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Chapter 16 Interviewing and Following Up. Topics in This Chapter. Topics in This Chapter. Purposes of Interviews. Types of Interviews. Before the Interview. Ensuring professional phone techniques Invest in a reliable voice mail phone or service. Train people who might answer your phone.
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Chapter 16 Interviewing and Following Up
Before the Interview • Ensuring professional phone techniques • Invest in a reliable voice mail phone or service. • Train people who might answer your phone. • Beware of answering cell calls when unprepared. • Make the first conversation impressive.
Before the Interview Do your homework. • Researching the target company • Know the leaders, company products, finances, goals, competition, accomplishments, setbacks. • Interview employees, if possible. Consult relevant blogs. • Join the company’s Facebook page, and start following the company on Twitter.
Before the Interview • Preparing and practicing • Study the job description. How do your skills and accomplishments fit the position? • Practice answers to typical interview questions. Make your best responses automatic. • Rehearse success stories. • Prepare thoroughly.
Before the Interview • Preparing and practicing • Record a practice session. • Clean up any digital dirt. • Expect to explain problem areas on your résumé. • Decide how to dress professionally. • Cover tattoos and conceal body piercings. • Gather what you will bring with you.
Traveling to and Arriving at Your Interview • Allow plenty of time to groom and to travel to your appointment. • Be courteous to everyone when you arrive. • Greet the interviewer confidently.
During the Interview • Sending positive nonverbal messages • Control your body movements. • Exhibit good posture. • Make frequent eye contact but don’t get into a staring contest. • Use gestures effectively.
During the Interview • Sending positive nonverbal messages • Smile enough to convey a positive attitude. • Listen attentively. • Turn off your cell phone. • Don’t chew gum.
During the Interview • Sending positive nonverbal messages • Sound enthusiastic and interested – but sincere. • Avoid “empty” words – um, uh, like, basically.
During the Interview • Fighting fear • Practice interviewing as much as you can, particularly with real companies. • Know how you will answer the most frequently asked questions. • Be ready with your success stories.
During the Interview • Fighting fear • Take deep breaths, particularly before the interview. • Know that you are not alone. Everyone feels anxiety during a job interview. • Remember that interviewing is a two-way street. You are evaluating the interviewer and his or her organization. This thought should give you confidence.
During the Interview • Projecting a professional demeanor • Answer questions confidently. • Clarify vague questions: By ___, do you mean ___? • Focus on your strengths; do not reveal weaknesses. • Use correct English and enunciate clearly.
Kinds of Interview Questions • Questions to gauge your interest • Why do you want to work for this company? • Why are you interested in this position? • Questions to get acquainted • Tell me about yourself. • What are your greatest strengths?
Kinds of Interview Questions • Questions about your experience and accomplishments • Why should we hire you when we have applicants with more experience or better credentials? • How do your qualifications and experience prepare you for this position?
Kinds of Interview Questions • Challenging questions • What is your greatest weakness? • How would your former supervisor describe you as an employee? • Questions about the future • Where do you expect to be five years from now? • If we hired you, what would you do to fit in?
Kinds of Interview Questions • Situational questions • If you were aware that a coworker was falsifying data, what would you do? • If you had to handle an irate customer, what would you do? • Questions about salary • How much money are you looking for? • How much do you think you’re worth?
Kinds of Interview Questions • Behavioral questions • Tell me about a time when you solved a difficult problem. • Describe a time when you worked successfully as part of a team.
Kinds of Interview Questions • Illegal and inappropriate questions • What is your marital status? • Do you have any disabilities? • How old are you? • Where are you from? • Have you ever been arrested? • Do you have children? • How much do you weigh?
Using the STAR Method to Answer Behavioral Interview Questions • Behavioral interview questions may begin with Tell me about a time when you . . . . • To answer effectively, use the S T A R method:
Closing the Interview • Asking your own questions • What will my duties be? • What is it like working here, in terms of the people, management practices, workloads, expected performance, and rewards? • What training programs does this organization offer? • Who would be my immediate supervisor? • What is the organizational structure, and where does this position fit in?
Closing the Interview • Asking your own questions • What is the first problem that needs the attention of the person you hire? • How will my job performance be evaluated? • What do you like best about working for this organization? • When will I hear from you regarding my application?
Closing the Interview • Ending positively • Stand up and shake hands when the interviewer signals the end of the interview. • Find out what action will follow. • Ask, When can I expect to hear from you?
Closing the Interview • Ending positively • After his or her reply, say, If I don’t hear from you by then, may I call you? • Thank the interviewer. • Say goodbye to the receptionist.
After the Interview • Make notes on the interview as soon as you leave. • Alert your references that they might receive a call.
After the Interview • Write a thank-you letter to the interviewer. Remind the interviewer of your visit. Show that you really want the job and that you are qualified for it. • Call if you don’t hear from the interviewer within the specified time. By John S. Donnellan
