the internal interview

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The Internal Interview

How To Put Your Best Foot Forward

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The Internal Interview

Purpose of the Interview

What to expect during the interview process

How to put your best foot forward

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Purpose of the Interview

For the Selection Committee to evaluate the candidate’s fit for the position.

For the candidate to evaluate the position for fit with their personality and career goals.

Selection Committee Candidate

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What To Expect During the Interview

To be questioned about your work experience and education as it relates to the position.

To be evaluated in respect to personality fit for the position.

To be tested to see if you have the core competencies to be successful in the position.

To be given a chance to ask questions of the selection committee.

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Too many of us miss out on the job we have wanted for so long because we did not represent our skills and experience to the best of our abilities.

These days, you can’t just show up at an interview without doing your homework first and expect to ace it.

To make sure that you are as prepared as possible………

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Research

Review

Rehearse!

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Research

• Research the job, the department and the College by going to the web site. Read the 5 Year Strategic Plan, the Departments website and anything else you can find.

You will want to be able to answer the following: how the department fits into the plan and how does the position help the department reach the goals set out in the plan.

• Call Human Resources and ask for a copy of the Job Description.

• Talk to people in the area of the job to get feedback on the position, the managers style and the work environment

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Review

1. Review the job description and job posting and write down the skills, education, competencies and experience that are required for the job.

2. Review your skills, education, experience and accomplishments that are applicable to the job you are applying for.

3. Write out a T graph and on one side list the jobs requirements and on the other map your skills, experience and accomplishments to them.

They Need I’ve Got/Done

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Review

• Develop an example of past situations where you have shown those skills, behaviors or competencies.

BE SPECIFIC! Give facts, figures, dates, where, when and how.

• Write out the examples. This not only crystallizes and organizes your thoughts, but logs the details in your mind.

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Behavioral Interview

Behavioral interviewing is based on the premise that the best way to predict future behavior is to determine past behavior.

This technique is designed to minimize personal impressions that can effect the hiring decision, by focusing on actions and behaviors, rather than subjective impressions.

Instead of asking how you would behave in a particular situation, you will be asked to give an example of how you did behave in the past to the same kind of situation.

You will be asked to provide details. This is why you have written out all those examples in the first place.

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Behavioral Interview Examples

1. The person in this position needs to be innovative and proactive. Can you describe some things you have done to demonstrate these qualities?

2. What examples can you cite of your ability to apply prudent judgment in a delicate situation.

A. Why was the situation delicate?B. What did you do?C. Why did you do it?D. What was the outcome?

3. Give an example on how you dealt with an irate student/client.

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4. Tell me about a time when you had a major conflict with another employee.

A. What was the cause of the conflict?

B. What things did you do to alleviate the problem?

C. What were the results?

5. Give me an example of your involvement in a successful team effort.

A. What role did you play?B. Why was the effort successful?

6. Tell us about a time when you were feeling overwhelmed in your job?

A. What were the circumstances?

B. How did you handle the situation?

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7. Please give us an example of a time when you had to make a decision to satisfy a client, but when you were unable to consult with a manager. Be specific.

8. Please tell us about a time in your work history in which your manager has assigned you with a number of tasks. Explain how you prioritized them and your rationale for doing so.

9. Would you please describe your organizational skills and provide us with concrete examples which demonstrate these skills?

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Other Difficult Interview Questions

1. What key accomplishments can you cite that suggest you are an excellent candidate for this position?

2. Please describe your key strengths

A. What two or three major accomplishments best demonstrate your key strengths?

3. Each of us have areas where we could improve performance. In what areas could you improve your overall performance?

4. You’re aware of the qualifications for this position. Could you outline how your experience fulfils these qualifications?

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Rehearse

Rehearse your answers for the difficult types of question until you have them down pat.

Rehearse your accomplishments until you know them inside out and backwards. You want to be able to highlight any skill or competency that you think can be thrown at you.

Rehearse the interview in your head. All the great athletes visualize success before they go and compete. Do the same, play the interview in your head and see yourself confidently answering all those questions easily. By the time you actually are interviewing, it will be like an old hat, as this is at least the fourth time you've gone through it.

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Body Language and Speech Skills

Dos Smile

Make eye contact

Firm handshake

Sound enthusiastic

Sound confident

Sit up straight

Don’ts Mumble your answers

Be a low talker

Cross your arms in front of you

Don’t touch your face or play with your hair

Avoid nervous habits, such as tapping your fingers

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Final Preparation

Expect the unexpected……..– Bring extra copies of your resume (just in case)– Plan for an early arrival– Double check your appearance (dress to impress!)– Have a list of references available– Bring your notes and a pen– Relax

the internal interview

Documents