Interviewing Techniques

1. Interviewing Techniques Interviewing is a mutual exchange of information. Open communication between the employer and job candidate facilitates the effectiveness and productiveness of the interview. Your main objective is to communicate information about your skills and qualifications clearly and accurately. You need to relate this information to the requirements of the job for which you are interviewing. It is important that you seek additional information about the position and employer. This process will benefit you in deciding whether the position is an appropriate fit. The interviewer’s main objective is to assess how closely your qualifications match the requirements of the position and company.

2. Preparing for the Interview Successful interviews require preparation. Since employers are able to sense how prepared a candidate is, it is crucial that you commit sufficient time and energy to this process so you are able to articulate your best qualifications. Here are some suggestions:

3. Practice answering questions you may be asked in the interview. Thinking and rehearsing your responses in advance will help you more effectively articulate the most important information you want to communicate. • Prepare questions to ask the interviewer that reflect your knowledge of the position and company. • Write down the time and place of your appointment and the name of the person interviewing you. Get good directions and visit the site prior to the interview.

4. Practice cont. • Wear professional attire that is appropriate for the position. First impressions are important! • Bring extra copies of your resume in a folder or briefcase and have your papers arranged for easy reference (resume, references, transcripts, and portfolio). • Do your homework on the company and on the role the job has within the organization. • Find out before you show up whether you’re likely to have to take a test on skills and abilities, and if so practice before you go.

5. Interviewing Tips • Be on time, • Let the interviewer take the lead in the conversation. • Tell the employer about your skills, training, experience, and personal habits • Give specific examples to communicate your skills. • Ask the interviewer questions • Never slight a former employer, colleague, teacher, or institution. Avoid Debating the interviewer. • Don’t let the interviewer dominate you or keep you constantly on the defensive. • Don’t apologize or offer excuses for shortcomings • Emphasize what you can do for the organization. • Be alert to signals from the interviewer that it is time to end the session. • Don’t discuss salary until you have an offer. • Send a follow-up thank you letter or note immediately after the interview.

6. A Few Tips for Answering Tough Interview Questions • “Tell me about yourself.” • “Tell me about yourself.” • “What are your weaknesses?” • “Tell me about a time where you had multiple tasks to do and how you accomplished them.” • “What motivates you at work?” • “Why do you want to work here?” • “Why did you leave (or wish to leave) your past (present) employer?” • “What are your goals?” • “What are your goals?”

7. STARR • Situation: Describe the specific situation. Set up your story. • Task: What was the task you were trying to accomplish? Tell who, what, when, where, and why (include only relevant details!) • Action: What did you do to solve the problem or meet the task? • Result: Specify results. What happened? Give #s, 5, volume, $s, wk., yr., etc. • Relate: Link the skills you were demonstrating in this example to the specific job. Tell how the employer is going to benefit from hiring you.

8. Questions to ask an interviewer • Please describe a typical day on the job. • What personal qualities, skills, or experience would help someone do well in this position? • What do you see as the greatest challenge in this position? • To whom would I report? May I meet my supervisor? • What opportunities exist for professional growth and development? • Can you explain the performance review process, or how I would be evaluated? • What makes your organization different from your competitors? • Describe the typical first year assignments for this position. • What, specifically, are you looking for in the candidate you hire for this position?

9. Dressing for the Interview: Tips for Men • Suit for a business professional conservative environment - dark conservative suit in solid, pinstripe, or • subtle plaid. • Blazer for an informal business casual environment – coordinated sport coat or blazer with khakis, • chinos, or gabardine trousers. • Shirts – long-sleeved dress shirt in solid colors such as white, cream, or light blue are preferred • Necktie – medium width silk ties in solids, stripes, and small patterns. Tip of the tie should touch the top • of the belt. • Shoes & Socks – dressy slip-ons and lace-up shoes in black, burgundy, or dark brown. Dark color or • neutral over-the-calf socks coordinated to trousers. White sport socks and athletic shoes are out of place • even in a casual business environment. • Belts & Accessories – leather belts in black, burgundy, or dark brown to match trousers or shoes. Avoid • flashy cufflinks, rings, or neck chains. If wearing an earring (or several), remove it before the interview. • Trim-styled watch with leather or good-quality metal band. Wedding bands and conservative rings are • appropriate, but limit one per hand. • Hair, Skin & Fragrance – hair should be clean and neatly combed. No five-o’clock shadow, facial hair • should be groomed and trimmed. Go light on after shave products and avoid colognes. Cover tattoos.

10. Dressingforthe Interview: Tips for Women • Matched-skirted suit for a conservative business professional environment – conservative suit in neutral colors or understated plaids. Skirt length no shorter than slightly above the knee, no longer than just below mid-calf. • Unmatched suit for an informal business casual environment – jacket and pants or skirt in coordinating colors and fabrics. Skirt no shorter than an inch above the knee, no longer than just below mid-calf. • Blouses – Solid colors or small, subtle geometric patterns and florals. Avoid sheer fabrics, oversized prints, frills, ruffles, straps, or plunging necklines. • Shoes – Medium to low heeled pumps, no open toes or slings, opt for shoes in black, navy, taupe, or dark brown leather. Shoe color should match or be darker than hemline. Neutral-colored stockings to match or compliment skin tone. • Belts & Accessories – Belts in neutral colors no more than an inch wide. Limit jewelry to small pieces in gold or silver; pearls are also appropriate. No dangling earrings and only one pair per ear. Good quality rings limited to one ring per hand. • Plain round-face or tank-styled watch with leather or clasp-style metal band. • Hair, Makeup, & Fragrance – Hair should be natural color, or at least look that way. Wear longer hair pulled up or back and away from your face. Go light on makeup and avoid perfume. Cover tattoos.