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Interviewing 101

Interviewing 101. Interview Checklist. What to Bring Portfolio with paper and pen Job description Resumes/References Questions for the interviewer Master resume to reference for company application, if necessary Show and Tell items—publications, writing samples, etc. Interview Checklist.

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Interviewing 101

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  1. Interviewing 101

  2. Interview Checklist • What to Bring • Portfolio with paper and pen • Job description • Resumes/References • Questions for the interviewer • Master resume to reference for company application, if necessary • Show and Tell items—publications, writing samples, etc.

  3. Interview Checklist • What to Wear For Most Interviews • Well-fitting conservative suit • Clean and pressed clothes • Shined shoes • Subtle accessories • Dark socks for men • Neutral hose for women with skirts • Minimal make-up • Clear or light nail polish • OR, Rule of Thumb: Dress Slightly Better Than Those You Will Be Interviewing With

  4. Pre-Interview Prep • Research Organization/Industry—know trends, news, standards, projects, competitors, alums • Find out who you are interviewing with • Know the job description inside and out • Know your resume cold, be able to walk through it • Have an answer ready for: Tell me about yourself • Know your top 3 strengths related to position

  5. Pre-Interview Prep • Know how YOU fit with the organization • Know areas where you might improve • Research and practice typical questions • Line up your recommenders • Prepare a list of questions to ask • Prepare portfolio materials if applicable • Read the newspaper to have topics handy for small talk

  6. Types of Interview Questions • Behavioral (Uses past behavior to predict future behaviors) • Open (Tell me a little about…) • Closed (Factual/technical, yes/no answer—support with examples) • Hypothetical (What would you do if…) • Leading (This position requires good writing skills, do you have good skills in this area? Don’t give yes/no, give examples) • Multiple Part (Ask to have it repeated if you can’t remember all of the parts!) • Case-Based (Problem-solving and analytical skills) • Test-Based (sometimes tests are part of interview process, e.g. PMF)

  7. Pre-Interview Prep • PREPARE several STAR STORIES for behavioral interview questions: • Give an example of a time you motivated others. What was your strategy? • Describe a situation in which you took a strong lead. • Tell us about a recent conflict you had to deal with, and how the problem was resolved. • Tell us about a time when you had too many tasks on your plate. How did you handle it?

  8. Pre-Interview Prep • STAR = • Situation • Task • Action • Results

  9. Pre-Interview Prep • What is a STAR Story? • A narrative • A reflection of your creative ability • A reflection of your level of self-awareness • A reflection of your logic patterns • An indicator of your communication skills

  10. Pre-Interview Prep • You Choose the Story! • Closely related to studies/field/work experience • Positive result • Demonstrates your competence • Demonstrates leadership, teamwork • Highlights knowledge, skills, experience • Exhibits some personality!

  11. Pre-Interview Prep • Research and Prepare Answers to Traditional Interview Questions • How would you describe yourself? • What are your long-range and short-range goals and objectives? • What do you see yourself doing five years? Ten years? • Why did you choose Yale School of Forestry & Environmental Studies for your Masters degree?

  12. Pre-Interview Prep • PRACTICE INTERVIEWING! • OptimalResume Module • In front of mirror • Mock Interviews • With friends

  13. Screening? One-on-one? Group? Skype?Case? What Kind of Interview Is It?

  14. Types of Interviews • Screening • Group • Lunch/Mealtime • Phone • One-on-one • Informational • Videoconference/Skype • Follow-up

  15. Physical Presentation Tips • Be comfortable with what you’re wearing • Don’t carry a lot of baggage • Be aware of strength of cologne or perfume • Give a nice firm handshake with dry hand • Sit upright in chair, don’t slouch, drape your arm across the chair next to you, lean on interviewer’s space • Don’t be too stiff, stay relaxed • Be aware of nervous habits (nail biting, hair twirling, etc.) • Have good eye contact • Speak clearly

  16. During The Interview Tips • Small talk before interview: Smile, contribute and show interest in the topic, regardless of whether or not you truly care • Expect to talk roughly 60% of the time/40% employer • Ask for clarification if you don’t understand a question • It’s okay to pause to formulate an answer before speaking • Remember to use calming breaths if feeling anxious • If an opportunity arises, show your portfolio items

  17. The Wrap Up • Ask your prepared questions or others that come up • Ask about next steps and timetable • Express, or re-express your interest in the position and organization • Thank the interviewers

  18. Questions Interviews Cannot Ask You • You cannot be asked to answer questions structured to obtain information regarding your • Race • Gender • Religion • Marital Status • Age • Physical/mental status • Ethnicity • Country of Origin • Vital Statistics • Sexual Orientation • Family Status

  19. Questions an Interviewer Can Ask You • Are you able to work the hours/travel schedule required? • Are you able to perform the requirements of the position as outlined? • Are you legally authorized to work in the US? • Have you ever been convicted of a crime?

  20. Eight Common Interview Mistakes • Failed to make good impression: dressed poorly; ignored business etiquette; failed to show enthusiasm • Did not know basics of company, industry, available job or interviewer • Failed to present an effective resume • Failed to demonstrate a fit for position • Inadequate answers to common and open-ended questions (unprepared)

  21. Eight Common Interview Mistakes • Failed to adequately address concerns about clear weaknesses • Did not satisfactorily explain periods of unemployment • Couldn’t explain relevance of non-traditional work experience to the job --from Dr. Shel Leanne, How To Interview Like a Top MBA

  22. Following Up • Thank you note, either hand-written or email, to EVERY person interviewed with. Personalize notes to specifics of conversation. For higher level positions with large interview committees, long and detailed thank you notes are called for • Depending on the information you got regarding process, follow up with HR Dept. regarding status of your application within a reasonable timeframe • If you said you would send an article or a contact, be sure to do so!

  23. Remember… • Everyone gets nervous at an interview • There is no foolproof formula! • You are interviewing the employer as much as they are interviewing you • Everyone makes mistakes--don’t beat yourself up for saying something wrong • Every interview is a learning experience!

  24. Resources • OptimalResume Interview Practice Technology • Mock Interviews with Communications Coaches for International Students • Mock Interviews with CDO Staff • CDO Website • Interview Palooza at FES, Friday, January 21, Kroon 321 • 9-10a, Expert Panel, No Registration Necessary, All Welcome

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