The Art of Interviewing

Interviewing - What is it?

A structured meeting between you and an employer

Interviewing is a skilllike riding your bike

PRACTICE makes PERFECT

Interviewing is a two-way street

Employers want to determine if you are an appropriate fit for the job and their culture

You decide if the environment is right for you

What are Interviewers Looking For?

The three C’s:

Confidence

Credibility

Competence

Types of Interviews

Phone: used as an initial screen of candidates or to narrow the pool of applicantsOne-on-One: most common interview style and incorporates you with the potential employerPanel or Group: allows many individuals to interview you at onceMeal: used to see how you interact or function in a social settingSecond or On-site Interview: this allows one to get a tour of the facility, meet the staff, and additional questioning from different employees and/or administration

Pre-Interview Preparation

Research position, company, & industry Know yourself and be able to articulate skills, strengths, accomplishments, and career goalsPrepare necessary materials (Copies of resume, references, portfolio/pen, palm pilot or organizer, breath mints)Ask for directions and where to park

Arriving

Be sure to allow yourself plenty of time to arrive calmly (you may want to do a dry run before your interview day) Try to arrive 10-15 minutes early at the site to allow you to park, walk to the interview, use the restroom, or just gather yourself

Greeting & Introduction

Only 1 chance to make a good 1st

impressionDress appropriatelySmileMaintain eye contactFirm handshakeRemain poised and confident

Body Language: What signals are you sending?

Positive SignalsLeaning forward = interestSmiling = friendlyNodding = attentive and alertEye contact = curious and focused

Negative SignalsCrossed arms = defensiveFidgeting hands or tapping feet = nervous or boredLack of eye contact = untrustworthyLeaning back= discomfort

Types of Interview Questions

Standard Questions

- target education - work experiences - career goals

Examples:Tell me about yourself?What is your greatest strength? Weakness?Why did you choose to interview with us?What did you like most about your last job? Least?What are your short and long term career goals?

Types of Interview Questions

Behavioral Questions

- focus on actions and/or behaviors in a previous setting

- past behavior provides clues to future behavior

Examples: Describe a time you had to make a difficult decision?Tell me about a time you worked under a deadline?What do you do when a team member is not pulling his/her weight?Think about a time you made a mistake. What did you learn from it?

Types of Interview Questions

Inappropriate or unethical questions

- probe into private life or personal background

- Question ethnicity, religion, sexual orientation, disabilities, marital status, body weight

Examples:How old are you?Do you have children?Are you thinking about having children?Do you have a disability?What religion are you?Who do you live with?

Types of Interview Questions

Questions you should ask

- Find out if the job is right for you

- Find out if the company/business if a “good fit”

- Prepare a list of questions to ask the interviewer

Examples:What type of tasks can I expect?What is the biggest challenge facing this department?What skills are you looking for?What is the next step?

General Interview Strategies

-Be prepared to talk about yourself and your experiences

-Master the art of storytelling-Provide specific and concrete examples

of your results/accomplishments-Remain positive, enthusiastic, poised,

and confident throughout the interview process

General Interview Strategies

An interview is a formal conversation--avoid filler words “Um”, “Ah”, & “You know”Avoid indecisive phrases like: “I think,” “I guess,” “probably,” or “pretty good”Think before speakingAvoid long wordy answers--limit your response to 1-2 minutesIf you do not hear or understand a question, ask for clarification

General Interview Strategies

Remain calm, relaxed, and be yourselfTry to focus on the message you are trying to convey--NOT how well you are doing!

Dressing for Success - Men

Suit, dress shirtPolished shoesConservative tieNeatly groomed hair, beard, and mustacheAvoid strong colognes, earrings, and body piercing

Dressing for Success-Women

Pant or skirt suitPumps with small to medium heelsLight makeup, perfume, and jewelrySimple hair style

FOLLOW-UP at the Interview

Ask good questions

Thank the interviewer

Request a business card

Inquire about next steps in the process

FOLLOW-UP after the Interview

Send a thank you note within 24 hours

May be handwritten, typed or e-mail

Tailor each one to the individual

Final Thoughts

Remember that only 15% of the success of an interview is out of your control – that means 85% is within your control

Take some time to reflect - Overall, how well did I do? - What went well? - How can I improve for the next

interview?

Suggestions

Conduct a test run the day before the interview

Practice! Practice! Practice! Obtain a list of practice interview questions

and jot down short answers Stand in front of a mirror and

rehearse your answers

Get a good night’s sleep - be well rested and alert for the interview

Be relaxed and be yourself!

Acknowledgement to St. Louis University Career Services and UCSF