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Interview Skills. Tutorial. This tutorial will introduce you to the three phases of the job interview, the types of interviews used by employers, and the qualities that employers said impressed them most during the interview. The Purpose of an Interview.
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Interview Skills Tutorial
This tutorial will introduce you to the three phases of the job interview, the types of interviews used by employers, and the qualities that employers said impressed them most during the interview.
The Purpose of an Interview • To give the employer an opportunity to learn about you, your qualifications and experience, and to decide if you are the best person for the job. • To give the job seeker an opportunity to learn about the company, the position, its duties and expectations and to convince the employer that he/she is the right person for their organization. • Point where hiring decisions are made. • Screening tool for future interviews.
Three Phases of an Interview • Before • During • After
Phase #1: Before • Know Yourself • Know the Employer • Appearance • Timing
Before: Know Yourself • Think about how your interests, skills, education, experience, and values fit in with the type of organization and position for which you are being interviewed.
Before: Know the Employer • Researching potential employers enables you to ask well informed questions and to see how you fit in the organization. • Researching potential employers is expected by interviewers.
Get a good night’s rest Choose an outfit that doesn’t wrinkle easily Avoid loud colors Avoid low cut blouses Avoid short skirts Avoid clanging jewelry, excessive make-up, and bold fragrances Avoid sandals and open-toed shoes Avoid character ties Be sure hairstyle is neat Be sure that your teeth are clean and your breath is fresh Be sure shoes are clean and polished Be sure facial hair is neatly trimmed Before: Appearance
Before: Timing • Know the exact time and location of the interview. • Do a dry run prior to the interview to find accessible parking and entrances. • If you are using public transportation, allow time for the inevitable. • Arrive 15 minutes early to freshen up hair and clothes.
Phase #2: During Most interviews will include the following structure: • Greeting / Opening • Small Talk • Questions & Answers • Closing
During: Opening • The interview begins once you step into the outer office, so be nice to everyone you meet. • Refrain from fidgeting or spreading out your belongings (e.g., coat, umbrella).
During: Small Talk • Enter and greet the interviewer with a smile, good eye contact and firm hand shake. • Always refer to the interviewer by their name (e.g., Mr. Brown). • Keep a good posture, place feet firmly upon the floor, and put your belongings in your lap or next to your chair.
During: Questions & Answers • Listen to questions carefully. • Answer questions in a brief, concise manner. • Relate all answers to the job and your skills. • Mention examples and results of your past work.
During: Questions & Answers • Take notes. • When it’s your turn, ask questions, for this shows responsibility and alertness. • Previously prepared questions will impress the interviewer even more. * for a complete list of sample questions, refer to our Successful Interviewing Strategies guide
During: Closing • Clues to indicate the interview is ending • The interviewer may rustle papers, look at his/her watch or pack up his/her belongings. • The interviewer will state that he/she has all the information needed. • The interviewer will stand. • Thank the interviewer, by name for their time, shake their hand, smile, and say goodbye.
Phase #3: After This is the final phase of an interview. It includes two components: • Follow-Up • Evaluation
After: Follow-Up • Jot down important notes about the job and the organization. • Send a thank you card or note or email to the interviewer. • A phone call is good also.
After: Evaluation • Take the time to evaluate the interview experience. • What would you do differently? • Where can you improve? • What were your impressions? • What can you expect next? • Are you still interested in the position?
Types of Interviews The interview is the last segment in the selection process. Employers use interview styles that assist in revealing those attributes of the candidate that are most essential for the job and most beneficial to the organization.
Exploratory/ Information Panel Group Sequential Stress Behavioral Telephone Screening Second Multiple Meal Testing/Performance Fly-In Cyber For more information refer to our Successful Interviewing Strategies guide. Types of Interviews
Verbal skills Enthusiasm Appearance Honesty / Integrity Preparedness Professionalism Past experience Self confidence Eye contact Manners / Etiquette Positive attitude Sense of humor Did You Know?Qualities that employers said impressed them the most about a candidate during the interview.
Good Luck on Your Interviews! The End If you have questions, please contact Career Services via the “Talk to a Career Counselor” link on our website or give us a call at 410-871-3305