Ace Your First Professional Interview

1. Ace Your First Professional Interview Michael Elias melias@depaul.edu Appointments – 312.362.8437

2. The Importance of the Interview • Why do employers conduct interviews? • What are they hoping to assess from you in an interview?

3. Employers Need to Know…

4. Interview Planning and Execution Consider these steps when preparing for your interview: 1) Conduct a self-assessment 2) Research the company and employees/manager 3) Prepare questions for the interviewer 4) Practice interviewing 5) Know what you are worth

5. 1. Conduct a Self-Assessment 1. Evaluate and make a list of your current strengths and transferable skills 2. Compare these transferable skills to the job description if it is available 3. Review your resume and prepare a detailed example or short story describing each important aspect listed Click on View, Headers and Footer to change text footer.

6. Transferable Skills • Communication/Interpersonal Skills • Team Orientation/Teamwork • Customer Focus • Technical Knowledge/Related Experience • Flexibility/Adaptability • Problem Solving/Decision Making • Results • Leadership • Conflict Management Click on View, Headers and Footer to change text footer.

7. 2. Research Prospective Companies and Employees • Use the company websiteto research about: • Industry, Trends, History, Business services, Size, Culture, Achievements and Competitors • Be aware of any major developments within the organization and recent news • Other sources to use: • www.Linkedin.com – Research company and employees • Chicago Crain’s website - www.chicagobusiness.com

8. Prepare and Practice • 3. Prepare questions • Pull questions from your most recent research • Draw up a list of 5 or 6 questions to ask the employer about their company or position • 4. Practice interviewing • Review your resume and practice talking about your experiences you listed on it • Script out some specific examples that demonstrate your transferable skills and outline some of your key accomplishments • Set up an appointment with a Career Advisor or an ASK volunteer for a practice interview

9. 5. Know What You are Worth • Research salary statistics -- know average starting salary for the position you’re applying for • www.glassdoor.com www.collegegrad.com • www.payscale.com www.salary.com • www.cbsalary.com www.jobstar.org • Research what your degree is worth in the current market • Talk to your career advisor or go directly to: http://careercenter.depaul.edu/results/salary.aspx • If an employer asks about salary requirements give a range of what you are looking for (i.e. $35—40,000). Never state a bottom line Click on View, Headers and Footer to change text footer.

10. Different Types of Interviews • Phone Interviews • Face-to-face Interviews • Panel Interviews • Group Interviews • Skype Interviews Click on View, Headers and Footer to change text footer.

11. Tips for Successful Interviewing BEFORE the Interview: • Preparation: Review directions or test out the route for timing and confirming location. Also make time to plan your attire and have it ready • Clarification: Find out names and title(s) of interviewers and perhaps review profiles on company website. • Review: Review your resume and identify talking points of accomplishments • Process: Be prepared to fill out additional applications or screenings

12. Steps to Follow on Interview Day Making 1st Impressions Count! • Arrival • Arrive ten minutes early to observe company setting and complete any paperwork • Do not text/use phone while waiting, fidget, exhibit bad posture, or chew gum • Bring copies of your resume, a list of references and any portfolio materials to the interview • Setting the Tone – Beginning of Interview • Greet the interviewer with a firm handshake and create rapport with employer • Don’t slouch in chair, use positive body language (eye contact, gestures), and verbal feedback • Maintain Flow – Middle and Close of Interview • Display enthusiasm for position and interview by introducing your personality in interview • Focus on questions asked and clarify questions you are unsure about • Do not bring up benefits or salary – the interviewer should initiate conversations

13. During the Interview • Wait until you are asked to be seated • Maintain steady eye contact with all the interviewers • Listen carefully • Clarify • Convey confidence, not arrogance. • Control nervous ticks or distractive behavior • Project an open, straightforward impression • Give complete information with examples

14. Types of Interview Questions Traditional Interview Questions: • Interviewers are looking to gauge your responses to commonly asked interview questions surrounding your personality, work ethic, academics and experiences. • Answers should be concise and well thought-out based upon your knowledge and experience

15. Types of Interview Questions Behavioral Interview Questions: • The basic premise behind behavioral interviewing: past performance will predict future behavior in same situation • Many organizations determine whether a potential employee has the transferable skills to successfully perform the job • Behavioral questions require specific examples of past experiences which demonstrate the skills an employer is seeking Click on View, Headers and Footer to change text footer.

16. Behavioral Interviewing Question Example Question: “Give me an example of a time when you had to address an angry customer.” • Answer this question by stating specifics about the situation, details about how you handled it and the outcome – situation, action and result • Prepare for these types of interviews by developing descriptive examples for certain skills and competencies

17. STAR Interviewing Response Technique for Success in Behavioral Job Interviews

18. Other Types of Interview Questions You might also encounter these during an interview: • Situational Questions • Technical Questions • Case Questions • Brain Teasers Click on View, Headers and Footer to change text footer.

19. Closing the Interview the whole time ABC’s (Always Be Closing) • At the end of your interview, ask the interviewer the next steps in the interview process • Reiterate your interest in the organization. Tell them you want to work for them! • Ask the interviewer(s) for a business card, so that you can send them a thank you letter

20. After the Interview • Strengthen Final Impressions • Send a thank-you letter no later than 24 to 48 hours after the interview • Call or e-mail to inquire about the position status if you have not heard back • Call your references to share that they may be contacted soon • Reflection • Think of questions answered well and those you might answer differently in future • Consider your salary and benefits expectations • Be sure you know the competitive salary range for the position before you begin to engage in this process

21. Career Center Interview Preparation Resources Practice what you’ve learned – learn more about interviewing by attending the second workshop in this series, “Polish Your Professional Interviewing Skills” Practice online with Interview Stream: depaul.interviewstream.com Schedule a practice interview with Alumni Sharing Knowledge (ASK) Program via DePaul.Experience.com See sample interview questions and other interview preparation resources on the Career Center Website: careercenter.depaul.edu