“All the world’s a stage.” William Shakespeare (1564-1616)
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Transcript of “All the world’s a stage.” William Shakespeare (1564-1616)
Copyright ©2011 by Pearson Education, Inc.publishing as Pearson [imprint]Professionalism: Skills for Workplace Success, 2/e
Lydia E. Anderson • Sandra B. Bolt
INTERVIEW TECHNIQUES
Chapter 15
Copyright ©2011 by Pearson Education, Inc.publishing as Pearson [imprint]Professionalism: Skills for Workplace Success, 2/e
Lydia E. Anderson • Sandra B. Bolt
“All the world’s a stage.”William Shakespeare
(1564-1616)
Copyright ©2011 by Pearson Education, Inc.publishing as Pearson [imprint]Professionalism: Skills for Workplace Success, 2/e
Lydia E. Anderson • Sandra B. Bolt
OBJECTIVES
• Conduct company specific research for interview preparation
• Prepare a personal commercial to sell skills and tie them to a target job
• Identify pre-interview preparation activities including creating an interview portfolio and practice interview questions
Copyright ©2011 by Pearson Education, Inc.publishing as Pearson [imprint]Professionalism: Skills for Workplace Success, 2/e
Lydia E. Anderson • Sandra B. Bolt
• Describe specific statements and behaviors to exhibit at the close of an interview and job offer
• Discuss salary negotiation strategies
OBJECTIVES (cont.)
Copyright ©2011 by Pearson Education, Inc.publishing as Pearson [imprint]Professionalism: Skills for Workplace Success, 2/e
Lydia E. Anderson • Sandra B. Bolt
COMPANY SPECIFIC RESEARCH
• Conduct research prior to interview• Research better prepares you for interview,
increases confidence, and provides greater advantage over other candidates
• Sources include:– Company web site, brochures, materials– Internet search– Industry journals– Interviews with current employees and business
leaders
Copyright ©2011 by Pearson Education, Inc.publishing as Pearson [imprint]Professionalism: Skills for Workplace Success, 2/e
Lydia E. Anderson • Sandra B. Bolt
COMPANY SPECIFIC RESEARCH
• Identify as much as you can about– The target company– Its administrators– Department of the target job
• Identify if the company is the right fit for you and your career goals
• Share specific research information during the interview
Copyright ©2011 by Pearson Education, Inc.publishing as Pearson [imprint]Professionalism: Skills for Workplace Success, 2/e
Lydia E. Anderson • Sandra B. Bolt
THE PERSONAL COMMERCIAL
• Personal Commercial: a brief career biography that conveys your career choice, knowledge, skills, strengths, abilities, and experiences that make you uniquely qualified
• Sells skills and ties these skills to the target job in a brief two minute statement
• Adapt statement to the requirements for each target job
Copyright ©2011 by Pearson Education, Inc.publishing as Pearson [imprint]Professionalism: Skills for Workplace Success, 2/e
Lydia E. Anderson • Sandra B. Bolt
THE PERSONAL COMMERCIAL
• Do not include personal information such as marital status, hobbies, or other private information
• Include career objective information • Use personal commercial at beginning of
interview• Restate at end of interview• (Exercise 15-1, page 240)
Copyright ©2011 by Pearson Education, Inc.publishing as Pearson [imprint]Professionalism: Skills for Workplace Success, 2/e
Lydia E. Anderson • Sandra B. Bolt
THE INVITATION TO INTERVIEW
• Most invitations occur via phone or e-mail
• Regularly check and respond to phone and e-mail messages
• Maintain a professional voice mail message and e-mail address
Copyright ©2011 by Pearson Education, Inc.publishing as Pearson [imprint]Professionalism: Skills for Workplace Success, 2/e
Lydia E. Anderson • Sandra B. Bolt
THE INVITATION TO INTERVIEW
• Attempt to identify– With whom you will interview– How much time is scheduled for the interview– How many applicants are being called to interview
• Be friendly, respectful, and professional• Try to arrange interview at time that puts you at
advantage– First and last are most memorable– Morning is best
Copyright ©2011 by Pearson Education, Inc.publishing as Pearson [imprint]Professionalism: Skills for Workplace Success, 2/e
Lydia E. Anderson • Sandra B. Bolt
THE INTERVIEW PORTFOLIO
• Interview Portfolio: small folder containing relevant documents that are taken to an interview
• Use business portfolio or paper folder with pockets
• Include: copies of résumé, cover letter, reference list, generic application, and personal commercial
• Also include a calendar, note paper, a pen, and personal business cards
Copyright ©2011 by Pearson Education, Inc.publishing as Pearson [imprint]Professionalism: Skills for Workplace Success, 2/e
Lydia E. Anderson • Sandra B. Bolt
PRACTICE INTERVIEW QUESTIONS
• Important pre-interview activity• Practice answering common interview
questions in front of mirror or video camera (table 15-1)
• Analyze responses– Selling skills– Projecting professional image– Nervous gestures
Copyright ©2011 by Pearson Education, Inc.publishing as Pearson [imprint]Professionalism: Skills for Workplace Success, 2/e
Lydia E. Anderson • Sandra B. Bolt
PRE-INTERVIEW PRACTICE
• Practice day• Arrive at interview location (company)• Walk to specific interview office (do not go into
office)• Note nearest public restroom
• Interview attire—clean and professional• Thank-you notes (page 243)• Interview portfolio
Copyright ©2011 by Pearson Education, Inc.publishing as Pearson [imprint]Professionalism: Skills for Workplace Success, 2/e
Lydia E. Anderson • Sandra B. Bolt
THE DAY OF THE INTERVIEW
• Look in the mirror• Ensure professional appearance• If you smoke, refrain from smoking prior
to the interview• Arrive 15 minutes early• Go to the restroom and freshen up• Enter meeting location 5 minutes early
Copyright ©2011 by Pearson Education, Inc.publishing as Pearson [imprint]Professionalism: Skills for Workplace Success, 2/e
Lydia E. Anderson • Sandra B. Bolt
• Make every interaction positive• Introduce yourself to the receptionist• Be sincere• Take a seat and relax• Use positive self-talk
From the minute you enter the building, assume your interview has begun
THE DAY OF THE INTERVIEW
Copyright ©2011 by Pearson Education, Inc.publishing as Pearson [imprint]Professionalism: Skills for Workplace Success, 2/e
Lydia E. Anderson • Sandra B. Bolt
THE INTERVIEW
• Communicate confidence• Communicate how your knowledge, skills, and abilities
will be an asset to the company• Stand, extend a smile and handshake• Clearly and slowly state your name• Listen carefully to the individual’s name• The interview may be conducted several ways:
• One person • Several individuals (panel interview)• Testing
Copyright ©2011 by Pearson Education, Inc.publishing as Pearson [imprint]Professionalism: Skills for Workplace Success, 2/e
Lydia E. Anderson • Sandra B. Bolt
THE INTERVIEW
• Do not be seated until invited to do so• Decline a drink• After being seated, write down names• Inject names into conversation • Look for conversation cues
Copyright ©2011 by Pearson Education, Inc.publishing as Pearson [imprint]Professionalism: Skills for Workplace Success, 2/e
Lydia E. Anderson • Sandra B. Bolt
THE INTERVIEW
• Body language– Watch yours– Watch individuals conducting interview– Sit up straight, sit back in chair, and relax– Be calm but alert
• Keep hands folded on lap or ready to take notes
• Do not lean on furniture• Make eye contact, but don’t stare at the
interviewer
Copyright ©2011 by Pearson Education, Inc.publishing as Pearson [imprint]Professionalism: Skills for Workplace Success, 2/e
Lydia E. Anderson • Sandra B. Bolt
THE INTERVIEWWhen Asked a Question
• Listen carefully• Take a few seconds to think and digest
question• Formulate an answer• Answers should relate back to the job
qualifications and/or job duties• The goal is to convey to interviewer how your
skills will assist the company • Keep answers brief, but complete• Your job is to sell yourself• When possible, inject company information
Copyright ©2011 by Pearson Education, Inc.publishing as Pearson [imprint]Professionalism: Skills for Workplace Success, 2/e
Lydia E. Anderson • Sandra B. Bolt
THE INTERVIEW When Asked a Question (cont.)• “Talk about yourself” = personal
commercial• When possible, share job samples• When possible, share company
research findings• Do not provide personal information• Relate answers back to the target
job
Copyright ©2011 by Pearson Education, Inc.publishing as Pearson [imprint]Professionalism: Skills for Workplace Success, 2/e
Lydia E. Anderson • Sandra B. Bolt
PHONE INTERVIEWS
• First interview may take place over the phone
• Consistently answer phone professionally, keeping interview portfolio within easy reach
• During a phone interview:– Be professional and prepared– Be concise with communication– Be polite
Copyright ©2011 by Pearson Education, Inc.publishing as Pearson [imprint]Professionalism: Skills for Workplace Success, 2/e
Lydia E. Anderson • Sandra B. Bolt
INTERVIEW METHODS
• One-on-one interviews: involve meeting between applicant and a company rep
• Group Interviews: involve several applicants interviewing with each other while being observed by company reps
• Panel Interviews: involve applicant meeting with several company employees at the same time
Copyright ©2011 by Pearson Education, Inc.publishing as Pearson [imprint]Professionalism: Skills for Workplace Success, 2/e
Lydia E. Anderson • Sandra B. Bolt
TOUGH QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS
• Negative work-related experiences• Potentially devastating if not handled properly
– Fired– Poor performance evaluation– Poor/no job reference– Behaved in a negative manner prior to leaving old job
• If not asked, don’t disclose• Only exception is if current/former boss has potential
to provide a negative reference– Tell interviewer – Request another manager or coworker be contacted
Copyright ©2011 by Pearson Education, Inc.publishing as Pearson [imprint]Professionalism: Skills for Workplace Success, 2/e
Lydia E. Anderson • Sandra B. Bolt
TOUGH QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS
• Be honest• State the facts• Tell interviewer that you have matured and
realized that you did not handle the situation appropriately
• Do not speak poorly of current/previous employer, boss, or coworker
• Do not place blame on who was right or wrong
• Every experience is a learning experience
Copyright ©2011 by Pearson Education, Inc.publishing as Pearson [imprint]Professionalism: Skills for Workplace Success, 2/e
Lydia E. Anderson • Sandra B. Bolt
CLOSING THE INTERVIEW
• At close of interview, you may be asked if you have any questions
• Have question(s) prepared– Current event– Portfolio information – Do not ask selfish questions regarding salary, benefits,
vacations, or general company questions • Restate personal commercial• Ask for the job
– The purpose of the job interview is to sell yourself – An interview isn’t successful if you don’t close the sale
Copyright ©2011 by Pearson Education, Inc.publishing as Pearson [imprint]Professionalism: Skills for Workplace Success, 2/e
Lydia E. Anderson • Sandra B. Bolt
CLOSING THE INTERVIEW• Interviewer will signal that interview is over• Hand interviewer your personal business card• Secure a business card• Shake hands• Thank him or her for his or her time• Communicate confidence, friendliness, and
professionalism • Immediately after leaving the interview, write the
thank-you note• Make a positive last impression
Copyright ©2011 by Pearson Education, Inc.publishing as Pearson [imprint]Professionalism: Skills for Workplace Success, 2/e
Lydia E. Anderson • Sandra B. Bolt
AFTER THE INTERVIEW
• Deliver thank-you note• Congratulate yourself• Prior to leaving company property,
make notes• Evaluate impression of company
Copyright ©2011 by Pearson Education, Inc.publishing as Pearson [imprint]Professionalism: Skills for Workplace Success, 2/e
Lydia E. Anderson • Sandra B. Bolt
NEGOTIATION
• Should hear back from company– Second interview or job offer– Reference checks
• Call individuals on reference list • Interviewer may ask about salary requirements
– Sell skills– Conduct and compare research to job posting
• Start a few thousand dollars higher than your desired starting salary
• Consider experience and/or lack of experience• If offered unacceptable salary, use silence
Copyright ©2011 by Pearson Education, Inc.publishing as Pearson [imprint]Professionalism: Skills for Workplace Success, 2/e
Lydia E. Anderson • Sandra B. Bolt
WHEN YOU’RE NOT OFFERED A JOB
• Job search is a full-time job• Do not be discouraged• Evaluate résumé and cover letter
– Typographically or grammatical errors– Listed important skills that reflect needs
of job– Have someone review cover letter and
résumé • Make every experience a learning
experience
Copyright ©2011 by Pearson Education, Inc.publishing as Pearson [imprint]Professionalism: Skills for Workplace Success, 2/e
Lydia E. Anderson • Sandra B. Bolt
• Review each step in interview process– Grade yourself– Pre-interview preparation– Interview day appearance– Interview answers– Ability to interject company research
into answers• Maintain a good attitude
WHEN YOU’RE NOT OFFERED A JOB