INTERVIEW WORKSHOP

1. INTERVIEW WORKSHOP

2. INTRODUCTION Table of Contents • Introduction • Preparation • Typical Questions • The Interview • Receiving Offers Resumes and cover letters get interviews; interviews get jobs Interview Workshop

3. PREPARATION Interview Workshop

4. Preparation Overview • Time spent preparing and practicing for interviews is critical • People who take this seriously are the ones who get the job • Interview skills are learned through preparation and practice • Most people get nervous when thinking about interviews • Even people who are energetic and personable need work • There is no substitute for interview experience • The more interviews you do the better you will get Interviews can be fairly “high-stakes” so it makes sense to prepare as much as possible ahead of time Interview Workshop

5. Preparation Research Company and Industry • Thoroughly research the company you are interviewing with • How does the company position itself? • What are its major products/services? • How big is the company? • Where does it have offices? • Has the company been in the news recently? • Spend time researching the industry • Be able to demonstrate at least a basic knowledge • Great research sources include… • Company website (career and investor relations sections) • College alumni currently employed at the company A lack of basic knowledge about the company you are interviewing with make it seem like you are not interested in the opportunity Interview Workshop

6. Preparation Understand the Position • Understanding the position you are interviewing for is important • This will help you craft your “story” during the interview • Read all materials available to you • Career section of company websites • Job postings • Attend company presentations and career fair booths • Companies often track attendance • Attendance can help you secure an interview • Talk to college alumni at the company, if possible • If necessary, call an HR contact to ask for clarification Interviewers will want to know WHY you are interested in the position Interview Workshop

7. Preparation Craft Your “Story” • It is important to prepare your “story” before an interview • Why do you want to work in this field? • Why would you be better than someone else for this job? • How has your experience brought you to this point? • Identify 3-6 points you want to get across in the interview • These should reinforce the themes of your story • Think through examples you will use to back the points up • Draw on many different aspects of your experience • Have multiple examples for each point you want to make Taking time to craft your story will make it easier for you to answer questions and help the interviewer remember you after you leave Interview Workshop

8. Preparation Practice and Rehearse • Prepare answers to all obvious questions • Why are you interested in the industry? • Why are you excited about this particular company? • Why should you be hired over others interviewing? • Write out answers to make things come out more easily • Practice reading your answers out loud • Refine them as you practice • Review the list of questions included in this packet Writing answers out ahead of time will help you organize your thoughts During the actual interview, try to make your answers conversational – do NOT memorize them word for word Interview Workshop

9. Preparation Think About What to Wear • Think about what you will wear for your interview ahead of time • Leave yourself time to get things dry cleaned if necessary • Try to gauge the style of dress from company presentations • Wear a suit unless you have been told to wear business casual • Black pants and a nice sweater set or collared shirt • Pantsuits may be more comfortable than skirt suits • Wear only closed-toe shoes • Women should wear subtle jewelry and make-up • Go light on styling products and perfume • Get a haircut if needed Be conservative with your dress and appearance – you don’t want people to remember you for the wrong reasons Interview Workshop

10. TYPICAL QUESTIONS Interview Workshop

11. Typical Questions Overview • Background questions • Help the interviewer get to know you • Company/industry questions • Test your interest level in the position • Behavioral questions • Examine your past behavior to predict future performance • Technical questions • Test whether you have the required skills for the job • Fit questions • Help determine if you would “fit in” to the office culture • Common questions • Easy to ask and provide specific information It is important to understand the different types of questions interviewers ask As discussed, preparation is the key to mastering ALL of these questions Interview Workshop

12. Typical Questions Background Questions • Interviewers will often begin the interview with these questions • Background questions are often open-ended… • “Why don’t you walk me through your resume?” • “Why don’t you tell me a little bit about yourself?” • Some background questions are more specific… • “How did you decide where to go to college?” • “What made you decide to major in marketing” • Answers reveal more than just your background • How do you make big decisions? • Why are you qualified for this job? Background questions are the best way to tell your “story” Interview Workshop

13. Typical Questions Company/Industry Questions • These are often asked near the beginning of an interview • Questions will likely be short and straightforward… • “Why are you interested in this company/industry?” • “Why are you qualified for this position?” • “Why are you interested in this position?” • “What separates our company from our competitors?” • You should have answers to these questions planned ahead of time • Answers should be concise, but convincing Use these questions to continue the “story” you crafted – why do you want to work for this company? Interview Workshop

14. Typical Questions Behavioral Questions • Human Resource departments love these questions • Questions will likely be very specific… • “Describe a creative/innovative idea that you produced which led to a significant contribution to the success of an activity or project.” • “What was the most difficult decision you have made in the last six months? What made it difficult? What variables did you consider? What did you decide? What was the result?” • These questions are easy to prepare for • Think up examples to use ahead of time • Draw on your professional, social and educational experiences Make sure you provide SPECIFIC examples when answering these questions Being vague will dilute the effectiveness of your answer Interview Workshop

15. Typical Questions Technical Questions • “Front line” employees will often ask these questions • Questions will definitely be very specific to your job… • “How do you calculate a WACC?” • “What are the four P’s of marketing?” • Few people like to give technical interviews • If you satisfy the interviewer he/she will likely move on • Give concise, confident answers • If possible, always “hold back” for the follow-up It is important to answer these questions with confidence, but don’t be afraid to admit when you don’t know the correct answer Interview Workshop

16. Typical Questions Fit Questions • Fit questions usually come toward the end of the interview process • Questions are designed to examine your personality • “What do you like to do in your free time?” • “What was the last book you read?” • “If you could choose a historical figure to have dinner with, who would it be and why?” • You need to pass the “Flight to Tokyo Test” • Don’t be controversial or “far out” with your answers • Answer honestly and enthusiastically Interviewers want to make sure you would be a fun person to work with Interview Workshop

17. Typical Questions Common Questions • Interviewers love to ask these “crutch” questions • It is best to familiarize yourself with the most common questions • “Why should I hire you?” • “What are your biggest strengths?” • “What are your biggest weaknesses?” • “What would your friends say about you” • Prepare an answer to the biggest weakness question ahead of time • You should be able to list three real weaknesses in an interview • Try to demonstrate how you have worked to improve on them You will get asked at least one common question during your interview processes Interview Workshop

18. THE INTERVIEW Interview Workshop

19. The Interview Before the Interview • Be sure to bring extra copies of your resume, paper and a pencil • Get someone to check your appearance before you leave • Arrive at the company at least 15 minutes early • Remember the interview starts as soon as you arrive • Be friendly and courteous to everyone, especially admins! The only thing in life you can ever truly control is your attitude – Be confident, have enthusiasm and try to relax! Interview Workshop

20. The Interview Beginning the Interview • Smile and introduce yourself clearly • Remember your non-verbal language and verbal cues • Have a firm handshake as it shows confidence • Be sure to make eye contact • Always use good grammar • Wait to sit down until your interviewer offers you a seat You never get a second chance to make a first impression Interview Workshop

21. The Interview Answering Questions • Try to be concise when answering questions • Don’t be afraid to ask, “Is that what you were looking for?” • Try to frame your answer • Be willing to say “I don’t know” • Don’t try to bluff the interviewer • If you have to say this, make a positive point as well • Express confidence you can learn whatever it is • Be as honest as you can – it comes across and makes life easier • Once an interviewer has established you are qualified the rest is “fit” • Would be a pleasant addition to the office? • You can’t just be qualified and smart, you must be liked The most important thing to do during an interview is be yourself Interview Workshop

22. The Interview Ending the Interview • Ask lots of questions at the end – three at a minimum • Follow-up questions show you think on your feet • Do not just sprout memorized questions • Good questions to use at the end of an interview include... • “Tell me about one of your typical days?” • “Why do you like working for/in this company/industry?” • What is the culture like at this company? • Tell the interviewer of other offers or deadlines you have • Ask the interviewer about next steps and timelines • If the interviewer did not give you a card, ask for one at the end • Shake hands and thank the interviewer for his/her time Always thank your interviewer for his/her time – even if you think the interview went poorly Interview Workshop

23. The Interview After the Interview • Send a thank-you e-mail, preferably that day • Try to refer to something you discussed in the interview • E-mails should be short and polite • Proofread, proofread, proofread! • If you don’t hear from someone in a short time, politely call or e-mail • Interviewers are often very busy • The hiring process is easy to fall through the cracks • Try to find the right balance, you don’t want to be too aggressive • Keep track of the questions you were asked • Keeping notes can help you improve for other interviews Thank-you emails can help the interviewer remember you, but they can also destroy your chances if you don’t proofread! Interview Workshop

24. RECEIVING OFFERS Interview Workshop

25. Receiving Offers Negotiation • It is best NOT to negotiate for internships or entry-level positions • You are an unproven quantity with no leverage • Small “asks” (start dates, moving expenses) are the exception Trying to negotiate at this point in your career can create more problems than it is worth Interview Workshop

26. Receiving Offers Accepting and Declining Offers • Do this in person (i.e. not by voicemail or e-mail) • It is ok to leave a voicemail asking for them to call you back • Wait until you receive written notification before you accept an offer • Accept an offer before you decline others, just in case • Be ready to give reasons why you are declining an offer Never burn bridges because you never know where your career will take you Interview Workshop

27. Receiving Offers Legal Issues • Many companies will do a background check before hiring you • Alert companies ahead of time to ANYTHING that may come up • Report anything worse than a speeding ticket • Even if you are not required to disclose it, you should report it • Think carefully about how to disclose it and to whom • In most cases you will be fine if you let them know ahead of time Employers will want to know you are honest and they will respect that Interview Workshop

28. CONCLUSION Interview Workshop

29. CONCLUSION Questions • Any questions? • Materials available at www.vcs.nu/fyf-interview/ Please check your hand-outs for additional information including sample interview questions Interview Workshop