How to be Interviewed

1. How to be Interviewed Southwest Minnesota State University Career Services, BA 156 507-537-6221 www.southwestMSU.edu/CampusLife/CareerServices

2. Objectives • Learn how to quickly attract an interviewer’s interest by matching your skills, interests and experiences with the requirements of the position • Gain skills in how to answer key questions asked by interviews • Learn how to ask the right questions • Learn some techniques for follow up • Practice interviewing in a “structured rehearsal” and get feedback

3. 3 Stages of the Interview Process • Preparing for the interview • The actual interview • The follow up All of these stages are crucial to getting an offer! Less than 1% of people conduct any research prior to the interview

4. Preparation will help you… • Market your strengths • Match your skills and experiences with the position • Gain confidence • Increase communication skills and polish interviewing responses “If you don’t know where you are going---you might end up somewhere else.” Source Unknown

5. Research the Position • What skills are required? • What knowledge will the interviewers be looking for? • What experiences are needed to perform this position? You can find this information online, in the job description or through your contacts at the company.

6. Research the Company • Find out the mission statement of the company? • Read press releases and news articles? • Look over the company’s website? • Find out the company’s work culture? • What is the history of the company? • Who owns the company? • What are the company’s major products, services and competitors?

7. Research Yourself • What are your strengths? • What are your opportunities for improvement? • How does your education support the position you are seeking? • What are your short and long term goals? • What are your interests? • What awards/recognition have your previously received • What are your experiences?

8. Match Yourself to the Position Ask yourself the following questions: • How do your strengths and education relate to the position? • How will your skills and experiences make you successful in the position? • How do your short and long term goal relate to the company? • How do you “fit” the needs of the company? • What benefit can you bring to the company?

9. Practice for the Interview What you say and how you say it will help determine if you get the position “What you Say” Interviewers look to see if you have the skills they need based on your answers. “How you Say It” Interviews pick up on your non verbal communication. Tone, Pitch, Posture, Eye Contact, Dress, etc.

10. Behavioral Interviewing What is Behavioral Interviewing? • The philosophy behind behavioral interviewing is that past performance is an accurate predictor of future performance • The questions force you to give specific examples of experiences that demonstrate particular skills • Examples….

11. Preparing for Behavioral Questions • Determine the skills the employer is seeking • Remember your research of the position • Refer to the Skills & Traits handout for examples • Formulate examples from work, internships, classes, team involvement, community service, etc.. • Pick examples that demonstrate skills the job will require

12. Answering Behavioral Questions The process of answering these questions is very important. Tip: Use the STAR approach. Briefly give the… • Situation or Task • Action • Result or outcome

13. “Canned” Questions Canned questions are standard questions that interviewers use to determine general information about a candidate • Match your responses and experiences to the needs of the employer. • Identify your skills and abilities that “fit” with the position and the company

14. Frequently Asked Questions • Tell me about yourself. • What two or three accomplishments have given you the most satisfaction? Why? • What are your top three strengths? Weaknesses? Give me an example of each. • What are your short and long term goals? • Tell me about a time you have failed? • Give me an example of how you’ve dealt with a difficult customer?

15. Questions to Ask Interviewer Develop a list of thought provoking questions to ask the interviewer: • What is the most challenging aspect of the position? • How do you see this position growing over the next couple of years? • What kind of opportunities will I have to grow within the company? • How would you describe your management style? • What kind of training and development opportunities do employees have? • DO NOT ask about the salary on the first interview

16. The Actual Interview First impressions are critical for the interview! Fast Facts • On average the interviewer makes a decision on the candidate within the first 4 minutes • 95% of the time, the initial decision did not change by the end of the interview • Interviewers seek information to substantiate their first impression

17. Things to Remember • Carry a professional folder and non click pen • Bring extra copies of your resume • Bring reference page • Have 3-5 written questions for the interviewer • Arrive 10 minutes early • Dress professionally; no perfume/cologne • If appropriate, bring your portfolio • The rule of 13 “Whether you think you can or think you can’t—you’re right.” Ford

18. Do’s and Don’ts • Give a firm handshake • Answer the questions asked—both succinctly and honestly • Make good eye contact • Be confident and enthusiastic—smile • Ask the interviewer for a business card (for follow up) • Don’t fidget • Avoid “We” and “They” Statements—The interviewer is interested in what you’ve accomplished

19. Do’s and Don’ts • Don’t speak to quickly • Don’t speak to loudly or softly • Don’t ask about salary at the first interview • Match your answers to the research you’ve done about yourself, the position and the company Remember…the company is interviewing you but you are also interviewing the company

20. The Follow Up Now the interview is over…you can do one more thing to show the employer you are interested in the company and the position. • SEND A THANK YOU • Formal letter • Thank you note • Email *99% of the population neglect to send a thank you note*

21. Thank you Letters Guidelines for writing a Thank You Letter: • Make sure your letter is concise and to the point • Double check for spelling and grammar errors • Spell the interviewer (s) names correctly (use the business card you requested to verify spelling) • Refer to the “Thank You Letter Guideline” handout

22. Follow Up Call When to make the follow up phone call: • If you have some additional questions about the position or company OR • If the date the interviewer has indicated they would follow up with you has past, you may contact them

23. Need Practice? • Schedule a practice interview with a Career Counselor at Career Services • Stop by BA 156 or call 507-537-6221 • Watch Interviewing Tips and Prep Videos • Go to: SouthwestMSU.edu/CampusLife/CareerServices • Click on: • Practice on Interview Stream • Go to: SouthwestMSU.edu/CampusLife/CareerServices • Click on: