interviewing skills. goals for interview introduce & sell yourself who are you? skills and...
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Interviewing Skills
Goals for Interview
Introduce & Sell Yourself Who are you? Skills and Strengths Unique Marketable Qualities
Sell the Job Interviewer’s Responsibility
Never Walk Away Empty-Handed Next Steps
Interviews
Types of Interviews Screening or Selection Interviews Behavioral
Styles of Interviews Directed Nondirective Stress
Preparation is Vital!
Analyze Yourself Resume Do your homework
Field Organizations School/program What will they evaluate?
Stages of an InterviewStructured Much Like a Speech
Intro Candidate & Job
Body of Interview Questions
Closing Reiterate Interest & Fit
Follow-up Thank You Note; Assessment/Revision
Important Interview ElementsVerbal Message
Appearance
Non-Verbal Message
Questions
Follow-up
How You Define Yourself
• Your Skills & ExperienceReiterate Resume with Examples
• Your PersonalityFlexible? Communicative? Pleasant? Team Player?
Verbal Message
• Your Interests & GoalsWhy This Job? Why This Company? Why Now?
• Understand What They WantFlexibility, Quick Learner, Motivated, Team-player
• Prepare As You Would For SpeechIdentify Key Ideas, Support Ideas with Examples, Adapt to Audience, End Strongly
Verbal Message
• Find Skills That Fit The JobTravel, Tutoring, Class Projects, Peer Training, Volunteering, Working on Campus/in Class
• Use Speech SkillsBe Concise, Listen Closely & Answer Question Asked, Pace Yourself, Reflect Enthusiasm, Strong Voice
Show Courtesy to Interviewer Not: “What can you do for me?”
Don’t Rely on Yes/No Answers Be Careful of “Know it All Complex” Positive, Not Cynical Show Tolerance and Flexibility Broad Interests Low Pressure Personality Type
Verbal Message
Personality Cues
Speak Well of Others Show Initiative Ability to Take Criticism Moral Standards (Don’t Lie) Willing to “Pay Your Dues” Team Player
Verbal Message
Work Habit Cues
First Impressions = Lasting Impressions
Appearance
Dress for Dream Job Inspires confidence; shows professionalism, and
interest! Better to Over-dress than Under-dress Men: Solid or Pinstripe Suits with Tie Women: Suit or Jacket with Dress Avoid Synthetics Avoid Excessive Jewelry, Cologne, Short
Skirts or Deep Necklines
Appropriate Interview Attire
Men Suits/Shirts Ties Shoes/Socks Jewelry Hair/Facial Hair Nails
Women Suits/Blouses Skirt length Shoes/hosiery Jewelry Hair Nails
Purse/Portfolio/Briefcase
Firm Handshake, Eye Contact, Smile Don’t Sit Until Invited Eye Contact Be Mindful of Hands and Facial Signals Mirror Interviewer (subtly) Look Enthusiastic! Take Your Time
Non-Verbal Message
Body Language Speaks Volumes
Body Movement Don’t Cross Arms—use gestures instead Sit up Straight---Lean Forward Use an Appropriate Sitting Position Consider Spatial Use & Seating Arrangement
Vocal Usage Sound Energetic & Enthusiastic Reduce the Use of Filled Pauses
Non-Verbal Message
Types Credential Experience Opinion Dumb Behavioral Legal
Interview Questions
Questions
Why do you want to work here? What kind of experience do you have for this job? Tell me more about your last job. What did you dislike/Why are you leaving last
job? What are your strengths? What are your weaknesses? Where do you see yourself in 5 years?
Questions
Why do you want to work here? Research Company * outstanding firm with reputable history (proof)
* recent projects are similar to interests (give example) * recommended by a contact * size of company, corporate “culture”, values
Not just looking for a paycheck--enjoy your work, proud of your profession and looking for a company that shares these values.
Questions
What kind of experience do you have for this job? Use characteristics in vacancy announcement Use interviewer’s intro to company/job
ASK what projects you would be assigned to * Pull skills from previous jobs--even if unrelated (leadership, time management, work ethic) * Pull examples from academic work (related project? Technical knowledge
demonstrated?)
Questions
Tell me more about your last job. 2-3 Key Points
* What were your responsibilities
* Challenges you overcame
* What did you enjoy about it
* Draw it back to current opportunity
NEVER talk poorly of past experience/boss/company
The world is smaller than you think.
Questions
What did you dislike about your last job? Why are you leaving?
* Short and positive answer.
* Looking to apply different skills.
* Looking to make greater contribution.
* Opportunity was too great to ignore.
Questions
What are your strengths? Isolate high points from background
* Time Management & Planning * Natural Curiosity & Desire to Learn
* Strong Communication Skills * Work Ethic * Love Challenge--Finding Solutions * Working with Diverse Teams
Questions
Where do you see yourself in 5 years? Be honest--to a degree Leave the door open for “the right opportunity” Show desire to be team player & grow
Dangerous Answer: “In your seat!”
Questions For Them
Why is this vacancy available? Who will I report to? What specific projects will I
work on? Who will I work with from day-to-day? What is the management style of my supervisor? When did you join the company? What do you
like best/like least about firm? Describe the company’s culture? Are there many
young people? What does the office look like at 6:00 pm?
Is there potential for growth?
Always have a question prepared.
What has the growth pattern of the company been like over the past few years?
How often are evaluations given? Is there a written job description for position? How many individuals are being considered for
the position? What are the next steps? Is there a timeline for
the decision? Is there anything that concerns you about me?
(GUTSY)DO NOT INQUIRE ABOUT SALARY
Questions For Them
Follow-up
Confirm when they will be in contact Reiterate interest in job “Look forward to hearing from you.” Get business card for everyone at interview Send thank you note PROMPTLY.
Shows interest! Allows chance to follow-up on issue Handwritten--more personal Typed--more polished
Complete a Self-Assessment
Other Hints
Arrive Early! Introductions—More than a Hello Name Usage—Follow lead Listen and Observe Office
Laughter? Many vacant desks? A pleasant environment?
Ask to meet predecessor or former intern. Thank Interviewers at close of interview