InterviewingChirag TilaraDavid BarrymoreEdmond KwokJimmy Lau

AgendaPresentation GoalInterview: Definition, Objectives,

Types & MethodologiesExercises & DebriefingHR & Legal considerationsTips for successful interviewThings to avoidPanel interview & debriefingOn-line reference toolQ&A

Presentation Goal: PrimaryDevelop a general understanding

of job interview processLearn tips for turning a job

interview into a jobGain hands-on experience of job

interview via simulated exercises

Presentation Goal: SecondaryProvide the class with an on-line

reference tool – targeted to aid in preparing for the next job interview.

Interview Defined:Conversation between you and

potential employer Opportunity for employer to see

you in actionOpportunity for you to develop a

feel for a potential employer

Interview Types: Screening – Meeting minimum

requirementsInformational – Applying for a

position indirectlyBehavioral –Anticipate skills

expected and how addressed in pastPanel – Cross-sectional with

managers and peersElevator pitch – 30 seconds to

differentiate from the rest

Interview Methodologies:Find Common Ground

Two people looking for compatibility. It is a data collecting process. Think of yourself as a resource person, not as someone looking for a job.

Focus on Goal, Obstacle, Solution, Numbers.Conduct your interview in the same manner

that you conduct your work.Use the interview as an opportunity to

employer’s fears. Put yourself in their shoes. Who would you hire or would not hire?

Interview Follow upThank your interviewer. Send a note no later

than the end of the day.Additional tasks or references? Deliver them

on time and in their entirety. Remember, conduct your interview in the same manner that you conduct your work. This is why the employer WANTS to hire you.

Exercise1: Elevator PitchConcise – 30~60 secondsClear – Easily understoodPowerful – Use strong action wordsVisual – Paint mental picturesTell a Story – Short story showing

strengthTargeted – Single audience focusGoal-oriented – Focus on specific

outcomeHook – Leave them wanting more

Exercise: Elevator Pitch..ExampleFor A Financial Consultant:“Hi, I'm Charles Riviera. I manage

dead presidents! I am a money manager who helps people reduce their taxes (and my hands are pushing downward as I say this), and increase their savings and investment returns (now my hands are palms up, raising up to my shoulders). How can I help you?”

HR & Legal ConsiderationsIllegal Job Interview Questions

Illegal interview questions include any related to candidate’s:

AgeRace, ethnicity, or colorGender or sexCountry of national origin or birth placeReligionDisabilityMarital or family status or pregnancy

Tips for successful job interview:

Preparation

Objective

During the interview

Know your strengths

Know your weaknesses

Follow-up

Tips: Pre-interview preparationResearch organizationResearch positionKnow your interviewersPrepare required documentationPrepare for commonly asked

questionsPreparation

Objective

During the interview

Know your strengths

Know your weaknesses

Follow-up

Tips: Establish interview objectiveSell yourself using the strengths

and experience you possessKeep in mind the job

requirements and the organization’s need.

Preparation

Objective

During the interview

Know your strengths

Know your weaknesses

Follow-up

Tips: During the interviewFirst impressionInterview behavior

◦Confidence◦Body language◦Positive attitude

Organization of ideasPreparation

Objective

During the interview

Know your strengths

Know your weaknesses

Follow-up

Tips: Know your strengthsShowcase your strengths as they relate to

the jobIn case of behavioral questions, highlight

your strengths and experience in the form of response that follows:◦ STAR

Situation, Task, Action and Results

◦ SOARA Situation, Objective, Action, Results and AftermathPreparation

Objective

During the interview

Know your strengths

Know your weaknesses

Follow-up

Tips: Know your weaknessesQuestion to test your arrogance or

self awareness.Technique:

◦Avoid weakness not related to the job you are interviewing for

◦Admit to weakness but show what you are doing about it

Preparation

Objective

During the interview

Know your strengths

Know your weaknesses

Follow-up

Tips: Follow-upThank you note – opportunity to

re-iterate interestMention anything important that

you might have missedEmphasize how you can make

valuable contributionsKeep it comprehensiveSend it out on time

Preparation

Objective

During the interview

Know your strengths

Know your weaknesses

Follow-up

Things to avoid: Poor handshake Talking too much Talking negatively about current or past

employers/managers Showing up late or too early Treating the receptionist rudely Asking about benefits, vacation time or salary Not preparing for the interview Verbal ticks: Not enough/too much eye contact Failure to match communication styles

Final ThoughtsJust as a strong resume wins you an opportunity to interview, strong

interview skills will win you consideration for the job. Start your job search with a resume that creates a stellar first

impression, then back those facts up with your extraordinary interview skills.

Exercise1I: Panel Interview

On-line reference tool:How to gain admission to online

resourcesQuick review of resource contentAddress audience questions on

use of tool

Q & A

Thank You