Topics

Purpose of the Interview

Preparing for the Interview

Typical Structure of the Interview

Typical Questions

After the Interview

Purpose of the Interview

The Candidate – Clarify responsibilities of the position

– Determine if you can/will do the job

– Determine “fit”

The Interviewer – Evaluate candidate based on qualifications and

employer needs

– Determine “fit”

Questions When

Scheduling

How long will the interview last?

How many candidates will be interviewing?

With whom will I be interviewing?

Is there anything I should bring with me?

Know the Employer

Product or Service

Sales/Assets

Competition

History

Field Offices

Industry Trends

Chain of Command

Size

Resources for Researching the

Employer CRC

– Planning Job Choices: How to Research

Companies

– Florida Business Directory

– Hoover’s Handbook of American Business

– Career Information Library - Employer Files

Internet

Journals

Know Yourself

Why do you want to work for the firm?

What can you do for the company?

Your accomplishments/experience

Your strengths/weaknesses

Your initiative, goals and attitudes

Your responses should be unique and

specific

What to Bring to the Interview

Portfolio

Copies of your resume

List of Professional

References

College transcripts

Federal application

Two quality pens

Notepad

Comb or brush

Breath mints

Dress for Success

Women

– Suit with knee-length

skirt and tailored

blouse

– Keep accessories and

makeup simple

– Pantsuits are more

acceptable now but

save them for after you

obtain the job

Men

– Two-piece suit

– Solid colors vs. prints or

patterns

– Tie pattern should be simple

– Wear polished shoes with

dark socks long enough so no

skin shows when you are

seated

Ten Tips

Arrive on time

Introduce yourself in a courteous manner

Read company literature while you wait

Use body language to show interest

Listen

Smile, nod, give nonverbal feedback

Ask about the next step in the process

Thank the interviewer

Obtain a business card

Write a thank-you letter to anyone you have spoken to

Typical Structure of an Interview

Small talk

“Tell me about yourself!”

Discussion of your background and how it

relates to the position

Your opportunity to ask questions

Conclusion

Five Tough Interview Questions

The tell-all question: “Tell me about yourself.”

The surprise question: “What’s your passion?”

Strengths and weaknesses questions

Questions about the future: “What are your long-term goals?”

Scenario questions: “What if…?”

Questions to Ask in an

Interview What will my duties entail?

What kind of work can I expect to be doing? Can you describe a typical day?

Where does this job fit into the organizational structure of the company?

Who would I report to? Who would I be working with?

What is the size of the department I would be working in? What is its structure? How is it organized? May I see it?

More Questions to Ask

Does the company offer any training

opportunities?

How would you describe the ideal candidate for

this position? What qualities do you want in the

person who fills this job?

What do you feel would be the greatest challenge

for me?

What is the selection process/timeline from here?

May I contact you if I have any further questions?

After the Interview

Write a thank-you letter to anyone with whom you have spoken – Use standard business letter format

– Thank the interviewer

– Reference a point of conversation which was of mutual interest

– Recap how your skills and qualifications fit the position based on your interview conversation

– Communicate your continued interest in the position

Practice, Practice, Practice!

Mock interview

Internet

NEGOTIATING

TOPICS FOR DISCUSSION

Understanding The Process

The Interview

The Offer

The Negotiation Process

UNDERSTANDING THE PROCESS

What It Is Not

– saying “I want more money”

What It Is

– Meeting and discussing a subject

– Mutual agreement of issues


When does negotiation begin

– Telling about yourself

– With the initial interview

Don’t reveal your salary requirements too early in the negotiation process.


Evaluation

– Answer these questions:

What is the Salary range?

What is the lowest salary that I will consider?

What makes me worth a higher salary?


Where To Get Salary Information

– National Association of Colleges and

Employers

– Career Resource Center

– Libraries

– Trade associations and trade publications

– Internet

– People working in the industry


Some Employer Objections To Your

Request For More Money

– You don’t have enough experience

– Other employees aren’t making more

– The budget won’t permit – That’s what we are paying new hires


Your Positive Response To An Objection To Pay You More – In response to the “other employees aren’t making

more” statement, you might give a response such as: “I see. (short pause) What is the range for this position?

What would it take to get to that higher level within that range?

Remember, you are asking questions not delivering

an ultimatum.

The Interview

Some Ideas To Help You During The Interview

Process As It Pertains To The Salary Issue

– Good listening skills

– Try not to be the first to mention money

– If asked what salary you are looking for, say you have a

range but that it really will depend on the total package

– If pushed, have a range in mind

– If asked what your current pay is, tell the truth

THE OFFER

– Give answer in 24 hours unless you are

considering other options. Or ask for a

window of time.

– Ask about other important fringe benefits

before accepting the job

– Avoid telephone negotiations

THE NEGOTIATION PROCESS

Here Are Some Examples Of How A Salary Discussion

Might Go Company: “We would like to offer you a salary of

Rs.55,000/year.”

You: Alternative answer #1: “I’m delighted that you are interested in me. Based upon my experience and also

because of a variety of expenses associated with the cost of

living in (this city), I would like to make around

Rs.60,000. How do you feel about that?


Alternative answer #2: “I like the opportunity, and I know that I could contribute, but I have several other

opportunities that are in the $60,000 range. Is there a way

we could work this out?”

Alternative answer #3: “I’ve completed a very valuable education and anticipated Rs.60,000 as a minimum. Is

there a way we can work that out? I love the opportunity

and would like to work here if I can get that amount. What

do you think?”


– Ask if you can get periodic reviews to let your

future employer know that you are concerned

with providing the highest level of service.

– Before asking for more money, mention

positive statement that reflects your skills and

why you are qualified for the job.

Education

Interview techniques