What to expect from your job interview and how to be a better prepared candidate.

Job Interviews from practical perspective

Name Field of study Year in the program Why are you attending this seminar?

Introductions

Prepare your profile– Resume– Cover letter– List of references and reference letters

Social media– LinkedIn– Facebook– Google yourself

Applying for Jobs

Preparing for the Interview

Study the job description– Required skills, knowledge, attributes

Study the organization– Website– Important dates and achievements– President/CEO

Review your own credentials and work history– Do not assume the interviewer(s) went through it all

Phone/screening interview– Preliminary and introductory– Likely with an HR representative

In-person interview

Panel interview– 2 or more interviewers– HR representative and manager/hiring lead

Types of Interviews

Types of Interviews

Group interview– Multiple candidates interviewed at once

Video conference interview Serial interview

– 2 or more separate interviews in sequence

1

2

3

4

5

6

Behavioural

Situational

Structured

Unstructured

Semi-structured

Testing

Interview Formats

Past behaviour predicts future actions/decisions Based on specific past behaviours Sample questions:

– Tell me about a time when you faced a challenge. How did you resolve it?

– Tell me about a time when you demonstrated working effectively under pressure

– Provide an example of working in a team– Provide an example of dealing with a difficult

customer. How did you handle it?

Behavioural Interview Questions

Know your work history Conclude each answer on a positive note Demonstrate skills, abilities and work ethic

Behavioural Interview Questions

Based on hypothetical situations Sample questions:

– What would you do if the work of a team member was not up to expectations?

– What would you do if a project’s priorities suddenly change?

– List the steps you would take to reach an important decision on the job.

Situational Interview Questions

Combination of situational and other interview questions

Each candidate is asked the same questions Results are scored and compared

Eliminates bias

Ensures objective decision making

Structured Interview

No strict guidelines Free-flowing, casual conversation

More prone to bias

More realistic overview of candidate

Unstructured Interview

Combines structured and unstructured questions

Semi-Structured Interview

Standardized testing to evaluate candidate’s fit and competence level– Administrative (MS Office)– Technical/trades– Fitness

Testing

What to wear? Smile Hand shake Eye contact Body language Small talk

During the Interview...

Tell me about yourself– Direction of career– Brief overview of academic/career achievements

Strengths – Time management– Team player– Proactive– Fast learner

“Difficult” Questions

Weaknesses– Skills development– Turn negative into positive

Salary– Range – Flexibility

“Do you have any questions?”

“Difficult” Questions

Tell me about your degree/diploma. Why did you choose this field of study?

Why are you looking to leave your current job?

Why do you want to work here?

What are your career goals?

When are you available to start?

Other Interview Questions

Follow up with a quick ‘thank you’ e-mail Calling/e-mailing the recruiter to find out about

the status of your application is OK!

After the Interview

THANK YOU!

Presenter:

Natalie SidonHR-Administrator at:

Organized by:

Want to get involved?

We are hiring executives for the next year: Come talk to ME after event. Fill out the application form at http://4uw.co/2014-executive

Club memberships are open for next year Come talk to ME after the event. Membership fee: $20/year Club is oriented on career and life skills development