interviewing skills unlv career services 301 student services complex 895-3495
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Interviewing Skills
UNLV Career Services
301 Student Services Complex
895-3495
http://hire.unlv.edu
Purpose of an Interview
The mutual exchange of information relevant to the employment opportunity and the candidate’s qualifications – a two-way conversation
Your Role in the Interview
Highlight experience, skills, personality traits, and potential contributions
Evaluate the position and organization Get a glimpse of your possible
supervisor and co-workers
Employer’s Role
Assess your qualifications Evaluate your communication skills
(both verbal and non-verbal), appearance, and how well you fit with the position and organization
Before the Interview –Be Prepared!
Know yourself – review your skills, experiences, and personality traits in relation to the position and organization
Know the organization – research products, services, new projects, competitors, fiscal health, etc.
Before the Interview – Be Prepared!
Logistics – confirm interview time and length, place, and personnel
Logistics – map out and run through route to the location of interview (should arrive 10 – 15 minutes early)
Have extra copies of your resume and references (and any other requested material)
The Interview - Opening
Arrival – prepare yourself mentally and physically
Greetings/Introductions - first impressions are both verbal and non-verbal (handshake, smile, eye contact, general body language)
Small Talk – weather, parking, etc.
The Interview - Body
Candidate’s background and qualifications for position
Overview of position and organization Questions from candidate
Sample Interview Questions
Tell me about yourself What attracts you to this
field/position? What are your
strengths?/weaknesses? Tell me about an accomplishment that
you are proud of
Sample Interview Questions
What motivates you? What are your tactics for working
under pressure? Talk about a mistake you made, and
what you learned from it Why should I hire you over the other
candidates I will be interviewing?
Behavior-based Questions
The best predictor of future behavior is past behavior
“Tell me about a time when you had to…”Work as part of a teamMeet a deadlineDeal with a difficult customer
Answering Behavior-based Questions
“Tell a story” that:Explains the situation/sets the sceneIllustrates your approach to the
situationHighlights results/outcomes
Answering Questions in General
Develop and rehearse your responses Know yourself well, and how you fit
with the position and organization Support your answers with solid
examples Incorporate skills and personal
qualities/attributes into your answers
Answering Questions in General
Be confident and enthusiastic Relax and smile – an interview is a
conversation Actively listen – follow the lead of the
interviewer
Personal Questions
Questions should focus on functions of the position
Do not volunteer personal information such as age, medical background, marital status, religion, etc. Focus on your qualifications for the
position
Responding to Personal Questions
You can answer the questionYou are giving information that isn’t
related to the job You can refuse to answer the
questionYou may risk appearing uncooperative
or confrontational
Source: Rochelle Kaplan, NACE
Responding to Personal Questions You can analyze the question for its
intent and respond with an answer as it may apply to the jobPersonal Question - “How old are
your children?”Intent of Question – “Would you be
able to travel as needed for the job?”Answer – “I can meet the travel
schedule that this job requires”
Questions From the Candidate
You are interviewing the company just as much as they are interviewing you
Be prepared with a list of questions
Questions From the Candidate
Questions to ask may include:How is the orientation and training
structured/How much training?How will I receive feedback about my
performance, and how often?How did this position become
available?
Questions From the Candidate
Questions to ask may include:What are some of the challenges the
organization faces?What are you looking for in the ideal
candidate?What do you like about working here?
The Interview - Close
Clarify follow-up proceduresTimeline for hiringAdditional materials neededGet a business card from
interviewer(s)
The Interview - Close
Leave with a positive impressionReiterate your qualifications and fit for
the positionReiterate your enthusiasm for the
position
After the Interview
Send a thank-you note (within 24-48 hours is best)Personalize it (specific topic
discussed, etc.)Reiterate interest and qualifications for
the positionDetermine format (e-mail, typed on
paper, hand-written on stationery)
After the Interview
Keep recordsEvaluate yourselfFollow-up timeline
Phone Interviews
Organizations conduct phone interviews as a cost-savings technique
Phone interviews can be one-on-one or with a panel
Phone interviews can last anywhere from 10 minutes to one hour
Phone interviews do not provide the opportunity for non-verbal feedback
Phone Interview Tips
Be prepared for the callFifteen minutes before actual time
(account for time zone differences)Create a quiet zoneHave documents and notes in front of
you – resume, cover letter, job description, paper for note taking, etc.
Phone Interview Tips
Be prepared for the callIf using a cordless or a cell phone,
make sure it is chargedHave water handy to wet your mouth
Phone Interview Tips
During the callGreet everyone by name when
introducedSmile when you talk – your
enthusiasm will be heard by the interviewer
Speak loud enough and at an understandable pace
Don’t eat, chew gum, or smoke
Phone Interview Tips
During the callDon’t walk around the room – it may
affect your signalDon’t get distracted by using a
computer, having other people in the room, etc.
Thank everybody at the conclusion of the interview – first impressions are conveyed over the phone as well
Interview Apparel
WomenDark coordinated suits (skirt or pants)
with matching dress blouseSkirt length no more than one inch
above the kneeDress shoes with moderate heel (no
open toe)Neutral colored hose
Interview Apparel
WomenDress watchMinimal, conservative jewelryHair past shoulder length pulled away
from faceNatural looking make-upClear or conservatively colored nail
polish
Interview Apparel
MenDark suitsDark dress shoes (no loafers)Dark dress socksConservative neck tieDress watch
Interview Apparel
MenWell-groomed facial hairNails – trimmed and clean
Both Men and Women
No visible tattoos No visible body piercing No purple, green, etc. colored hair No heavy cologne/perfume Fresh breath Freshly showered (use deodorant) Freshly pressed clothing
UNLV Career Services
Mock Interview Individual Counseling Appointment SSC 301 895-3495 http://hire.unlv.edu
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