Interview Preparation

Eshant Mishra

Agenda

What is an Interview? Before, During, and After the Interview Prepare, Practice, and Perform Types of Interviews/Questions Wrap up Discussion

04/07/232

What is an Interview?

30-45 minute sales pitch of “You, Inc” Determining fit within an organization Your chance to determine if you want to work at

the organization/ with the people/ in this function, They may or may not have a job opening at the time you interview with them

04/07/233

Types of Interviews

Information Interview Telephone Screening In-Person Screening Selection Interview Peer Group Interview Behavioral Interview Consulting and Case Interview Video Interview

04/07/234

Before the Interview

Research the company Determine location of interview – or prepare for a

phone interview Prepare your attire Make sure your resume is ready for further

inspection

04/07/235

Preparation

Know Your Product (a.k.a. YOU)

Complete a Self-Assessment SWOT, academic performance, career interests, personal

goals, work experiences, and special skills

Know what you have written in your Resume

Know how your qualifications can benefit the employer (match them to the job description)

04/07/236

Preparation

Know your customer, services, etc… Read employer literature & visit the organization’s

website Prepare questions to ask the interviewer Speak with alumni(College/Organization) to better

understand the expectations Research and set your salary range

04/07/237

Practice

Practice! Practice!! Practice!!! Practice with friends, in front of a mirror, in

washroom, or write out answers to anticipated questions

No matter how well you know yourself and no matter how well your answer may sound in your head, it will inevitably sound different when the words come out your mouth for the first time.

04/07/238

Stress

Only a fool would tell you that looking for a job isn’t stressful. And it would take an even bigger fool to tell you that interviews will not produce stress. After all, you’re in an unfamiliar setting, meeting strangers, risking your ego, and about to embark on a conversation that can affect the rest of your life.

04/07/239

Perform Be alert, friendly, and courteous Maintain good eye contact Be positive about yourself Be confident, but not cocky Act natural and be yourself Be honest Send the right behavioral signals Communicate carefully Participate, don’t dominate Be enthusiastic Sell yourself and your strengths

04/07/2310

Perform

Be conscious of your personal grooming Your goal is to look professional! Your goal is not to look trendy or hip

Business Attire vs. Business Casual Know the organization’s culture

Arrive on time – or ten minutes early First impression in not the last impression Don’t let them doubt your interest in the position

04/07/2311

Decisions are made early!

Usually within the first 5 minutes!You must IMMEDIATELY convey confidence (attire, handshake, eye contact, body language is important!)

STRONG START, STRONG END!

04/07/2312

After the Interview

Relax, but learn from the experience Keep a log Send a Thank You note Stay in pursuit - follow up with the recruiter Be patient

04/07/2313

Interview Questions

The questions are about you, so don’t get caught up with stories about other people or extraneous details

You are the expert on yourself Open-ended beginnings are your opportunity There is a perfect answer to the salary question Be ready for inappropriate questions Technical questions might arise

Know your resources for determining these ahead of time Prepare a few questions of your own

04/07/2314

Types of Interview Questions

Tell Me About Yourself (a.k.a. Resume Screen) Why haven’t you…? (a.k.a. “High Stress”) What have you done..? (a.k.a. Behavioral

Interviewing) What would you do? (a.k.a. Case/Simulation) What the #@!*& ….? (a.k.a. Abstract)

What interview situations have you been in?

What strange or hard questions have you been asked in an interview?

04/07/2315

Typical Interview Questions

Tell me about yourself Why are interested in this position/ organization? What attracted you to this field? Tell me about your work experience/experience What qualifies you for this position? What are you strengths? What is your greatest

weakness? Where do you see yourself in five, ten years?

04/07/2316

Behavioral Questions

Give me an example of when you showed initiative and took the lead

Tell me about a recent situation in which you had to deal with a very upset customer or co-worker.

What skills or experiences is the interviewer trying to extract from you when they ask you these two

questions?

04/07/2317

Core competencies that employers want to see evidence of:

Decision making and problem solving Leadership Motivation Communication Planning and Organization Critical thinking Team building Ability to influence others Interpersonal skills

04/07/2318

Examples of Behavioral Questions Describe a situation in which you were able to use persuasion to successfully

convince someone to see things your way. Give me a specific example of a time when you used good judgment and logic

in solving a problem. Give me an example of a time when you set a goal and were able to meet or

achieve it. Give me a specific example of a time when you had to conform to a policy with

which you did not agree. Please discuss an important written document you were required to complete. Tell me about a time when you had to go above and beyond the call of duty in

order to get a job done. Tell me about a time when you had too many things to do and you were able

to prioritize your tasks. Tell me about a time you were able to successfully deal with another person

even when that individual may not have personally liked you (or vice versa). Tell me about a difficult decision you've made in the last year. Give me an example of a time when something you tried to accomplish and

failed. Give me an example of when you showed initiative and took the lead. Give me an example of a time when you used your fact-finding skills to solve a

problem. Tell me about a time when you were forced to make an unpopular decision. 04/07/2319

Bizarre Interview Questions

What is the height of the Empire State Building as measured by a stack of quarters? Now, what is the dollar value of those quarters?

Why are beer or soda cans tapered at the top and bottom?

Why do mirrors reverse right and left instead of up and down? HINT– interviewers aren’t looking for the right answer, but

rather your thought process, problem solving, analytical skills and creativity!

04/07/2320

Inappropriate Interview Questions What is your personality type? When is your birthday? Are you married? Do you have children? What is your religion? Are you a US citizen?

•Your Options:1. Answer the question2. Answer the "intent" of the question3. Try to change the topic or ask for a new question or move on.

•If you don’t answer the question, you might not get the job…•Most interviewers do not discriminate intentionally, but are ignorant of the law

04/07/2321

QUESTIONS?

Contact Information:eshantmishra@gmail.com

04/07/2322