The Art of Interviewing

1. The Art of Interviewing Southern States University Career Services Department

2. What is an “interview?” • Essentially the interview is the final step in the hiring process. • It is the one-on-one/face-to-face to see if you are who you say you are. • Most importantly, it is the true first impression that will make or break securing the position.

3. Preparation is the key! • As with anything that is worthwhile – prepare ahead of time. • Review your resume and know the answer behind each point you have listed • Have a clear-cut answer to questions on: • Previous job responsibilities • Work environment of last position • Why you left last position • Why you applied for the position you are interviewing for

4. Things to consider… • Enthusiasm • Leave no doubt as to your level of interest in the job. • Employers often choose the more enthusiastic candidate in the case of a two-way tie. • Technical interest • Employers look for people who love what they do, and get excited by the prospect of tearing into the nitty-gritty of the job. • Confidence • No one likes a braggart, but the candidate who's sure of his/her abilities will almost certainly be more favorably received. • Intensity • The last thing you want to do is come across as "flat" in your interview.

5. A Basic Strategy • Interviews involves the exchange of tangible information, make sure to: • Present your background in a thorough and accurate manner • Link your abilities with the company needs in the mind of the employer • Build a strong case for why the company should hire you

6. A Basic Strategy • There are two ways to answer interview questions: • The short version • Depending on the question; a short concise answer is better. • The long version • Some questions are less open-ended and may require a longer in-depth answer. Hint: Try to keep answers to no more than minute to minute and a half in length. Don’t bore the interviewer.

7. When they ask you for questions… • Candidate questions are the lifeblood of any successful interview, because they: • Create dialogue • Clarify your understanding of the company and the position responsibilities • Indicate your grasp of the fundamental issues discussed so far • Reveal your ability to probe beyond the superficial • Shows your enthusiasm for the position

8. Typical Questions… • There are four types of questions they ask: • Resume questions • Verifying that the resume is yours, not someone else’s • Self-appraisal questions • Example: “What do you feel is your greatest asset?” • Situation questions • Concerning how would you act in certain situations • Stress or “psych” questions • Designed to evaluate your emotional reflexes, creativity under stressful conditions.

9. Hands-on Exercise • Using the handout of “Typical Questions” read through them and write out your answers • Take 6 minutes or so • Be prepared to read your answers aloud when called upon.