Interviewing Skills for Any Economy

Tina Holt, SPHR

BalanceWorks, LLC

Any Economy?

Unemployment was less than 4% a few years ago, 10.7% now

Increased competition Need to be distinctive

Develop interviewing skills to benefit in any economy

Perspective

In good company “Wake up” call

Old: Rely on a company

Now: Rely on employability

Over-identified with a job

Unrealistic expectations

Interviewing Skills

Basics: Resumes, Cover Letters, E-mails Preparation Know your unique story Impressive interviewing Following up Onward and Upward!

BASICS: RESUME

NOT a job description – if a coworker could insert his/her name, you haven’t been distinctive enough

Use third personNot: Seeking a position where I can use my talents and abilities for the benefit of the companyInstead: Experienced service representative ready to apply negotiation skills in outside sales and territory management

Purpose: An invitation to interview

BASICS: Cover Letter/e-mail

Don’t miss this opportunity to sell your skills

Why this job? How are you suited for this position?

Remember, a recruiter may never personally review your information - automated

Congratulations! You’re Interviewing

Positive – you’ve been selected from among other applicants

Purposeful – Share your qualifications

Empowering – you will have the opportunity to learn more about the company and position

PREPARE: Application = Legal Document

Transfers info from an ambiguous resume to a legal document

Gives permission to verify Your signature certifies the accuracy and

truthfulness of your statements Dates, Credentials, Education

Different Interviews

HR Screening Interview Objectives: 1) Screen,

2) Qualify, 3) Brief Company, benefits,

culture Advocate for candidate Does this candidate

meet the requirements?

Hiring Manager Interview

Objectives: 1) Manage, 2) Team, 3) Fit

Assignments, reporting, structure

Risk of hire Will this candidate help

us meet our objectives?

PREPARE: Have an agenda

Find out all you can beforehand Know your product: You

– Qualifications– Skills– Preferences– Interest in the position

What must they know about you to make an informed decision?

Know Yourself & Your Unique Story

Tell me about yourself– Interest in field– Preparation for job/career– High points of experience thus far– Interest in this job

Why this job?

Reason for interest in the company Reason for interest in the position Expectations Demonstrate how you fit

PREPARE: Anticipate difficult questions

If new graduate, grades Career changes Leaps from one position to another Gaps in employment Reasons for leaving

There are no correct answers, but they should be reasonable

Impressive Interviewing

Behavioral: Best predictor of future behavior is past behavior

Know your challenging/pivotal career moments

Mine your experiences Think like a “witness”

Car Wrecks

Be a STAR

Situation or Task Action Result

Based on your unique experience More convincing than “I would…”

General Behavior

Courteous and professional to all staff Positive encounters Dress appropriately Have a copy of your resume Get directions and arrive a few minutes early

Follow-ups

Hiring Process Takes Time

Screen> Select> Verify> Offer Don’t stop other efforts until offer is accepted Thank-you note within a week of the

interview “Nudge” via e-mail

Onward and Upward!

Interviewing skills work for getting a job… and for securing a better one

Internal promotional opportunities Exploring attractive opportunities with a new

employer Career Changes

Interviewing Skills

Basics: Resumes, Cover Letters, E-mails Preparation Know your unique story Impressive interviewing Following up Onward, Upward and GOOD LUCK!