interviewing 101
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TRANSCRIPT
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Interviewing 101
Laura LedgerwoodUGA Career Center
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Topics of Discussion
• Why interviews are conducted• Typical structure• Importance of impressions• General tips• Types of interview questions• Common mistakes• Questions you should prepare for• Telephone interviews• Asking employers questions• Follow up
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Why are Interviews Conducted?
• Get to know the candidate
• Probe for detailed information about candidate
• Sell the job and company
• To determine if you are a “fit”
• “We don’t hire paper, we hire people”
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Typical Interview Structure
1st Interview• Introduction• Interviewer asks questions• Candidate asks questions• Closing
2nd Interview• Several rounds of interviews• Site visit/company tour
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Importance of 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
• Be punctual- that means 15 minutes early• Carry on informal conversation• Smile and show enthusiasm
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Impressions Continued
• Pay attention to your:– Posture– Eye contact– Hands– Expression – Voice quality
• Don’t wear cologne/perfume• Wear minimal jewelry• Dress to impress- *dress for the occasion*• Ultimately, this is not a fashion contest
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General Interview Tips
• USE THE JOB DESCRIPTION TO PREPARE• Be prepared to talk about yourself• Identify your strengths and be prepared to back
them up• Organize your response before you start to talk• Practice your responses before the interview• Stay positive • Vary the experiences you use for examples
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Types of Interview Questions
Most asked:– Traditional– Behavioral
Additional– Technical– Case-study– Brainteaser– Illegal
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TraditionalOpen-ended, general questions
– Tell me about yourself.– Why should we hire you?
Career interest/focus– Where do you see yourself in 5, 10 years?– Why did you choose this major?
Personal characteristics– What are your strengths? Weaknesses?– What 2 or 3 accomplishments have given you the most
satisfaction?Company knowledge/interest
– Why are you interested in our company?Experience
– What have your learned from your extracurricular experience?
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Behavioral Questions
• Questions ask for an example– Tell me about a time….– Give me an example….– Describe a situation….
• Why do recruiters use behavioral questions?– Past experiences determine future performance– Focus on specific job-related skills and abilities– Avoid legal issues– Good way to evaluation candidates with little or no
relevant experience
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Answering Behavioral Questions
• Talk about a specific situation
• Use the STAR method– Situation
– Task
– Action
– Result
• Use fairly recent examples
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Common Interview Mistakes
• Lack of specificity (Tell me about a time…, Give me an example…)
• Lack of confidence = lack of competence
• Not understanding the job/organization
• Your goals don’t align
• Lack of enthusiasm
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Questions You SHOULD Prepare For
• Tell me about yourself.• Why are you interested in this position?• What are your short-term and long-term
career goals?• Tell me about a time when you failed at
something.• Why should I hire you?• Do you have any questions for me?
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Telephone Interviews
• Use a land line and let friends/family know your interview time
• Choose a quiet location• Talk slowly and clearly• Have in front of you
1. Your resume and prepared answers2. Paper and pen to write down questions, names, and
other pertinent information3. Water to hydrate yourself
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Asking Employers Questions
• Exhibit your company research!• Statement of fact. Ask a question.
Example:1. What does a typical week look like at ABC organization?
2. I saw in the job description that I would lead “interdisciplinary teams in achieving landscape goals.” Can you tell me a little bit more about that?
• Do not ask about salary, raises, etc.• Micro vs. Macro questions
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Follow up, Follow Up, Follow Up!
• Send a written thank you– Email vs. Written
• Make it personal by adding detail
• Make sure to keep in contact with your network via social networking groups, etc.
• Keep a record of who you talked with
• Never burn bridges
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Final Thoughts
• Be confident rather than arrogant
• Do a mock interview or practice period
• Make sure you understand the value you add to a company BEFORE the interview
• Companies don’t hire paper, they hire people
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Getting connected tothe UGA Career Centeris as easy as 1, 2, 3!
Follow us on
Details at www.career.uga.edu
twitter.com/ugacareercenter
twitter.com/ugaaggreenjobs
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Laura Ledgerwood**Call for appointments**
2nd Floor Clark Howell [email protected]
career.uga.edu706-542-3375
Tuesdays: Biological Sciences Lobby 2:00-4:00pmWednesdays: Conner Hall Lobby 10:00am-12:00pm