1 interview success

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Interview Success

Basics Module

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Interviewing - What is it?

A structured meeting between you and an employer

Interviewing is a skill- like riding your bicycle

PRACTICE makes PERFECT

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Interviewing is a two-way street

Employers are attempting to determine if you are an appropriate fit for the job and their culture

You decide if the environment is right for you.

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Types of Interviews

Phone: used as an initial screen of candidates or to narrow the pool of applicantsOne-on-One: most common interview style and incorporates you with the potential employerPanel or Group: allows many individuals to interview you at onceMeal: used to see how you interact or function in a social settingSecond or On-site Interview: this allows one to get a tour of the facility, meet the staff, and additional questioning from different employees and/or administration

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Qualities Employers Seek

Good all-round intelligenceEnthusiasm, commitment and motivationGood communication skillsTeam work abilityAbility to solve problemsCapacity to multi-taskInitiative and self-relianceBalanced personality

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Interview Score Card(Sample)

Name Your Score

Max Marks

Appearance/ Attitude

10

Problem solving 20

Team fit 20

Experience/ Education

20

Communication skills

30

Total marks 100 6


Pre-Interview Preparation

Research position, company, & industry Know yourself, be thorough with your CV and be able to articulate skills, strengths, accomplishments, and career goalsPrepare necessary materials (Copies of resume, references, portfolio/pen, palm pilot or organizer, breath mints)Conduct a dry run prior to your interview day to the interview premisesAsk for directions and where to park

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Arriving

Take bath; eat breakfast; Be energetic Bring materials (copy of resume, photos, pen, certificates)Arrive 10-15 minutes early at the site to allow you to park, walk to the interview, use the restroom, or just gather yourself

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Greeting & Introduction

Only 1 chance to make a good 1st

impression

Dress appropriatelySmileMaintain eye contactFirm handshakeRemain poised and confident

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Be Enthusiastic

The first minute is absolutely critical to your success. Many interviewers will make a snap judgment about you – good or bad – and spend the rest of the interview validating the first impression.Most job candidates walk into the room, shake hands, and then meekly sit down to await the first question. This can make for a poor first impression. Certainly, you need to be comfortable with your own style, but be prepared with an attitude that this is your job to get, not the interviewer’s to give. Exhibit confidence, enthusiasm, and a high level of interest throughout the interview. Be yourself and do it your own way, but do it!

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Non – verbal Communication

PostureEye contactDemeanorEnthusiasmDistractions LISTEN to questionsReflect the mood of the Interviewer

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Body Language: What signals are you sending?

Positive SignalsLeaning forward = interestSmiling = friendlyNodding = attentive and alertEye contact = curious and focused

Negative SignalsCrossed arms = defensiveFidgeting hands or tapping feet = nervous or boredLack of eye contact = untrustworthyLeaning back= discomfort

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Types of Interview Questions

Standard or traditional-targeting your education, work experiences, and

career goals

Sample QuestionsTell me about yourself?What is your greatest strength? Weakness?Why did you choose to interview with us?What did you like most about your last job? Least?What are your short and long term career goals?

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Behavioural Questions

-These focus on your actions and/or behaviors in a previous setting.

- Past behavior provides clues to future behavior

Sample QuestionsTell me about a time you worked under a deadline?What do you do when a team member is not pulling his/her weight?Think about a time you made a mistake. What did you learn from it?

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Situational Questions

Cases – scenarios of day-to-day situations that arise

Answers measured against standards

What would you do if the work of a subordinate or team member is not up to expectations?

The most important first step in dealing with an underperforming subordinate or team member is honest communications -- talking with the person can lead to some surprising discoveries, such as the person not understanding the assigned tasks to being overwhelmed with the assignment.

Describe how you would handle the situation if you met resistance when introducing a new idea or policy to a team or work group.

The best way to convince people is to be able to understand where they are coming from and address their questions and concerns about the new idea directly. It is also important to stay confident and believe in yourself because if you don't buy it no one else will either.

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Questions to be asked by the

candidateTo determine if you

are an appropriate fit for the company and position, prepare a list of questions for the interviewer

Sample QuestionsWhat type of assignments can I expect within the first year?What type of people excel here?What do you like most about this company?What is the biggest challenge facing this department right now?What skills are you looking for in this position?What is the next course of action?

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Telephone Interview

Preparation - Have a pad, pen, and a copy of your resume near the phone. Use a phone in a quiet area. Avoid any background noise. Also avoid using a cordless phone, because they tend to transmit poorly.

SpeakingSmile and be enthusiastic. Your enthusiasm will reflect in your voice.Speak in a conversational manner, and be sure to speak loudly enough to be heard. Speak with some inflection and tone.Let the interviewer do most of the talking. When s/he asks you a question, expound upon the answer. Use the opportunity to sell your skills and experience.When the interview is over, let her/him know that you are very interested in scheduling a personal interview at her/his place of business.

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General Tips

-Be prepared to talk about yourself and your experiences

-Master the art of storytelling SOARSOAR- (Situation, Obstacle, Action, & Result)

-Provide specific and concrete examples of your results/accomplishments

-Remain positive, enthusiastic, poised, and confident throughout the interview process

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General Tips

Remember an interview is a formal conversation--avoid filler words like “Um”, “Ah”, & “You know”Avoid indecisive phrases like: “I think,” “I guess,” “probably,” or “pretty good”Think before speakingAvoid long verbose answers--limit your response to 1-2 minutesIf you do not hear or understand a question, ask them to repeat or clarify it for you

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General Tips

Remain calm, relaxed, and be yourselfTry to focus on the message you are trying to convey--NOT how well you are doing!

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Dressing for Success - Men

Suit-Single or double breastedPolished shoesSolid white shirtConservative tieNeatly groomed hair, beard, and mustacheAvoid strong colognes, earrings, and body piercing

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Dressing for Success - Men

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Dressing for Success-Women

Pant/ Skirt suit/ Smart ChuridharPumps with small to medium heelsLight makeup, perfume, and jewelryWear neutral color hosiery

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FINISHING

Ask good questions

Thank the interviewer

Request a business card

Inquire about next steps in the process

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FOLLOW-UP

Send a thank you note within 24 hours Letter may be handwritten or typed; e-mail is also acceptableTailor each one to the individual.

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Final Thoughts

Remember that only 15% of an interview is out of your controlPractice! Practice! Practice!

Get a good night’s sleep - be well rested and alert for the interview

Be relaxed and be yourself!

Take some time to reflect - Overall, how well did I do? - What went well? - What steps can I take next time to

improve?

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Self Improvement

1 interview success