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Effective Interviewing. Presented by Renee Burrell. Types of Interviews. Individual: Interview w/one person or different people individually Panel: The applicant is interviewed by a group of interviewers at the same time.
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Effective Interviewing Presented by Renee Burrell
Types of Interviews • Individual: Interview w/one person or different people individually • Panel: The applicant is interviewed by a group of interviewers at the same time. • Group: There is more than one applicant in the room. Typically interviewed by a panel • Meal: The interview takes place over a meal, typically lunch • Working: The applicant is put to work and observed.
Phone Interview • Schedule a time where you can give your complete attention • Take the phone call in a quiet place-preferably use a land line • Write down a few key points you want to mention and questions you want to ask • Keep a copy of your resume & job description near the phone • Smile and stay enthusiastic
Parts of an Interview • Greeting & Opening • Questioning & Probing • Evaluation • Your Questions/Interviewer’s Answers • Wrap-Up • Follow-Up
Greeting & Opening • Be on time (10-15 minutes early) • Make a good first impression, feel comfortable with small talk • Bring paper, pen, extra copies of resume in a portfolio (no backpack!) • Address interviewer by his/her name, use firm handshake, make eye contact • Dress professionally – appearance counts!
Questioning & Probing • Know yourself and your resume • Be able to answer why the organization should hire you over other candidates • Speak clearly & thoughtfully-be specific & concise • Research employer beforehand (Why are you interested in the organization?)
Types of Interview Questions • Informational (e.g. Please tell me about yourself or what was your favorite class) • Behavioral questions (Give an example where you resolved a conflict)
Improper Interview Questions • Age • Marital Status • Family Background • Race/Ethnicity • Religion • Disability • Photo
Evaluation • Employer will observe the following about you: • Personality/level of enthusiasm • Maturity • Communication Skills • Appearance • Skills/Experience
Your Questions • Have 3-5 questions prepared and written down (you might forget them) • Research the organization - know about any major news stories, special/unique services, recent changes • If a question comes up for you during the interview, add it to your list
Wrap-Up • Find out what next steps are and when you can expect to hear back • Ask if you may contact the company if you have not heard within that time frame • Make sure you know the interviewer’s name for follow-up (ask for business card) • Make a grand exit (smile, eye contact, firm handshake)
Follow-Up • Send a thank you letter, handwritten or typed, within a day or two after the interview • Be specific in what you talked about - no generic letters • If invited for a second interview, respond as soon as possible to the organization to let them know you received the correspondence
Second Interview • Try to ask in advance names and titles of people who will interview you and how you will be interviewed • Second interviews vary in length from half hour to full day of interviews, tours, tests/observation groups, etc. • You may have to repeat some information about yourself from 1st interview
Practice with sample questions Review specific achievements Visualization Prepare written notes Mock Interview How to Practice
Tricky Question #1 • Please tell me about yourself • Don’t discuss personal interests, where you grew up or family background • Explain your current situation (student, recent graduate, or current position if employed), past relevant experience, and future goals relevant to company • Provide 3 examples of strengths/abilities
Tricky Question #2 • What are your goals • Don't discuss your goals for returning to school or having a family, they are not relevant and could knock you out of contention for the job. • Connect your answer to the job you are applying for, i.e. learning/enhancing skills, taking on additional responsibilities, growing w/company, move from tech/assistant to management, join professional association
Tricky Question #3 • What is your greatest weakness? • Don’t say I don’t know, or I can’t think of one • Don’t give a cliché answer like I work too hard or I am a perfectionist • Don’t provide something personal like, I’m not a morning person • Instead think of a weakness you worked to overcome (W.A.R – Weakness – Action –Result)
STAR Method • Situation • Task • Action • Result