delivering your message in the interview updated 062009
TRANSCRIPT
Alumni Career Center
Package and Service Fees
UNIVERSITY OF ILLINOIS ALUMNI ASSOCIATION
Alumni Career Center
Delivering Your Message In The InterviewPresented by: Bernice Allegretti
PURPOSE
• Learn how to sell yourself• Discuss the different types of
interviews• Identify successful interview
strategies• Learn strategies for how to
answer difficult questions
SELF-ASSESSMENTWHO ARE YOU ?
• Skills = “Can Do”• Character Traits = “Fit”• Interests = “Motivation”
EMPLOYERS WANT TO KNOW• Do you have the skills/qualifications?• Do you have the education/training?• What kind of employee will you be?• Why do you want to work at our
company?• What do you know about our company?• Will you fit into our company?• Can we pay you what you want?
IDENTIFYING YOUR MESSAGE
What are your top 3-5 qualifications?1.2.3.4.5.
INTERVIEWING IS…..
• Exchanging information• Identifying needs & expectations of
employer and applicant• Exploring mutual “fit”• Win/Win situation
INTERVIEW PREPARATION
• “Tell Me About Yourself”• Understand the position & qualifications• Research the organization • Know your relevant accomplishment stories• Review difficult questions• Practice/ mock interview• Planning other details• Develop questions to ask
IDENTIFYING YOUR MESSAGE Tell Me About Yourself
• Highlights your education & work experience incorporating 3-5 key qualifications that make you distinctive from your competitors? Reverse chronological order.
• Briefly state present situation.
• Why you are interested in their position/company.
JOB ANALYSIS EXERCISEJob AnalysisProduct Operations Analyst - Insurance Co.
Candidate Comparison (Neda Job)
Knowledge neededGood working knowledge of statistical modeling and other quantitative and research analytics
My KnowledgeUsed in a comparative regional study of the decline of the auto industry
Education needed - Masters / MBA preferred My Education - Masters, Economic Research
Experience neededAt least 1 year of related experience from the insurance industry related to property and casualty (personal or commercial) business lines.
My Experience2 years unrelated work experience
Communication Skills NeededThe ability to effectively collaborate with multi-disciplinary groups and all organizational levels
My Communication Skills & ExperienceWorked with a team at ABC to manage projects
Computer/Technical Aptitudes NeededComfortable with basic data related and presentation packages. Familiarity with statistical packages (SAS or STATA) is a plus.
My Computer/Technical Aptitudes & ExperienceYes to MS productsWorking knowledge of STATA
Leadership Skills Needed My Leadership Skills & ExperienceProvided guidance to project team in absence of Director
Teamwork Skills Needed My Teamwork Skills & ExperienceCollaborative, strong work ethic, strong initiative (from evaluation)
Critical Thinking & Problem Solving Skills NeededStrong decision making skills
My Critical Thinking & Problem Solving Skills & ExperienceMade informed decisions based on information provided and collected.
Planning and Organizing multiple tasks NeededHigh level organizational and project management skills in order to handle multiple concurrent assignments in a timely manner.
I have demonstrated planning and organizing by …Regularly handle from 3-5 major projects
CONVEYING YOUR MESSAGEInterview Process Begins With the Resume …
• Accuracy, completeness• Education, areas of experience, skill aptitude or
lack of the above• Gaps or other potential concerns• Net value/ worth regarding salary and overall
qualities you bring OTJ• What does an employer see when s/he looks at
your resume?
TYPES OF INTERVIEWS
• Pre-Screen• Telephone• Panel• Lunch• Case/Situational• Behavioral
BEHAVIOR-BASED QUESTIONS • Past behavior can predict future behavior • Questions are based on a set of core
competencies• Core competencies are different for each
position• Review and understand the job description• Describe your particular…
S ituationT askA ction(s) R esults
CORE COMPETENCIES / QUESTIONS
• Interpersonal Skills/Conflict Management• Stress/Time Management• Problem Solving/Decision Making• Leadership/Delegation• Communication• Flexibility/Coping with Change• Project Management• Honesty• Team Work
OTHER TYPES OF QUESTIONS
• Screening Questions
• Resume Based Questions
• Work Standards/Work Ethic
• Personality/Cultural Fit
• Open Ended Questions
HANDLING DIFFICULT QUESTIONS
• Remain calm• No Rambling• “Silence trap”• Pause & think• Get clarification• Relate illegal Q’s to possible job
concerns
COMMONLY ASKED EMPLOYER QUESTIONS
• Tell me about yourself?• Why are you interested in this position• What is your greatest strength?• What is a weakness of yours?• What is your desired salary?• Why should I hire you?• Why did you leave XYZ company?• Tell me about a mistake you made & how you handled it?• What else should I know about you?• What have you been doing since you have been
downsized?
QUESTIONS CANDIDATES CAN ASK
• How would you describe your management style? • What do you consider the most important areas for improvement
in this position? • What are the critical factors for success in your area? • Where do you see the company (or function) going in the next
few years? • Why do you believe your organization will prosper and grow?• What’s the most important issue facing your department?
How can I help accomplish this objective?• When did you join this company and why?• Where have other people moved after proving themselves in this
position?• What are the professional backgrounds of other members in the
group?• What is the next step in the hiring process?• Is there anything else I can do to assist you in your decision?• Do not ask about salary and benefits.
STRONG FOLLOW-UP
• Ask for a business card & what you want.• Ask about next steps.• Extend a firm handshake/ smile/ eye contact• Send a short note to each interviewer• Thank references • Keep a record & evaluate your performance• Call to inquire about job status
GOOD LUCK!!
I see nothing but SUCCESS in your future!