INTERVIEWGuidelines and Techniques

Objectives

When to start preparing for the interview What you need to do in preparation Purpose of the interview When does an interview begin and end? Types of Interviews What to expect

Screening Interview

Pre-cursor to a first interview Used as a weeding out tool Usually short and direct questions

May ask about specific qualifications May inform you of benefits and pay which is

non-negotiable Commonly done via telephone,

computer, video conference If preliminary question still indicate a

possible good fit an interview is scheduled

Screening Interview Cont’d

Confirm location you will be interviewed at, including office or suite numbers

Get names of person or people you will be interviewing with

Ask if there is any essential information for navigating through buildings

Ask what you should bring any additional documentation with you (Resume is assumed)

Preparation

Know yourself Position you are interviewing for Skills, abilities, knowledge, and experience

Know the Employer Mission and Vision Industry, market, and competition The Customers or Targeted Population Company structure or organization

Where?

Directions An online mapping tool can assist with finding

directions Travel time Practice run Arrive 15 minutes ahead of time

Mission and Vision Statements

Values Example

What the Employer does?

Industry the production of an economic good or service

Customers Targeted population services or goods are

provided to Company Structure

Flat Structure Tall Structure

Poised and Professional

Proper Grooming

Proper hygiene Shower before you leave the house Brush teeth or use breath mints (not gum)

Clothing in good repair Dress to level of position or one level

higher

Dress for Success

LADIES GENTLEMEN

Neat, clean, well groomed hair

Minimal make-up Small earrings Jewelry – single

necklace, one ring, watch

Conservative blouse, dark suit, skirt, or slacks

Shoes – dark, clean, and conservative heels

Neat, clean, well-groomed hair

Conservative shirt or dark suit

When choosing a tie – be conservative

Always wear dark socks

Shoes – dark, clean, and conservative

Good Example

Arriving at the Interview

15 minutes early Greet everyone kindly Be courteous to everyone WHY??

The Interview

Types of Interviews

Typical Interview Interviewee and a singer interviewer

Panel Interview Interviewee and two or more interviewers

Group Interview Two or more interviewees

Behavioral Interview Questions focus on soft skills vs. professional

experience

During the Interview

Make eye contact and speak to all in the room

Speak clearly and avoid slang Keep answers concise and to the point Ensure your points are relevant and

clearly understood Pay ATTENTION to the interviewer’s

names and USE them when responding

Common Questions

Tell me/us about yourself

Keep answers short Tell about job experience and education Example:

My interest or experience in the field began around _____. I have studied this type of specialty area. My related education is/are _____. I have worked and/or volunteered for ______.

What are your strengths?

Skills, Abilities, and Experiences that relate to the job

Have at least three on hand that directly pertain to the position you are applying for Could be a company value Years of experience in the field Specialized education or training

What are your weaknesses?

Do NOT say anything negative Pick a weakness that is really a positive

Example: “I am a perfectionist. I really don’t like to quit until I get a car running just right.”

Example: “I’ve been told I occasionally focus on details and miss the bigger pictures, so I’ve been spending time laying out the complete project every day to see my overall progress.”

More examples

No College Education: I wish I wouldn’t have waited so long to obtain my college degree. I am currently attending _____ and I am on schedule to graduate _____.

Basic Computer Skills: I would like to be more competent with computers. I am currently taking as many free online classes in reference to Microsoft, Windows, and internet navigation as I can find.

Lack of Employment History: Due to my age I have not had the opportunity to develop a lot of employment history. I have been assisting/volunteering for as many places as possible to gain more experience.

What do you know about this company?

Do your homework before the interview Mission Statement and/or Vision

Statement You should know what the company or

business does Has company been in the news? (don’t

mention negatives) Who are key people you should know

about? Demonstrates you are genuinely

interested in the company

More Questions

What do you know about the job? Why should we hire you? What makes you standout from other

candidates? Can you work under pressure? Or can you give

an example of a time you worked under pressure. Why are you looking for employment or why did

you leave your last job? Why do you want to work at X Company? What relevant experience do you have? If your previous co-workers/supervisor were here,

what would they say about you?

More Questions

Have you done anything to further your experience?

What motivates you to do a good job? Are you good at working on a team? Tell me a suggestion you have made that was

implemented. Has anything ever irritated you about people

you worked with and how did you handle it? Is there anyone you just could not work with? Tell me about any issues you’ve had with a

previous boss.

Do you have any questions?

Keep it general and work related It can be challenging when an interviewer

starts with explaining company and position which are great questions to ask

Other questions include: How soon are you looking to hire? Can I have a business card? What does a typical day entail?

Wrapping up the Interview

Ask appropriate job related questions Obtain business cards Thank the interviewers Smile and be gracious all the way out the

door

Following the Interview

Send Thank You Cards within 1 – 2 days following the interview

Thank you cards addressed to interviewers individually

Meaning one note per interviewer Keep note brief Refer to specific things the interviewers

said during the interview Reaffirm how you can add value to the

company NO grammatical or spelling errors

More Information

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