INTERVIEW TECHNIQUES

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RELAXYou are the world’s

authority on the subject

BEFORE THE INTERVIEW

RESEARCH COMPANY!DO A DRIVE BYWHAT IS THE STAFF WEARING?UNLESS YOUR APPLYING AT HOT

TOPIC, NO PIERCINGS OR TATOO SHOWING!

PREPARING FOR THE INTERVIEW

KNOW THYSELF... Analyze your strengths and weaknesses Have clearly defined career goals and

plans. where you could fit into the organization

and how you could contribute my experience/skills are…..‘AS IT

APPLIES TO THIS POSITION’

EMPLOYERS LOOK FOR:

WHEN AN EMPLOYER INTERVIEWS A CANDIDATE FOR A JOB, SHE/HE LOOKS FOR:

APPEARANCE…………..45% ATTITUDE……………….35% ABILITY………………….10% MISCELLANEOUS……...10% AFTER YOU GET THE JOB, THE EMPLOYER’S

EXPECTATIONS CHANGE TO: ABILITY/PERFORMANCE…45% ATTITUDE…………………….35% APPEARANCE………………...10% MISCELLANEOUS…………....10%

Dress for Success

WomenSuit with knee-lengthskirt and tailored blouse

Pantsuits are moreacceptable now, but savethem for after you obtainthe job

Keep accessories andmakeup simple

MenTwo-piece suit(solid colors vs. prints or patterns)

Wear polished shoes withknee-length socks that avoid exposing skin

Tie pattern should be simple

The Interviewer’s Agenda

To determine if you have the skills

Identify your personal attributes

Assess your motivation how you fit their company

First impressions!

“You never get a second chance to make a first impression.”

Employers form a first impression of the candidate in less than a minute

The first impression affects the rest of the interview

BODY LANGUAGE

80% of communication is body language13% tone of voice7% from what you say

HOW YOU COME ACROSS IS AS IMPORTANT AS WHAT YOU SAY

Non verbal factors

PunctualityClothingGroomingHandshakeEye contactPostureExpression

Verbal Factors

Can carry on an informal conversation

Grammar and word usage are professional in nature

Voice sounds confident and self-assured

DURING THE INTERVIEW

Greet the interviewer with a confident, natural smile and a firm Handshake

7 second rule-first impressionSILENCE IS OK-it gives you time to

think and organize your thoughtsIf you are stumped, its ok to ask to come

back to that question

Answering Interviewer Questions

Be prepared to talk about yourselfExperiencesAccomplishmentsSkillsGoalsValues

Identify your strengths and prepare to back them up

Tell Me About Yourself

Create a 60-second sound byte Geographic origins Reason for choosing major Educational background 2 or 3 strengths related to position Specific expertise and accomplishments How you can contribute to company Identify your career goals Speak clearly and honestly

HR Professionals Say…

Qualifications get you the interview

Initial impressions get you the job

Types & Formats

Types: Informational Screening Selection

Formats: Telephone/Video Individual Group/Committee Serial Behavioral/Performance

Behavioral InterviewingBehavioral Interviewing

A style of interviewing that focuses on experiences, behaviors, knowledge, skills and abilities that are job related.

Statistics show that the best indicator for future behavior is past behavior.

Have several ‘stories’ that reflect above

Examples of Behavioral Interview Examples of Behavioral Interview QuestionsQuestions

“Describe a situation in which you were able to use persuasion to successfully convince someone to see things your way.”

“Give me an example of a time when you seta goal and were able to meet or achieve it.”

“What is your typical way of dealing with conflict? Give me an example.”

STAR Interviewing Technique

Situation or Task Describe the situation that you were in or the task

that you needed to accomplish. You must describe a specific event or situation, giving enough detail for the interviewer to understand.

Action you took Describe the action you took and be sure to keep

the focus on you. Results you achieved

What happened? How did the event end? What did you accomplish? What did you learn?

Never leave without asking questions!

What’s a typical day like?What are the department/company’s goals?Describe the work environment, colleagues, management styles.What major projects will I work on during the first six months?What are the biggest challenges? Rewards?What kind of person are you looking for?

BEFORE YOU LEAVE

Ask for a business card

Make sure you understand what happens next

TELL THEM YOU WANT THE JOB

OR INTERNSHIP!

Top reasons interviews fail!

Poor communication skills Lack of preparation Poor appearance Failure to keep eye contact Lack of enthusiasm Lack of poise or self confidence Aggressive or overbearing Late to interview Not researching company

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