Interview Preparation

1. Interview Preparation Laura Barnes Paley, UCSO

2. Employer�s Perspective Leadership Analytical Teamwork Adaptability Initiative Major/industry skills Networking Fairs, presentations Resume drops & follow-ups Interviews Assess fit: seal the deal What they look for When they look for it

3. Common Types Behavioral Past behavior predicts� Case Telephone Panel Site visit 2nd rounds, off-campus interviews

4. Preparation is Key Applications ALWAYS read instructions (CSJ) Company research #1 comment from recruiters Personal information

5. Effective Company Research What do you need? Products/services History & culture Company mission & goals Key financials Organizational structure (subsidiaries, etc.) Where do you find it?

6. Resources Vault guides Hoover�s Online Wet Feet Glassdoor.com CareerSearch Periodicals (WSJ, FT) Industry journals Professional associations Informational interviews

8. Typical Interview Component Time Introductions 2 minutes Employer questioning 15-20 minutes Applicant prepared questions 5 minutes Closing 3 minutes

9. Getting Into the Interview Be on time Everything counts� Travel light Body language Eye contact Handshake Posture Confidence

10. Dress: What Employers Say

11. Read the Interviewer�s Style Let them lead Watch their body language Make eye contact Try to match the tenor of the recruiter

12. Tell me about yourself. Elevator speech goes here! Often the interview kickoff Remember key items Name, major, grad date, other relevant experiences Practice Especially the wrap up

13. Even Better� Create your professional narrative What challenges are you looking for? What�s your plan? Relate to job description What skills are they asking for? How do you demonstrate these from your experience?

14. Employer Questioning Understand the Real Question Listen carefully Clarify what is being asked Determine the desired skill Demonstrate your ability to perform

15. Interpreting Questions Tell me about a new approach you wanted your team to take. How did you handle it? What skill/competency is the recruiter asking about?

16. Interpreting questions Leadership What makes a good leader? Recognize an opportunity Energize/engage others Set direction/make decisions Achieve results Develop your own answer demonstrating these criteria NOTE: What did YOU do?

17. Predictable Questions Write STAR response for every question you anticipate and key strengths

18. Why do you want to work for us? S/T I�m looking for X, Y, & Z in a company A Research from web showed� A Informational interview with alum there.. A Met Joe at presentation and �. R This is the company I want to work for

19. What is your biggest weakness? Choose one that is not critical for the position Tell them what you are doing to improve this weakness Skill-based, not behavioral

20. Delivery is Important Don�t Panic Be succinct � 60 seconds Practice wrap-up Watch terminology

21. Prepare Your Own Questions Prepare at least 3-6 questions. Demonstrate company/industry knowledge Show your attention to the interview Connect with recruiter personally Avoid questions in round 1: Pay Benefits

22. Examples The banking industry has seen a lot of consolidation, what is XYZ doing to prevent from being acquired? You mentioned X is an important attribute in this position. What else do you think is critical? Can you share with me your career path and what you feel are keys to your success? What keeps you with/brought you to this company?

23. Closing the Deal Thank them Differentiate yourself Remind them that you want the job, and why you�re the best fit. Send thank-you letter within 24 hrs. Pay attention to details Timeline Follow up procedure

25. Laura Barnes Paley laubarne@indiana.edu GOOD LUCK!