Strengthening your Interview Skills

1. Strengthening your Interview Skills

2. Congratulations!You got the interview! Three key steps: • Pre-Interview Research • Matchmaking • First Impressions

3. Pre-Interview Research • Research the company and industry • Ask for a detailed job description • Research the salary for this type of position

4. Pre-Interview Research • Really know your strengths, attributes and assets – be honest with yourself • Anticipate what questions might be asked, i.e. Behavioural-based questions • Make sure that you have questions to ask at the end of your interview – Examples? • Take notes to reflect on this interview to prepare for a possible second interview

5. What should you bring… • Portfolio • Extra resume • The job description/advertisement • A list of questions to ask employer • Pad of paper and pen

6. In 7 seconds…an interviewer can form impressions about you! • Be on time…arrive 10 minutes early • Professional appearance • Be positive and try to make others feel comfortable • Treat everyone with courtesy • Show openness

7. Getting Started – First Impressions • Greet the interviewer • Smile • Introduce yourself • Shake hands firmly • Use eye contact • Relax !!!

8. First Impressions…..con’t • Don’t forget; Employers make a judgment of you within the first few seconds • Project qualities such as posture, enthusiasm, interest, motivation, flexibility and willingness to work • Speak slow and clearly • Make frequent eye contact with interviewer

9. Structured Interview • Welcome from Human Resources • Overview of the interview – timing & format • Review of resume • Behavioural and Work experience questions • Closing questions from employer • Candidate’s questions and wrap up

10. Laissez-faire Interview • Welcome and small talk • Random questions • Uses resume to stimulate questions • Questions not clearly related to position requirements • Feels very unsure!!

11. During the Interview • Don’t worry about being nervous – this is expected • Interview begins with small talk to help you relax • You have to prove that you have the skills and attitude required for the position

12. Types of Questions • Informational…knowledge of terms, previous duties, facts, what you have learned in your program • Introspective…what do you like/dislike, what environment works best for you, what are your strengths & weaknesses

13. Types of Questions… con’t • Hypothetical or Situational…what would you do if, what would happen if • Behavioural…ask you to give examples of situations you have faced and how your responded

14. What do they want to know? • You and your experience • Your previous achievements • Your interest in the job and knowledge of the company • Your motivation and commitment • Your ability to fulfill specific job requirements

15. Behavioural Based Questions • Focus on real life situations rather than hypothetical ones • Best predictor of future behaviour is past behaviour • Focus in on ‘soft skills’ or emotional competencies • Prepare by developing brief stories from your past

16. Possible Interview Questions • Tell me about when you had to go the ‘Extra Mile’ to make a client/supervisor happy. • Why do you want to work here? • What can you do for us that another candidate may not? (unique skill) • What is the most difficult situation you ever faced? • Can we check your references?

17. Questions NOT to ask • What does this company do exactly? • How much sick time do I get? • How long do I have to work before I get a raise? • As Well: Don’t criticize past employers

18. Analyze the questions during the interview • What emphasis does the interviewer seem to be placing on skills, knowledge or personality traits and attitudes? • Analyzing the questions can help you focus your answers more.

19. Tips… • Send a thank you letter promptly after the interview. • If you don’t get the job, ask for feedback. • Participate in a mock interviews with another person to get practice and get comfortable.

20. Interview Points

21. Questions???