Interviewing

Tips and Tricks

Derived from www.monster.com http://interview.monster.com/archives/tips/

Answering Questions• Be brief and Interact

– Be sure they are happy with the answer– Ask them whether they want more detail

• E.g. “That was the main purpose of the project. Do you want to know more about the final product?”

• “Did I answer your question?” “What else can I tell you about that?”

• Listen MORE than you speak !! Don’t interrupt.• “Sometimes it’s the notes you don’t play”

– Don’t criticize old bosses or colleagues – Don’t constantly talk about yourself– Tout yourself when asked, then stop

Illegal Questions

• Tactfully Sidestep to what they’re getting at...e.g. your work ethic.• “How does your spouse feel about your business travel?” -- “I'm fully

committed to performing my job well. My career is important to me, and I have a strong support system at home."

• "I try to keep personal and business matters separate." • Children -- “I will be very able to travel and work overtime" • Disability -- “I’m sure I’ll be able to perform the duties of the job” • Country of origin -- "I am authorized to work in the USA." • Just Answer if the question doesn't bother you. It's not illegal to

answer. But proceed with caution, as it might bite you later, even if it's illegal to deny you employment.

• Refuse to Answer Point out that it's not an appropriate job interview question and you don't feel comfortable answering it. (Avoid the term illegal interview question since it might not be).

Take CriticismDon’t be afraid to note your weaknesses

– It’s ok to describe good AND BAD– Learn from your critics, get back up, be gracious

and don’t defend yourself or make excuses– E.g. “I feel like I need to work on my management

skills.”

Don’t burn your bridges– Write a thank you note even when rejected– State how disappointed you are– Thank them for consideration and time– Let them know you’re still interested

Look Good• Budget? Used suit – tailored • Eye Contact !!!

– Nod, sit up, sit forward– Be aware of nervous habits

• Touching your face• Scratching • Tapping

• Bring nice portfolio or notepad– Small notepad you can put in your pocket– Not too much stuff (like backpack or too many items)

• Bring extra copies of your resume • And other sample work, portfolio, business cards

Phone

• Many will screen on phone prior – Have answers prepared

– What experiences and skills make you qualified– Tell me about yourself (have resume and notes handy)

• Roommates – Always answer phone politely !!– Change your offensive answering machine

• No jokes, music, political message• Simple straightforward message

Power Questions

• "What are you most hoping to find in the person you hire?"

• "What would be my first priorities on the job?" • "Based on what we've talked about today, I feel

good about the position. • Do you have any concerns about my ability to do

the job?" Often, that gives you a chance to counter any objections.

• "What attributes are most needed to succeed in this job?"

More Power Questions

• What would you like done differently by the next person who fills this position?

• What are some of the objectives you would like to see accomplished in this job?

• What is most pressing? What would you like to have done in the next 3 months.

• What are some of the long term objectives you would like to see completed?

• What are some of the more difficult problems one would have to face in this position?

• How do you think these could best be handled?

Tough Questions • Why the (time) gap in your resume?

– Answer brief, and move on– “I took some time off to take care of a family member.

Then I went back to school, and I found your job ad and became very excited about contributing here.”

• Be curious about your match with the job• NOT desperate to do anything to get the job

– e.g. “You won’t be sorry” (I was).

• Sell yourself as someone who can do the job– What can you bring?– You are the product. Give them reasons to buy it.

Dr. D’s Secret Calming Tips

Relax and enjoy

Be nice

Don’t think too much

It will be over soon, and life will go on

Pretend like it doesn’t Matter

• You won’t get the job, so just enjoy !!

• You don’t WANT this job anyway, but be nice !

• You’d rather be somewhere else !!– Skiing

– Surfing the Net

– Eating lunch

– Drinking (Root) Beer

Take Notes During…• Not about what they’re saying

• About what YOU’RE thinking– Helps you respond and follow the interviewer– Looks like you’re studious and concerned

• Remember Kerry during the presidential debate• And Bush during the 2nd debate !!!

• Have some prepared questions too– RESEARCH the company– Ask questions that show you know something

about them and want to know more

Imagine…

• You’re going to a party with people you don’t really like that much

• They have some embarrassing problem• You’re the host

– Try to make them feel comfortable– Be nice and SMILE !!!! – Enjoy their company, and be interested in them

Don’t think too much

• It will all be over very soon

• Think about what you’ll do AFTER the interview

• Bring work or a book while you wait– You’ll look smart (like you’re a hard worker)– It will divert your attention and calm you

• READREAD Ch. 1 and 2 Ethics (Tavani) Text

• TuesdayTuesday: Intro to Arguments

• ThursThurs: Cyber-Ethics uniqueness

• FridayFriday: OUTLINE Cyber-Ethics DueDue