rock your interview! sjsu career center. sjsu washington square what is an interview? preparation is...

Rock Your Interview!SJSU Career Center

SJSU Washington Square

• What is an Interview?

• Preparation is key!

• Types and Stages

• Interview Questions

• Strategies for Success

Agenda


• A two-way exchange of information: • Both parties are checking each other out for a

possible fit

• A marketing opportunity: • Both parties are presenting their best package!

What is an Interview?


• Can you do the job?• Communication Skills, Education, Work Experience,

Extracurricular Activities, Leadership, Computer Skills

• Will you do the job?• Are you motivated? Are you excited about the job? Do you

want to work here? Are you going to stick around?

• How do you fit in?• How well do you interact with other co-workers? Are you

right for the company culture? Will you be part of the team?

What Do Employers Want?


• WHAT TO RESEARCH

• History/mission/vision of the employer?

• What is the employer best known for? (awards, reputation)

• What is the structure of the organization?

• What services are offered?

• Who are this employer’s clients?

• What is happening in the organization and industry?

• Who are this organization’s competitors?

• HOW TO RESEARCH: Website, LinkedIn, Glassdoor, etc.

Research the Employer


1. Review the job description—really “pull it apart.”

2. What are your “matches?” --What does the employer want that you have

3. Prepare your stories – What experiences have you had that show the employer how you’ve used specific skills?

Think about class projects, jobs, volunteer work, student organization involvement, or internships.

Analyze the Position

What to Wear

Women

• Well-fitting two-piece suit,

conservative color

• Skirt knee-length (pants OK,

too)

• Blouse or collared shirt

• Polished, low-heel shoes

• Simple jewelry and cosmetics

If you do not have a suit

• Coordinated jacket or cardigan

• Knee length skirt or tailored

slacks

Men

• Well-fitting two-piece suit,

conservative color

• Long sleeved collared shirt

• Conservative tie

• Polished shoes, matching socks

If you do not have a suit

• Dress or khaki-type pants

• Long-sleeved collared shirt

• Conservative tie

• Sport jacket


Professional folder with:• Paper, pen, copies of your resume• Written questions to ask at the end of the interview

Leave your:• Cell phone (or place on silent)• Gum• Backpack/large handbagAt home or in the car!

What to Bring


• Phone Screen

• Panel Interview

• General or Basic Interview

Types of Interviews

• Words

• Tone of Voice

• Body Language

*Reference: Mehrabian, Albert. Nonverbal Communication, Aldine Atherton, Inc., 1972

7%

38%

55%

Non-Verbal Cues


• Professional dress• Good eye contact• Sit comfortably/Gestures• Appropriate facial expression• Enthusiasm in voice• Listen attentively and respond• Firm handshake

Non-Verbal Cues


• The Recruiter wants to hear YOU talk.

• They want to verify information on your resume.

• Be prepared to ask questions:• Can you tell me about the position from your

perspective?• What are the next steps in the interviewing

process?• Have your resume, job description, paper, pen, & a

quiet environment

Phone Screen Interviews


• Interview with a number of company members at one time.

• Ask in advance who you will be meeting with so you can prepare.

• Keep your eye-contact with all members of the group.

• Answer your question to all members of the group.

• Have questions prepared ahead of time to ask at the end.

Panel Interviews


• Most interviews start out here and evolve.

• Designed to get to know you

• Typical Stages:1. Introductory: create rapport2. Information: from interviewer to candidate3. Questions: from interviewer to candidate4. Questions: from candidate to interviewer5. Conclusion: next steps

General or Basic Interviews


1. Tell me about yourself.2. Why should we hire you?3. Why do you want to work here?4. What is your greatest strength?5. What is your greatest weakness?6. Why did you leave your last job?7. What is your greatest accomplishment?8. Tell me about a time when…9. Where do you see yourself in 5 years?10.Do you have any questions for me?

Top 10 Most Common Questions


In one minute…• Brief Background• Education/Current Activities• Objective/goals/direction• Identify your fit with the employer

If you have limited experience…• Highlight transferable skills• Bring unique skills to the table by showing how your

background or experiences relate

Tell Me About Yourself


Example: Give me an example of a time when you had to go above and beyond the call of duty in order to get the job done?

Tell your story - Beginning, Middle, & End

1. What was the PROBLEM you solved?

2. What ACTION did you take to resolve the issue?

3. What was the RESULT?

Behavioral Questions

SJSU Washington Square What is your biggest weakness?

Common Mistakes• Denial• Strength as a weakness• Revealing a weakness that raises red flags

Think About• How are you working on it?

Example: Public speaking is a challenge for me, but I know how important this skill is in the working world. I joined Toastmasters and am learning to be more confident in my public speaking skills.


• Have you ever had a conflict with a manager or professor? How was it resolved?

• Describe your worst boss.

• If you could be an animal, which would it be and why?

• How many lawn mowers are there today in the United States?

• What is the last book you read?

Difficult Interview Questions


• Questions about: Age, Color, Disability, Gender, National origin, Race, Religion or Creed.

• Questions asking specifically about the nationality, racial, or religious affiliation of a school are also improper.

• Questions about when you were born or your birth date.

• Questions about if you have children or are you planning to have children. When.

• Questions asking if you have any disabilities or medical conditions.

Illegal/Improper Interview Questions


• What are the opportunities for growth?• What would a typical day look like?• What do you think is the most challenging aspect of this

position?• What is the next step in the hiring process?

Tip: Ask questions that provide you an opportunity to convey something new about you or knowledge about the company.

Example: • I’m passionate working with diverse populations and have a

background in tutoring low income students. Will this role provide opportunities to work with various student organizations?

Questions to Ask


• Reiterate your enthusiasm for the position

• Ask about next steps in hiring process

• Request business cards from interviewers

• Thank the interviewers

• Shake all hands and meet all eyes

Closing the Interview


Reflect• What went well and what you would change• Adjust strategy

Note• Contact names and follow up schedule• Tricky questions asked• Details you learned

Follow Up• Send thank you email or letter within 24-48 hours

• Thank them for their time• Express continued interest, fit with role

After the Interview


Your next interview just got a whole lot easier! You will have the opportunity to:

• Practice tough interview questions with the ability to record, review, and share your answers.

• Choose from dozens of interview sets and over 20 different industries/majors.

• Utilize nearly 40 lessons and learn all the best interviewing techniques to get you on track.

Big Interview

rock your interview! sjsu career center. sjsu washington square what is an interview? preparation is...

Documents

sjsu career center

job description

communication skills

collared shirtpolished

cell phone

volunteer work

work experience

computer skills