InterviewingReducing the Stress

Rob Stenson

About Me

General Manager Goodmans Interior Structures

Chair, Alumni Board Greater Tucson Leadership

Board Member BobKat Confidential Recruiters

Medical Recruiter

Operate with Fear

Companies do it

Business leaders do it

Individuals do it

Fear = Bad decisions

There is a correlation between happiness and success

Stop . . . Breathe . . . . Find a solution

Congratulations!! You are past the most major milestone.

YOU HAVE THE INTERVIEW – They like you, they really like you!

Why did they call me? Why am I interviewing?

Employers are looking for somebody who will fit with the company.

We want to add people that are going to:

•Have the same values as our company culture

•Have people skills

•Are prepared for the interview

•Enthusiastic / Passionate, Not burned out

•Professional

•Can perform under pressure

•Bring something to the table

It is not just about a good presentation

Spirit of Enterprise

Award

Kevin Ryan, Founder of Gilt Groupe writes:

Companies should not “waste your time interviewing” candidates.

“Hiring is an imprecise science, but it is the most important thing we must do”. . . “It’s about having the employees bring passion and flawless execution”.

• Anyone can interview well

• Check other sources

• web media

• people you know in the industry

Social Media IS an extension of your interview

Put the interview into perspective

Look at every job interview from the employer's point of view.

What would you want to know about a candidate?

What qualities would you be looking for?

What types of things would turn you off about an applicant?

What kind of a person would you hire for this position?

What questions would you ask, and what answers would you like to hear?

Interview Preparation

The first step is to create a list of anything the job may require:

Look onlineIn publications Talk to people familiar with the job

Create a list of the following elements:–What is the company’s Mission, Vision and Values? –What is important to them?–Who are their competitors? –What are the job duties (read the job description)–What are the job’s desired results

Interview Preperation

Create a list of possible questions

•What is my personal experience in this area?

•What have I done in my history that validates the claim?

Practice with someone

•Have someone ask you interview questions. Watch to see if your answers are:

•Incomplete

•Nervous or forced

•Talk too much or too little

Get Ready for the Interview

Dress the part.

Any office job should wear conservative and formal business apparel

Non-Office jobs, formality is not required, but be neat and clean

No jeans and T-Shirts

Be careful of scent.

Arrive 10 minutes early. Check your appearance and then walk into the office. Always be courteous and professional to everyone from the minute you walk in.

TURN OFF your phone – completely. Not even on vibrate

Bring a note pad, pen, resume and any other supporting documents.

During the Interview

Your main objective is to provide the interviewer with a good impression.

•Walk in with confidence and proper form – do not slouch

•Make eye contact, introduce yourself, shake hands with a firm confident grip

•When offered to have a seat, watch your body language, sit up, lean forward

•Manage your speech speed. You are nervous so take a breath and try to relax. It is just a conversation.

Interview Questions

Be prepared to answer the easy questions:

Tell me about yourself.

What are your weaknesses?

What did you dislike about your last job?

How do you handle conflict with your colleagues?

Do not exaggerate or lie about your resume. You are who you are and it is very easy to find out where you are not being honest.

Do not be afraid. Sometimes life experience can overcome school experience.

The No-No List

Do not discuss:

Politics (unless you are running for an office)

Humor can be taken many ways, not always good

Do not speak poorly about:

- your old company

- your old boss

- your team mates

Do not discuss your personal problems (financial, health, family)

Focus on your ability to create solutions or accomplishments you have had at your company or with your team mates.

The No-No List

Do not discuss:

How much does this job pay?

How many vacation days do I get?

How many personal days can I take?

Do be prepared with questions – ask questions from your research.

Asking questions shows you are interested in the job.

- What skills have made others successful in this job?

- What growth opportunities are there?

- What are the goals of the department I will be working with?

Follow Up – PLEASE Follow up

Before you leave the interview ask what the process is from here? •When will they make a decision? •What additional information can you provide to them?

Follow up. Your goal is to stand out in a positive way.

Sending a note is an important way to show your attention to detail

It also shows you want the job.

If you do not hear back from them in the time frame requested, Call.