answering tough interview questions workshop_2

Answering Tough Interview QuestionsUndergraduate Business Program Career ServicesKenan-Flagler Business School

Introductions & Agenda

• Presenter– Samara Reynolds, Assistant Director of Career Services

• Students in Attendance

• Plan for Today– Analyze– Attack– Practice

What are your least favorite or most challenging interview

questions to be asked?

4 Tough Questions

• Tell me about yourself.

• Walk me through your resume.

• What is your greatest weakness?

• What questions do you have for us?

“Tell Me About Yourself.”

• Sales Pitch

• Be creative, but use simple, direct language

• Display confidence and competence, not

arrogance

• 30-Second Commercial/Elevator Pitch

Tell Me About Yourself: Approach

• Focus on value you bring via:– Interest(s)– Experience(s)– Skills– Personality– Enthusiasm

For some inspiration, here are some of the top skills employers value most in new hires,

according to NACE (2015):

Elements of TMAY Answer• Hello, my name is __________ and I am completing a

__________ degree in ___________ at UNC-Chapel Hill with a minor in _________.

• I am interested in a career in (or position as a) __________ in the ___________ field (industry).

• I have been involved (during college) in __________ and developed skills in __________. I have also held an position (employment/student leadership) with __________ and discovered that I really enjoy __________.

• I am _______________ (strengths, personality).

• I appreciate the opportunity to talk with you about my fit for _________ (role) today.

Intro/Academics:

Your Interest:

Relevant Experience&

Skills:

You as a Person:

Statement of Gratitude:

Practice

• Design your own answer to the TMAY question, using the type of internship or job you may be applying for next to set your framework.

• Read aloud to a peer near you (30 sec. each), then provide/receive feedback.

“Walk Me Through Your Resume.”

• Similar to TMAY

• Telling your story in a succinct and intentional way

– Chronological + Thematic

• Aim for 2-3 minutes max

Practice

• Using our Sample Resume, how would you “walk someone through” to highlight experiences and relevant skills for a consulting role after graduation (in 2-3 minutes)?

“What is Your Greatest Weakness?”

• Not trying to make you look or feel bad• Looking for humility, reflection, dedication,

perseverance • “Area for improvement”• What to pick

– No deal breakers– No fake* weaknesses – Consider knowledge or skill gaps instead of flaws

• Focus: HOW ARE YOU WORKING ON THIS?

Practice

• Select one of your weaknesses and describe how you have been working to improve in that area.

• Peer practice – 1 minute each + feedback exchange

What Questions Do You Have for Us? • Shows you:

– A) Did your research– B) Are thinking seriously about working there– C) Respect your interviewer

• Come up with 3-5 questions about (any of these):– Your Interviewer (their experience, opinion)– The organization (culture, pathways)– The role (clarifying, expanding)– The industry (trends, news, insight)– The process (timeline for decision, start date pref.)

Moving Forward• Test out your answers ahead of time

• Practicing and perfecting [tough] interview answers sets you up for success for the rest of the conversation

• Bring questions with you to the interview

• Mock Interview Opportunities – BCC & UCS