Basic Interviewing Skills

Presented by: Camille G. MasonBall State University - Career Center

Why is this Important?

Writing a good resume is a waste of time without good interviewing skills

Candidate Selection: 50% based on skills

and qualifications 50% based on a

company’s assessment of you

The 3 Attributes in Top Talent

First Interview (Screening)

Usually 30 mins Location can vary:

On campus At company site Off site

Method can vary: In person Via Phone Via video conference or the web SKYPE

Interviewers

Number of interviewers: Usually one Could have multiple ppl

May have greeters: On campus At company Share insights with you Many times greeters are BSU alumni or

recent hires

Before the Interview: Preparation Research the company,

industry and position Identify key

requirements of the job Determine the questions

you will most likely be asked

Develop answers for both expected and unexpected questions

Before the Interview: Preparation

Speak to someone in the company and/or industry (i.e.: LinkedIn Groups, Vault)

Know yourself: resume, strengths, weaknesses and interests

Pull together relevant projects, writing samples, etc. to bring with you (i.e.: portfolio)

Do a practice interview with one of our career advisors

Prepare typed references

Before the Interview: You got the Notice!

Get the name, title and email address of the interviewer

Confirm the date, time and location Don’t be afraid to ask for directions

or parking information Do a dry run (travel to location) to

confirm directions and parking

Before the Interview: Professionalism Purchase or prepare proper

clothing in your 2nd semester sophomore OR 1st semester junior year (business suit)

Get a haircut/trim Attend to every detail of

hygiene and attire Shower & deodorant NO perfume/cologne

The Interview….

……begins the moment you have contact with the company – at every aspect and point of contact with people in the company.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7cov0bmfO_w

WHO WILL YOU BE?

What Does That Mean??

While on the phone to schedule an interview

While attending an employer presentation

While walking into and out of the interview site

When meeting or speaking with the receptionist

During lunch between interviews or after they are completed

The Interview: What to Do Arrive early What to bring:

Resumes References Pen Notepad Directions Name, title

and address of interviewer

Portfolio

The Interview: First Contact Always shake hands,

introduce yourself and be pleasant

Maintain eye contact Watch body

language

Secrets To Winning Them Over

1. Repeat what you hear2. Ask follow up questions3. Even better: ask questions pertaining to them4. Read more literature5. Go with the flow6. Find commonalities7. Smile8. Show consideration while speaking9. Be a "mirror"Get Your Interviewer to Like You: 9

Hacksby Cathy Vandewater | October 15, 2013| Vault.com

The Interview: Parts of the Interview

Introduction Information Sharing

Interviewer questions Answering questions Interviewee Questions

Closing

The Interview: Introduction Smile and shake

hands 5 mins or less Small talk: “Did you

have trouble finding us?”

Intended to help you relax!

The Interview: Information Sharing

Two Common Types of Interview Questions1. TRADITIONAL

o “Tell me about yourself.”o “What is your greatest strength?”o “What are your weaknesses?”o “Why should we hire you?”

2. BEHAVIORALo “Tell me about a time when…”o “Give me an example of a time when…”

Top Four Questions - #1

Tell me about yourself?

PAST - When your career aspirations began

- Location/Family background

PRESENT - Current major- Current/past relevant position- Most relevant accomplishments

FUTURE - Where you would like your career to go

- Emphasis your interest in the company

PAST PRESENT FUTURE

Top Four Questions - #2

What are your strengths?

Strength #1

Example

Strength #2

Example

Strength #3

Example

List Your Skills for the Target Job

Printing Technology – Interned with a printing company

Market Trends – Presented market trends in my Printing Estimating & Cost Analysis course

Leadership – President for the Technical Association of the Graphic Arts (TAGA)

These are NOT Strengths!!

Top Four Questions - #3

What are your weaknesses?"I'm a perfectionist," or "I work too

hard”• Answering this way shows a lack of self-

awareness and an indication that you are unable to assess yourself well enough to communicate your weak points

Tell the interviewer a weakness but explain how you are working to overcome it.

Top Four Questions - #4

Why should we hire you? Strength #1

Strength #2Strength #3Soft SkillSoft SkillSoft Skill

PASSION!!!

The Interview: Information Sharing

Use the P.A.R technique for behavior based questions:

Problem – Describe the problem

Action – Explain the action you took to fix the problem

Results – Explain the result that occurred because of your action

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Cyww7eRVj3E

The Interview: Answering Questions

Listen carefully!Be sure you understand the question. If unclear, ask for clarification. Clear & concise responses

Make sure to emphasis your strengths. Use examples

Use relevant or related examples that focus on skills, experiences and accomplishments.

The Interview: Answering Questions

DO NOT criticize previous employers, teachers, co-workers, etc.

Speak clearly. Use complete sentences.

Avoid one word answers. Avoid using the words “think”, “guess” or “feel”

The Interview: Asking Questions

Ask questions that show your interest If you have done your research, good

questions will follow If you can find the answer online then

it is not a good questions to ask. Ask about the next step in the process Do NOT ask about salary or benefits

The Interview: Closing

Interviewer will generally prompt the end of the interview

Have a closing prepared!! Summarize your skills and express interest (30 seconds – 1 min)

Ask for a business card Thank the interviewer

After the Interview: Sending Thank You

Send a thank you after the interview to everyone who interviewed you within 24 – 48 hours Letter Email: Email thank you should be even

more timely, preferably same day. Contact the employer if you do not hear

from them within the timeframe communicated

After the Interview: Fine Art of Writing

Be brief Reaffirm interest Remind interviewer of the

position and date of interview

Express gratitude for their time

Re-emphasize how you would fit into the company and position

Take responsibility for next contact

How can the Career Center Help?

Jobs and Internship Guide (Publications)

PRACTICE, PRACTICE, PRACTICE! Schedule a practice interview with

your Career Advisor Schedule an interview advising

session with your Career Advisor

Cardinal Career Link Info

How to sign-up for on campus

interviews

Come Visit The Career Center!!

For Assistance:•Career Lab in LU 235•8am – 5pm Monday - Friday•Drop-in Career Advising•MTW – 1-3pm and Thu/Fri – 10am to Noon;•Individual career advising by appointment –Call 285-1522

Camille G. Mason765-285-1522

cgmason@bsu.edu