A Guide to Job A Guide to Job InterviewsInterviews

Interviewing the next stage in Interviewing the next stage in your job searchyour job search

Now it’s time for you, in person, to show Now it’s time for you, in person, to show that you will be an asset to the companythat you will be an asset to the company

Interviewing comes down to two points:Interviewing comes down to two points: Your Your

QualificationsQualifications

&& Your PresentationYour Presentation

What is the role of an interview?What is the role of an interview?To the Job CandidateTo the Job Candidate

An opportunity to An opportunity to sell their abilities to sell their abilities to an employeran employer

An opportunity to An opportunity to show how they will show how they will contribute to the contribute to the company and satisfy company and satisfy client needsclient needs

To the CompanyTo the Company Is this person as capable as Is this person as capable as

their reference or resume their reference or resume implies?implies?

Does this person have the Does this person have the abilities, confidence, and abilities, confidence, and personality to fit with our personality to fit with our company and satisfy client company and satisfy client needs?needs?

Will this person stay with Will this person stay with the company long enough the company long enough to show a return on our to show a return on our investment? investment?

The Typical Interview ProcessThe Typical Interview Process

1.1. Introduction and Handshake Introduction and Handshake (Impression (Impression

Management)Management)2.2. Sharing of Amenities (Small Talk)Sharing of Amenities (Small Talk)3.3. Interview QuestionsInterview Questions4.4. Your Questions and final sellYour Questions and final sell5.5. You leave, make notes about the interviewYou leave, make notes about the interview6.6. Send Thank You within 24 hoursSend Thank You within 24 hours7.7. Follow-up at a reasonable or predetermined Follow-up at a reasonable or predetermined

timetime

The “YES” test The “YES” test The interviewer needs to answer “yes” to all three of

these questions to make YOU an employment offer:

Will YOUR persona fit with our:Will YOUR persona fit with our:

A) customer’s personality? A) customer’s personality?

B) company’s culture?B) company’s culture?

If YOU are hired, will you:If YOU are hired, will you:A) A) perform to meet customer needs and add value to our perform to meet customer needs and add value to our

company?company?

B) B) stay long enough for the company to receive a return stay long enough for the company to receive a return on their investment of training and $$$’s?on their investment of training and $$$’s?

Are you SOMEONE our company would want Are you SOMEONE our company would want representing them to prospective clients?representing them to prospective clients?

Preparing for the InterviewPreparing for the Interview Research and collect company informationResearch and collect company information Prepare your portfolio Prepare your portfolio Dress for SuccessDress for Success Plan your route to the interview – if you’re not Plan your route to the interview – if you’re not

10 minutes early you’re ten minutes late10 minutes early you’re ten minutes late Treat everyone with respect, especially parking Treat everyone with respect, especially parking

lot attendants and receptionistslot attendants and receptionists Prepare for and anticipate questions, plan your Prepare for and anticipate questions, plan your

strategy on how you will sell yourselfstrategy on how you will sell yourself

Practice! Practice!! Practice!!!Practice! Practice!! Practice!!!

What should be Researched?What should be Researched?The The companycompany

The position you desire and interview processThe position you desire and interview process

Products or services offered by the companyProducts or services offered by the company

The industry and competing companies, especially The industry and competing companies, especially the challenges facing the industrythe challenges facing the industry

Who you know that works at the companyWho you know that works at the companyFriends, family, university alumni, anyone from your Friends, family, university alumni, anyone from your

networknetwork

When is the best time of day to When is the best time of day to interview?interview?

According to the Department of Labor:According to the Department of Labor:

82% of people hired were interviewed 82% of people hired were interviewed between 9am and 11ambetween 9am and 11am

Only 2% were hired who interviewed Only 2% were hired who interviewed between 1pm and 2pmbetween 1pm and 2pm

What should be brought to an interview?What should be brought to an interview? First and foremost a positive attitude!!!First and foremost a positive attitude!!! A handshake that says you are confident in A handshake that says you are confident in

yourself and your ability to excel at this positionyourself and your ability to excel at this position A portfolio including: A portfolio including: Pen and PaperPen and Paper

Copies of your resume, specifically targeted to the Copies of your resume, specifically targeted to the companycompany

Copies of major projects/designs/research/writing Copies of major projects/designs/research/writing samplessamples

Copies of Honors/AwardsCopies of Honors/Awards A list of references or letters of recommendationA list of references or letters of recommendation A Day Planner/Appointment Book/Contact ListA Day Planner/Appointment Book/Contact List

Dress for Success!!!Dress for Success!!!

““It’s a fair estimate that nine out of ten of It’s a fair estimate that nine out of ten of today’s employers will reject an unsuitably today’s employers will reject an unsuitably

dressed applicant without a second thought”dressed applicant without a second thought”--Martin Yate--Martin Yate

author of author of Knock ‘em Dead 2000Knock ‘em Dead 2000

What to wear?What to wear? This may depend on the company, in doing This may depend on the company, in doing

your research, find out, visit the office ahead your research, find out, visit the office ahead of timeof time

Some technology companies allow casual Some technology companies allow casual dress, most financial institutions will require dress, most financial institutions will require business dressbusiness dress

Always dress to impress!Always dress to impress! (Leave a good (Leave a good impression, “not” a fashion statement.)impression, “not” a fashion statement.)

‘‘Never underestimate the powerNever underestimate the power of a of a “team”“team” uniform!’ uniform!’

Image Builders - Guidelines for MenImage Builders - Guidelines for Men Blue or Gray SuitBlue or Gray Suit Freshly polished black, Freshly polished black,

brown, or burgundy brown, or burgundy shoes shoes (Lace-up, slip-on, or (Lace-up, slip-on, or wing-tips, wing-tips, no loafersno loafers))

Belt that matches shoes, Belt that matches shoes, or braces or braces (only (only lumberjacks wear lumberjacks wear suspenders)suspenders)

Over the calf socks that Over the calf socks that match the suitmatch the suit

A wedding band is the A wedding band is the only appropriate ringonly appropriate ring

White, cream, or pale White, cream, or pale blue long-sleeved shirt blue long-sleeved shirt (always wear an undershirt)(always wear an undershirt)

Necktie that Necktie that compliments your suit compliments your suit (not the same color as the (not the same color as the suit)suit)

A chronological wrist A chronological wrist watchwatch

A gold or silver pen for A gold or silver pen for your shirt pocketyour shirt pocket

Image Builders - Guidelines for WomenImage Builders - Guidelines for Women Solid gray or navy suit, Solid gray or navy suit,

with a standard length with a standard length jacketjacket

(pants suits are rarely (pants suits are rarely considered acceptable)considered acceptable)

Hemline no more than 2 Hemline no more than 2 inches above the kneeinches above the knee

Long sleeve white or Long sleeve white or cream blousecream blouse

Pearls/scarf to Pearls/scarf to compliment the outfitcompliment the outfit

Shoes should be the Shoes should be the same or darker tone same or darker tone than skirt than skirt

Heel height is important Heel height is important as well as style of shoeas well as style of shoe

Hose -neutral skin Hose -neutral skin tones, always bring an tones, always bring an extra pairextra pair

Jewelry – less is moreJewelry – less is more A briefcase is a symbol A briefcase is a symbol

of authority and can of authority and can add to a professional add to a professional imageimage

Taboos of Interviewing Taboos of Interviewing AttireAttire Showing your personality Showing your personality

rather than your rather than your professionalismprofessionalism

Men wearing a black suitMen wearing a black suit Wearing a tie that matches Wearing a tie that matches

your suityour suit Loud or poor quality tiesLoud or poor quality ties Lack of attention to Lack of attention to

grooming (hair, nails)grooming (hair, nails) Wearing a tie tack or clipWearing a tie tack or clip Wearing shoes and belts Wearing shoes and belts

that don’t match in colorthat don’t match in color

Not dressing the part – Not dressing the part – wear a “team uniform”wear a “team uniform”

Wearing cologne or Wearing cologne or perfumeperfume

College related jewelry College related jewelry – rings, lapel pins, etc.– rings, lapel pins, etc.

Short hemlineShort hemline Carrying a briefcase Carrying a briefcase

and a purse (transfer and a purse (transfer the essentials)the essentials)

Overdone makeupOverdone makeup

Non-verbals: Non-verbals: Do you know, what you’re saying?Do you know, what you’re saying? Posture is importantPosture is important

No slouchingNo slouchingSitting upright will help project your voiceSitting upright will help project your voiceLeaning forward shows interestLeaning forward shows interest

MannerismsMannerismsAre you aware of any you have?Are you aware of any you have?If so what would they tell someone about you?If so what would they tell someone about you?

Eye contact, eye contact, eye contact!!!Eye contact, eye contact, eye contact!!! ““It’s not always what you say, It’s not always what you say,

but how you say it that counts!”but how you say it that counts!”

Standard Questions to prepare for…Standard Questions to prepare for…

Tell me about yourself?Tell me about yourself? What are some of your strengths?What are some of your strengths? What are some of your weaknesses?What are some of your weaknesses? Why do you want to work for XYZ Why do you want to work for XYZ

corporation?corporation? Where do you see yourself in 5 years?Where do you see yourself in 5 years? Do you prefer to work by yourself or as Do you prefer to work by yourself or as

part of a group?part of a group?

Personal QuestionsPersonal Questions

What three things are most important to What three things are most important to you in your job?you in your job?

In one word how would you describe In one word how would you describe yourself?yourself?

What accomplishment has given you the What accomplishment has given you the most satisfaction and why?most satisfaction and why?

What has been your greatest failure, why What has been your greatest failure, why did you fail, and what did you learn?did you fail, and what did you learn?

Behavior Based QuestionsBehavior Based Questions

Based upon the philosophy:Based upon the philosophy:

‘‘How you have handled events in the past How you have handled events in the past will determine (or predict) how you will will determine (or predict) how you will

handle similar events in the future.’handle similar events in the future.’

Remember bad decisions or events are Remember bad decisions or events are great examples to show what you have great examples to show what you have learned from the outcome learned from the outcome

Tell me about a time when…..Tell me about a time when…..

You handled a difficult situation with a co-You handled a difficult situation with a co-worker.worker.

Were creative in solving a problem.Were creative in solving a problem.Made a bad decision.Made a bad decision.Were forced to make an unpopular decision.Were forced to make an unpopular decision.You did not fulfill a commitment to someone.You did not fulfill a commitment to someone.You exceeded someone’s expectations.You exceeded someone’s expectations.You convinced others to utilize your ideas.You convinced others to utilize your ideas.

Questions about your educationQuestions about your education

How did you choose your major? How did you choose your major? Or what university to attend?Or what university to attend?

How has your education prepared you How has your education prepared you to work for XYZ company? to work for XYZ company?

Does your GPA reflect your ability?Does your GPA reflect your ability? What was your favorite course?What was your favorite course? What theory/philosophy has most What theory/philosophy has most

influenced your thought process?influenced your thought process?

Industry QuestionsIndustry Questions

What three trends do you believe will What three trends do you believe will influence the XYZ industry?influence the XYZ industry?

How do you see the XYZ industry How do you see the XYZ industry changing?changing?

How will technology change the XYZ How will technology change the XYZ industry?industry?

What do you believe the role of ABC What do you believe the role of ABC company is in this industry?company is in this industry?

Your understanding of the companyYour understanding of the company

What do you know about our company?What do you know about our company? What is the role of this position in the What is the role of this position in the

company?company? What are the company’s greatest strengths, What are the company’s greatest strengths,

weaknesses, opportunities, and threats?weaknesses, opportunities, and threats? What products or services does this company What products or services does this company

provide?provide? What is the demographic make-up or markets What is the demographic make-up or markets

that this company serves?that this company serves?

Gut wrenchersGut wrenchers

Why should we hire you?Why should we hire you? Why will you be an asset to this Why will you be an asset to this

company?company? What is the difference between What is the difference between

leadership and management?leadership and management? How are you different from all the How are you different from all the

other candidates?other candidates? Why will you be a good fit with our Why will you be a good fit with our

current employees?current employees?

Questions you may want to ask Questions you may want to ask an interviewer?an interviewer?

Does XYZ provide opportunities for on-going Does XYZ provide opportunities for on-going training?training?

Will this position have travel opportunities?Will this position have travel opportunities? What do you find most rewarding about working What do you find most rewarding about working

for XYZ company?for XYZ company? What industry/economic trends are influencing What industry/economic trends are influencing

how XYZ company is doing business?how XYZ company is doing business? When will a decision be made about this When will a decision be made about this

position?position? What are the opportunities for personal growth What are the opportunities for personal growth

and advancement with this company?and advancement with this company?

When concluding an interview When concluding an interview always answer this question, always answer this question, whether it’s asked or not….whether it’s asked or not….

‘‘What would be the three things we What would be the three things we should most remember about you should most remember about you

when making our decision?’when making our decision?’

““Remember that I am …and … and … Remember that I am …and … and … when you make your decision !”when you make your decision !”

Thank You notesThank You notes

Write and send within 24 hours of an Write and send within 24 hours of an interviewinterview

Can be typed or handwritten but keep it Can be typed or handwritten but keep it professionalprofessional

Let them know that you are interested in Let them know that you are interested in the positionthe position

It can be an opportunity to ask questions It can be an opportunity to ask questions you have thought about since the you have thought about since the interviewinterview

Last thing to do - EvaluateLast thing to do - Evaluate

What did you do right?What did you do right? What did you miss?What did you miss? Where or in what areas do you need to be Where or in what areas do you need to be

better prepared?better prepared? What questions caught you off guard?What questions caught you off guard?

SmileSmile and keep reaching for the final goaland keep reaching for the final goal

Employer turnoffsEmployer turnoffs Arrogance, or overt aggressionArrogance, or overt aggression Lack of self-confidenceLack of self-confidence Asking about salary or benefits too earlyAsking about salary or benefits too early DishonestyDishonesty Lack of questionsLack of questions Lack of knowledge about the Lack of knowledge about the

company/jobcompany/job Poor communication skillsPoor communication skills TardinessTardiness Prejudiced remarksPrejudiced remarks

Advice from local employersAdvice from local employers

Be yourselfBe yourself Be preparedBe prepared Be confidentBe confident Be honestBe honest Be positiveBe positive

Be specificBe specific Be conversationalBe conversational Be relaxedBe relaxed Be friendlyBe friendly Be graciousBe gracious

Interviewing SuccessInterviewing Success

SSee your goalee your goal

UUnderstand the obstaclesnderstand the obstacles

CClear your mind of doubtlear your mind of doubt

CCreate a positive mental picturereate a positive mental picture

EEmbrace the challengembrace the challenge

SStay on tracktay on track

SShow the world you can do it!how the world you can do it!