Interviewing Skills

Interviewing Skills

Goals for Interview • Introduce & Sell Yourself • Who are you? • Skills and Strengths • Unique Marketable Qualities • Sell the Job • Interviewer’s Responsibility • Never Walk Away Empty-Handed • Next Steps

Interviews • Types of Interviews • Screening or Selection Interviews • Behavioral • Styles of Interviews • Directed • Nondirective • Stress

Preparation is Vital! • Analyze Yourself • Resume • Do your homework • Field • Organizations • School/program • What will they evaluate?

Stages of an InterviewStructured Much Like a Speech • Intro • Candidate & Job • Body of Interview • Questions • Closing • Reiterate Interest & Fit • Follow-up • Thank You Note; Assessment/Revision

Important Interview Elements Verbal Message Appearance Non-Verbal Message Questions Follow-up

How You Define Yourself Verbal Message • Your Skills & Experience Reiterate Resume with Examples • Your Interests & Goals Why This Job? Why This Company? Why Now? • Your Personality Flexible? Communicative? Pleasant? Team Player?

Verbal Message • Understand What They Want Flexibility, Quick Learner, Motivated, Team-player • Find Skills That Fit The Job Travel, Tutoring, Class Projects, Peer Training, Volunteering, Working on Campus/in Class • Prepare As You Would For Speech Identify Key Ideas, Support Ideas with Examples, Adapt to Audience, End Strongly • Use Speech Skills Be Concise, Listen Closely & Answer Question Asked, Pace Yourself, Reflect Enthusiasm, Strong Voice

Personality Cues Verbal Message • Show Courtesy to Interviewer • Not: “What can you do for me?” • Don’t Rely on Yes/No Answers • Be Careful of “Know it All Complex” • Positive, Not Cynical • Show Tolerance and Flexibility • Broad Interests • Low Pressure Personality Type

Work Habit Cues Verbal Message • Speak Well of Others • Show Initiative • Ability to Take Criticism • Moral Standards (Don’t Lie) • Willing to “Pay Your Dues” • Team Player

First Impressions = Lasting Impressions Appearance

Men Suits/Shirts Ties Shoes/Socks Jewelry Hair/Facial Hair Nails Women Suits/Blouses Skirt length Shoes/hosiery Jewelry Hair Nails Appropriate Interview Attire • Purse/Portfolio/Briefcase

Body Language Speaks Volumes Non-Verbal Message

Non-Verbal Message • Body Movement • Don’t Cross Arms—use gestures instead • Sit up Straight---Lean Forward • Use an Appropriate Sitting Position • Consider Spatial Use & Seating Arrangement • Vocal Usage • Sound Energetic & Enthusiastic • Reduce the Use of Filled Pauses

Interview Questions • Types • Credential • Experience • Opinion • Dumb • Behavioral • Legal

Questions • Why do you want to work here? • What kind of experience do you have for this job? • Tell me more about your last job. • What did you dislike/Why are you leaving last job? • What are your strengths? • What are your weaknesses? • Where do you see yourself in 5 years?

Questions • Why do you want to work here? Research Company * outstanding firm with reputable history (proof) * recent projects are similar to interests (give example) * recommended by a contact * size of company, corporate “culture”, values Not just looking for a paycheck--enjoy your work, proud of your profession and looking for a company that shares these values.

Questions • What kind of experience do you have for this job? Use characteristics in vacancy announcement Use interviewer’s intro to company/job ASK what projects you would be assigned to * Pull skills from previous jobs--even if unrelated (leadership, time management, work ethic) * Pull examples from academic work (related project? Technical knowledge demonstrated?)

Questions • Tell me more about your last job. 2-3 Key Points * What were your responsibilities * Challenges you overcame * What did you enjoy about it * Draw it back to current opportunity NEVER talk poorly of past experience/boss/company The world is smaller than you think.

Questions • What did you dislike about your last job? • Why are you leaving? * Short and positive answer. * Looking to apply different skills. * Looking to make greater contribution. * Opportunity was too great to ignore.

Questions • What are your strengths? Isolate high points from background * Time Management & Planning * Natural Curiosity & Desire to Learn * Strong Communication Skills * Work Ethic * Love Challenge--Finding Solutions * Working with Diverse Teams

Questions • Where do you see yourself in 5 years? Be honest--to a degree Leave the door open for “the right opportunity” Show desire to be team player & grow Dangerous Answer: “In your seat!”

Questions For Them Always have a question prepared. • Why is this vacancy available? • Who will I report to? What specific projects will I work on? Who will I work with from day-to-day? • What is the management style of my supervisor? • When did you join the company? What do you like best/like least about firm? • Describe the company’s culture? Are there many young people? What does the office look like at 6:00 pm? • Is there potential for growth?

Questions For Them • What has the growth pattern of the company been like over the past few years? • How often are evaluations given? • Is there a written job description for position? • How many individuals are being considered for the position? • What are the next steps? Is there a timeline for the decision? • Is there anything that concerns you about me? (GUTSY) DO NOT INQUIRE ABOUT SALARY

Follow-up • Confirm when they will be in contact • Reiterate interest in job • “Look forward to hearing from you.” • Get business card for everyone at interview • Send thank you note PROMPTLY. • Shows interest! • Allows chance to follow-up on issue • Handwritten--more personal • Typed--more polished • Complete a Self-Assessment

Other Hints • Arrive Early! • Introductions—More than a Hello • Name Usage—Follow lead • Listen and Observe Office • Laughter? • Many vacant desks? • A pleasant environment? • Ask to meet predecessor or former intern. • Thank Interviewers at close of interview

Interviewing Skills