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Perfecting the Interview Process. Kathleen E. High, M.Ed., Adjunct Counselor Counseling Dept., Cypress College. Perfecting the Interview Process. Purpose Prepare Practice Presentation Positive Endings. Purpose. Your Objective – Get a Job Offer Convince Them:
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Perfecting the InterviewProcess Kathleen E. High, M.Ed., Adjunct Counselor Counseling Dept., Cypress College
Perfecting the Interview Process • Purpose • Prepare • Practice • Presentation • Positive Endings
Purpose • Your Objective – Get a Job Offer • Convince Them: • You are the Best Candidate • You Have What They Want • Be Prepared: Don’t Miss a Great Opportunity
Prepare • Review the Job Description and Duties • Research the Company: • Its Products, Services, and Customers • Its Strengths, Challenges, and Activities • Key People and Co-Workers • Organizational Structure, History, Culture • Know What They Are Looking For
Performance • How You May Be Interviewed: • Only Once or Multiple Times • Screening • Telephone/Online • Individual • Group or Committee • Follow Up – • To Narrow Down the Applicant Pool • Approval from Hiring Person’s Supervisor
Performance • Different Typesof Interview Questions: • Traditional / General • Behavioral Situation • Competency-Based • Identifies key competencies required of job or employer • Task or Performance • Stress • See how you respond to stress • Psychological • Assessing your mental/emotional stability
Performance • Types of Interview Questions • Behavioral – Situation How have you acted in employment –related situations in past? (i.e. past behavior predicts future behavior) • Response: STAR - Situation, Task, Action, Result • Provide real-world examples
Practice • Identify What Needs They Are Trying to Fill • Anticipate What Questions They Might Ask • Identify How Your Background Fits • Formulate Responses That Meet Their Needs – Not Yours • Identify Difficult Questions – Prepare Response • Practice & Practice Your Responses • Take a ‘Dry Run’ Drive the Day Before
Presentation • Dress Professional, Conservative, Current • Arrive 10 Minutes Early (no more) • Don’t Smoke, Chew Gum, etc. • You Are Being Observed from the beginning: • First contact (phone, email, online apps, etc.) • Internships • Arrival on the facility
Presentation (Cont’d.) • Observe Your Surroundings and Behaviors • Respect Everyone! • Be Mindful of Differences • Sell Yourself as the Solution
Professional Responses • Show Genuine Interest in the Position • Sell Yourself as the Solution to Their Problems • Tailor Your Responses to Their Benefit • Keep Things Positive – Don’t Complain • Give Specific Examples to Questions • Ask Intelligent Questions • Recap for Them Why You Are a Good Fit • Listen for a Clue That It Is Over & Accept It
Professional Responses (Cont’d) • Address Their Concerns: • Can You Do the Job? • Will You Do the Job? • Will You Get Along? • Will They Regret Hiring You? • What makes you stand out compared to the other candidates?
Positive Endings • When Closing the Interview: • Notice What They Say • Ask for Lead Time and Next Steps • Thank Everyone as You Exit • Debrief Yourself ASAP • Send ‘Thank You’ Letters to All • Politely and Respectfully Follow Up
Tools & Resources –On Campus • Career Planning Center • Computerized Programs • Links to Job Search/Resume Websites • Handouts, Books and Other Resources • Workshops (Handouts from Prior Available) • Career Counselor • Fullerton College – Workforce Center (Job Placement)
Tools & Resources –Off Campus • Local One-Stop Career Centers • Computerized Programs • Handouts, Books and Other Resources • Workshops • See Handouts • Career and Job Coaches for Hire • List of Job Search Websites
Handouts Available • Website Resources • “Tell Me About Yourself” • So How Do You Find Your Dream Job or Career?