the impressive interview - william paterson university · 2013. 11. 8. · deb’s top 10 interview...
TRANSCRIPT
The Impressive Interview Webinar brought to you by Deborah Sheffield Career Development and Gloria S. Williams Advisement Center William Paterson University
Deborah Sheffield, M.A. Senior Career Counselor/Academic Advisor
Student Center Suite 301 973-720-2441
Welcome to the Webinar WPU Alumni!
What to Expect
• Tips for Before and After the Interview • How to Prepare for Various Types of Interviews • Real Questions and How to Answer Them • Dress for Success • Interview Demonstration • Deb’s Top 10 Do’s and Don’ts of Interviewing • Q & A
Preparation is key!
Unlock your potential beforehand…
Research, research, research! the website, LinkedIn, Facebook, Twitter, stocks, the position itself, comparable salaries, etc, etc, etc. Role play the interview with a friend, spouse, a career counselor… Study yourself! Make several copies of your resume, and a copy of the job posting Type up and print a reference sheet Write out a list of questions Map our your route taking into account traffic, road closures, public transportation delays. Have a last minute stock of hygiene items including tissues, hand wipes, gum or mints, deodorant, etc. Polish your shoes, have your suit dry-cleaned, purchase new hosiery, get your portfolio ready, and lay it all out.
Types of
Interviews Vary!
Job Fairs
Phone Interviews
Group Interviews
Formal Interviews
Informal Interviews
Impressive Answers to Questions
“Tell us about yourself.”
Keep answer no more than 2 minutes.
Use buzzwords from the job description.
Highlight your accomplishments from your resume.
Talk about work, education, skills, and other relevant experience.
Never mention personal information such as family, religion, politics, etc.
Impressive Answers to Questions
“What are your strengths?” ……………………………………………. “What areas do you need to
improve on?”
Strengths: Keep them related to the job. Use examples!
………………………………………… Areas of Improvement: Keep
it short and simple. Do not use any deal breaker
weaknesses Emphasize how you plan on
improving on this weakness.
Impressive Answers to Questions
“What do you know about our
company and this position?”
This question might be the most important in the interview.
You MUST do your research ahead of time.
Not knowing anything about the company is a big red flag and could cost you the job.
Impressive Answers to Questions
“Tell me about your previous
work experience.”
Highlight the experiences that relate to the job you are seeking.
If you have not had relevant experience, think in terms of transferable skills
Never talk negatively about your prior work.
Impressive Answers to Questions
“We are interviewing several
applicants. What sets YOU apart from the rest?”
This is why you need to study yourself in advance of the interview.
Think about an example or two of when you went above and beyond what was expected.
Think about what former supervisors have complemented you on.
Is there a motto you go by?
Impressive Answers to Questions
“Why do you want this position? Why did you choose ___ for a career?”
Always show you have good character.
Demonstrate how you are a good fit for the position.
Never mention time off, benefits, salary as factors for why you want the job
Impressive Answers to Questions
“Tell us about a time in which
you worked in a team. How did you handle conflict?”
This is a behavioral question. Expect many like these.
Prepare for these by reflecting on your past experiences.
It is okay and expected to take time to think it over.
Never use fillers like “that’s a good question!”
Answer thoroughly and honestly, but keep it positive.
Impressive Answers to Questions
“Why did you leave your
previous job?”
Keep this answer short. If there were company-wide
layoffs, you can mention it. If you quit, or left on bad
terms, simply say “it was not a good fit.” Or, “I was seeking a position that would be closer to my aspirations.”
Never say anything negative.
Impressive Answers to Questions
“Are you willing to work evenings
and overtime? Are you willing to relocate?”
You may ask for them to elaborate on what to expect if you are unsure.
If you say “yes”, they will be pleased.
If you say “no”, you are unlikely to get the job.
But, then again, if you say “no” is this really a job you want?
Impressive Answers to Questions
“Where do you see yourself in 5
years?”
If true, the best answer is that you see yourself growing as a professional in the company you are interviewing for.
If you see yourself somewhere else, try to be open-minded and say you are looking forward to learning what options are available for you to grow professionally.
You can mention wanting to go to grad school outside work hours.
Impressive Answers to Questions
“Do you have any questions for us?”
You should always have questions.
Saying “no” implies you are not interested in learning more and is a red flag.
Never ask about benefits, time off, salary or anything that can be construed as selfish.
(even though we really want to know!)
Ask questions that show you want to be a valuable part of the team.
A quick role play…
Sharon: Tell us about yourself. Deb: I’d be happy to. I will be graduating in May with a Bachelors Degree in
Management and a Professional Sales minor from William Paterson University. I feel the combination of my coursework in management coupled with the skills I have learned from my sales minor will help me to lead and work with others, as well as provide excellent customer service. I’ve worked to broaden my leadership skills beyond the classroom by being the SGA treasurer and coordinating philanthropic events on campus through my sorority. Finally, I was an intern at Enterprise last summer and my supervisor recognized me for excellence in customer service, reliability, and ability to work well with others.
Sharon: What makes you interested in our management trainee program? Deb: I was originally drawn to Enterprise last summer when I attended a session your
company held on campus discussing the company. That presentation was so impressive to me, in terms of professionalism, and the way Enterprise really cares about the customer, that I interviewed for and was selected for the internship program. Now that I’ve done the internship and experienced the professionalism and customer service focus firsthand, I see why Enterprise was voted one of the top 100 companies to work for and I’d be honored to join the team. I see you are looking for a team player and that is one of my strongest traits.
Nonverbal Communication is
the ultimate deciding factor! Up to 93% of an employers’
decision to hire you takes place in the first 30 seconds,
before you talk! • Handshake • Appearance • Body language • Eye contact • Paralanguage (volume,
pitch, tone, hesitations) • Gestures • Body odor • Distracting nervous habits • Cell phone noises
Dress for Success
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n0DFwGy8wUg
Interview Aftermath…
Send a thank you email or card within 24 hours of the interview.
Reflect in a journal to be prepared for any upcoming interviews (fingers crossed!)
Allow time to pass, at least 2 weeks, before inquiring about the status
Do not put all your eggs in one basket. Keep applying to jobs until you receive and accept an offer.
Beware: Your online presence is public!
91% of employers use social media to screen potential job candidates! 76% will view your facebook account (despite privacy settings) 53% will view your twitter account (posts are archived) 48% will view your Linkedin account (this should be used for job search)
69% of employers have rejected candidates based on what is viewed!
Source: Reppler 2011
Drum roll please… Deb’s Top 10 Interview Do’s and Don’ts
Do’s Don’ts
10. Dress the part 9. Give examples. 8. Be professional with everyone you
speak to from the moment you walk in. 7. Ask well thought out questions at the
end of the interview. 6. Keep your answers brief but thorough. 5. Address all interviewers by Mr., Ms.
Dr., unless requested to do otherwise. 4. Attempt to be the best natural version
of yourself. 3. Send a thank you within 24 hours to
everyone you met. 2. Show enthusiasm! 1. Research, research, research
10. Arrive late. 9. Bring drinks or food into the interview. 8. Look at your watch. 7. Speak to the interviewer as you would a
friend.
6. Say anything negative about yourself or anyone else.
5. Appear either desperate, or overconfident. Find a balance.
4. Answer questions with just “yes” or “no.”
3. Fear being viewed as bragging. 2. Discuss time off, salary, benefits. 1. Lie
Deborah Sheffield, M.A. Senior Career Counselor/Academic Advisor
Student Center Suite 301 973-720-2441
Thank you Alumni! Any Questions???