Interviewing 101

Interviewing 101 You got yourself in the door… now it’s time to WOW them!

Interview Skills

The Lead-Up: On the Day: • Application form • Research completed • Cover Letter & Resume submitted • Reference Check • A professional response to an interview request • Full night of sleep scheduled before the interview • Extra copies of your resume • Copies of your references (separate) • Proper attire • Confidence • A handshake that seals the deal! The “fake it until you make it” part!

THE HANDSHAKE • http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0JE5OsVnPvk • Let’s make a circle and practice handshakes • Firm but not rough • Good eye contact • Smile • Polite and professional greeting

Step One – Know your Target • Step Two – Know Yourself • Step Three – Practice • Step Four – Arrive Early • Step Five – Dress the Part • Step Six – Make a GREAT First Impression • Step Seven – Answer Well • Step Eight – Ask Questions • Step Nine – Be Yourself • Step Ten – Follow Up Interview Skills – 1 to 10

Research the company • Prepare by asking yourself questions • Practice your answers • Bring an extra resume • Arrive 10-15 mins early • Dress Appropriately • Maintain eye contact • Be Positive • Be Honest • Sell yourself • Be Assertive • Show you’re a team player • Follow up Interview Do’s

Don’t be unprepared • Don’t ramble • Don’t give “yes” or “no” answers • Don’t be rude • Don’t neglect your appearance • Don’t criticize anyone • Don’t lie • Don’t name drop • Don’t make excuses • Don’t be too aggressive • Don’t be indecisive http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=U4D1hhDWunQ Interview Don’ts

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=42nef47wOjM Social Media and Professionalism

Samples of Traditional Interview Questions • Tell me about yourself. • What are your strengths and weaknesses? • Why did you apply for this job? • What jobs have you enjoyed the most? The least? Why? • Do you prefer working with others or by yourself? • What do you know about our company? • What qualifications do you have that make you think that you will be successful in this position? • What academic subjects do you like the best? Least? • Samples of Behaviour Interview Questions • Give me an example of a time when you did more than was required in your job. What was the result? • Describe the most stressful situation you have encountered. How did you handle it? What was the outcome? • Describe a situation where you wished that you had behaved differently. What was the outcome? • We’ve all had to work with someone who was difficult. Tell me about the most difficult situation that you have experienced and how you handled it. What was the result? • How do you define doing a good job? • Tell me about the most enjoyable job you’ve had. What made this job so enjoyable? • Tell me about a situation that occurred as a result of a lack of communication. • Have you ever had to rely on information given verbally in order to carry out your task? Give some examples. Did this ever cause a problem? • What is the difference between these two types of interview questions? Interview Questions

The abstract or obscure • If you were an animal which would you be and why? • How would you move Mount Everest? • Why are man-hole covers round instead of square? • What is the purpose of these questions? • Story from my friend who works in HR Interview Questions

Let’s practice talking to people about ourselves first – without the added pressure of having to sell ourselves to a potential employer • Let’s make our inside/outside circle again Practice

Steps to Success: • Look over the sample interview questions • Answer each question personally on a separate piece of paper • Practice with a peer (take turns being the interviewer and the interviewer • Why should you prepare questions in advance when you are not sure exactly what you will be asked? - Personal examples • Note: You will be evaluated on your interview skills with me VERY SOON! Time to Practice…

Interviewing 101