Hire Heroes USASuccessful Interviewing Techniques Workshop

Course Learning Objectives:

• Develop an understanding types of interviews• How to develop a plan to prepare for an interview

▫ Research, Dress Code, Etiquette• Gain realistic expectations as to the outcome• Become familiar with common practices of successful

interviewing

Hire Heroes USA100 North Point Center East, Suite 200Alpharetta, GA 300221-800-915-HERO. www.hireheroesusa.org

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Hire Heroes USA Successful Interviewing Techniques- Course Outline

Section 1- Interview BasicsPg. 4. Purpose of the Interview Pg. 5. Getting an Interview Pg. 6. What Does the Employer or Interviewer Want to know?

Section 2- Types of InterviewsPg. 8. Telephone Interview and Behavioral Interview Pg. 9. Case-Method/Case-BasedPg. 10. Committee Interview

Section 3- PreparationPg. 12. How to PreparePg. 13. How Will They Know You Are Prepared?Pg. 14. How Will They Know It’s Not You?Pg. 15- 16. Interviewing Do’s and Don’ts.Pg. 17. Questions – What to Ask, and What NOT to Ask InterviewersPg. 18. Post-Interview Strategies

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Section 1

Interview Basics

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PURPOSE OF THE INTERVIEW

Your accomplishments are now in the past. A new chapter has

opened and it is time for change. I assume that ….

• You have plans and goals. You know your strengths.

• You know your weaknesses. (Not everyone can be an astronaut or play on the PGA Tour.)

• You think you know what you would like to do for a living, but you may have doubts.

• Your plan for life will no doubt be subject to change. That is okay, life happens and you have to find ways to deal with it. You will figure it out, but you have to start somewhere.

A trite piece of advice:

• Find a job you love to do. Find your passion.

• All the education and experience in the world is no substitute for performance.

• Motivation a key factor in performance.

• Performance is a function of: Ability, Tools, and MOTIVATION

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Getting An Interview

Resume: • Send out your resume via newspaper, databases, job boards, magazines,

placement agencies, etc.

#1 Network, Network, Network:

• Often, it is not “what you know” but “who you know!” • These contacts can put you in contact with others, but they will not get you

the job.• 75-85% of all jobs are filled through the “informal” market, highlighting

your network• Cultivate your contacts and keep them appraised of your situation. They will

not call you! Keep them informed and follow up.• Keep a database of contacts, such as: Friends on Facebook, Linked In,

Myspace and your personal address book

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What does the Employer or

Interviewer Want to Know?

According to WSJ, recruiters at top businesses defined the most

important characteristics they look for when hiring…

INTANGIBLES!!!

• 89%... Can they communicate effectively, take direction, listen?Express your ideas, respond to the questions, take direction, can learn

• 87%... Can they work as part of a team?Work with different types of people who have different educational backgrounds, come from different socio economic classes, who hold higher levels of authority, positive attitude

• 86%... Do they have strong personal ethics, are they trustworthy?Can be relied on, honest, evidence of integrity

• 85%... Can they solve problems on their own?Can take the initiative, not whiners (woe is me) but solvers, think logically, can deal with change

• 82%... Do they have a strong work ethic?Reliable, committed to the job, can they deal with stress

• 78%... Do they exhibit leadership skills?Inspire, persuade, honest and trustworthy, visionary, proactive

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Section 2

Types of Interviews

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TYPES OF INTERVIEWS

Telephone Interview:• Typically used as screening interview• Definition: Could last as long as 2-5 minutes, could last up to 60 minutes • Always try to answer your phone when an unknown number calls. • If you cannot answer immediately, call back and schedule a time to which you both can• speak. • Prepare yourself when calling- back that that could be your call• Treat telephone as a formal interview- Sit up straight and be conscious of your• surroundings.• For example, no dogs barking, kids screaming or washing dishes. • Use a land line/secure connection • GOAL – To obtain a face to face, second interview.

Behavioral:• Employer makes assumptions about your future performance based on past behaviors• and attitudes.• Requires you to offer concrete, specific examples to reveal your skills

• Sample Behavioral Questions:▫ “Tell me about a time when you exhibited teamwork.”▫ “Give me an example of a challenge you experienced and how you dealt with it.”

• Use the “STAR" framework to structure your responses:• What was the SITUATION?• What was your TASK?• What ACTION did you take?• What was the RESULT?

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TYPES OF INTERVIEWS. Cont’d.

Case-Method/Case-Based:

• Commonly used interview method in business and consulting fields.

• Interviewee is requested to analyze a problem/situation and present a solution.

• Employer assesses analytical ability /thought process, not the accurateness of the

response

Case-Method/Case-Based Examples:

• How many gas stations are there in the U.S.?

• You have eight balls, one of which is heavier than the others. All the balls appear

identical. You have a balance-type scale, and you can perform trials on the balls. What is the minimum number of trials required to determine which is the heaviest ball?

Case Interview Tips

• Listen to the information provided and take notes.

• Take time to think the problem through. Identify the key issues.

• Frame your answer toward action. Identify what steps you would take.

• Share your ideas or thoughts that brought you to your proposed solution.

• Identify resources you would use/seek.

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TYPES OF INTERVIEWS. Cont’d.

Committee Interview

• Definition – several members of company who have a say in whether you are hired, from several

• departments.

• Second round, final interview

• Designed for leadership potential

Tips for Committee Interview

• Speak to the person who asked you the question

• Can maintain eye contact with all parties

• May be asked to demonstrate problem solving skills

• Will be asked for specific examples, and asked for different outcomes, reasons why you acted a specific way and what would you do differently

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Section 3

Preparation

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How To Prepare

Step 1:• Conduct research prior to the interview about the company, the job description/job

opening, or even the specific individual to be interviewing you, if possible.• Know traffic pattern and know where the interview is located and parking options.• Maintain folders of each company you apply for along with job description. • This will be useful for when you receive a screening interview that may catch you off guard.

You will always then be prepared. • Always have extra resumes on hand, as you may be needed to distribute to employers

during the interview.

Step 2: • Utilize network/mentors for tips- Use personal network or HHUSA contacts.

Step 3: • Prepare to sell yourself for the specific position and company. Connect your resume to the

position when answering questions.

Step 4: • Practice answering typical interview questions, Get comfortable- Use a mirror, use friends

Step 5: Etiquette• Dress code- Overdress, Hide tattoos, earrings (Conservative, Confidence)• Professional etiquette – Do not sit until told to sit, Be early - 15 minutes before interview• Be yourself!

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How Will They Know You’ve Prepared?

By your homework:• You know the company, the products/services, the job requirements, the culture, the

competitors, the customers, etc.

• This shows: Commitment, enthusiasm, your work ethic, you can learn, YOU ARE PREPARED

By your past behavior:• Responses to questions are based upon your previous behavior.

• This shows: Tenacity, flexibility, decisiveness, judgment, all characteristics

By your non-verbal's:• Good grooming, handshake, dress, posture, eye contact, promptness.

• This shows: Confidence, honesty, maturity and commitment

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How will they will know it’s not you?

Lack of preparation

• No research or knowledge of the company’s mission and history.

• Poor responses that do not tie in to the specific position you are interviewing for.

• Unfamiliarity with your own resume.

Lack of professionalism

• Take interview seriously, be serious, do not be jokey-jokey.

• Being late (Being on time is late- always arrive early.)

• Being too comfortable with the interviewer.

• You arrive poorly dressed.

Non-verbal's

• Body Language: Slouching, lack of eye contact, fidgeting, chewing gum,

• Poor hygiene: Smell of cigarette smoke, bad grooming, too much perfume or cologne

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Interviewing Do’s

• Dress appropriately for the industry; err on the side of being

conservative to show you take the interview seriously.

• Know the exact time and location of your interview; know how long

it takes to get there, park, find a rest room to freshen up, etc. Arrive

early!

• Offer a firm handshake, make eye contact, and have a friendly

expression when you are greeted by your interviewer.

• Maintain good eye contact during the interview.

• Respond to questions and back up your statements about yourself

with specific examples whenever possible.

• Ask for clarification if you don't understand a question.

• Know about the organization, do your homework and formulate

questions.

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Interviewing Don’ts

• Don't make negative comments about previous employers no matter how bad the experience.

• Don't go to extremes with posture; don't slouch, don't sit rigidly on the edge of your chair and be aware of your nervous habits.

• Don't give the impression you are only interested in salary; don't ask about salary and benefits issues until the subject is brought up by your interviewer.

• Don't chew gum or smell like smoke and NO cell phones.

• Don't exhibit frustrations or a negative attitude during an interview.

• Don’t talk about personal issues you may have, the more you give, the more they’ll dig.

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QuestionsQuestions to Ask Employers:

• Employers will open the floor to you to ask questions at the end of the interview.• Always ask at least one question, preferably no more than three - five questions.• If able ask a question related to specific questions during the interview, to show that you paid

attention• Ask positive questions • Ask specifically what the job entails. • Ask the timeline of when the company wants to fill the position, and when the candidate will

begin work.• Possible advancement opportunities/Career track for the position

• What are the next steps?• When should I expect a call, from whom, “What if I have any questions after this interview; who

should I call?”…etc.• It is okay to tell an interviewer at the end “Thank You,” and to let them know you want the

position. Ask for the job!

Questions NOT to Ask Employers:

• Don’t ask questions about only one topic.• Don’t ask questions that can be perceived as demands for you to fill the position.• Don’t ask questions that raise warning flags: Work weekends, Overtime, etc.• Avoid questions about retirement, company cars, benefits, DAYS OFF. (You will no doubt get this

info. in a second interview when they are ready to offer you the job.)• Do not ask questions until they ask you.

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Post-Interview Strategies

Follow Up:

• Take a business card so you have the correct name and spelling of the individual you interviewed with. You will also gain phone #’s, emails, and mailing address of possible contacts for your personal network.

• Same-day: “Thank You.” Send an email.

• Second day: This is essential; send a hand written letter mailed to interviewer.

• Check back one to two days after the “get back to you date.”

• Assess your performance and learn from any possible mistakes or successes.

Final Tips:

• Keep personal life out of it!

▫ Do not get emotional in interview, no drama or intimate personal stories.

▫ No vacations needed, No doctors apts., No health issues

• Limit military jargon and acronyms

• Don’t talk too much- Be concise and to the point

• Turn weakness into positives

• Don’t bad mouth your current or former employer or co-workers.

• Be sincere- Rehearse responses, but do not sound robotic.

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Hire Heroes USASuccessful Interviewing Techniques Workshop

Thank you for your participation.

Hire Heroes USA

100 North Point Center East, Suite 200

Alpharetta, GA 30022

1-800-915-HERO. www. hireheroesusa .org

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