Successful Interviewing

Strategies that will help you answer the really tough questions.

Why Should I Hire You?

Learning Outcomes

Purpose of Interview Types of Interviews Prepare for Interview STAR Technique Invitation to Interview Interview Process Types of Interview

Questions Seal the Deal Concluding the

Interview

Tough Competition

Purpose of the Interview

Sell yourself Find out more about the

organization Determine good fit for

you and the employer Provides the

opportunity for two-way communication

Types of Interviews

1.) Screening Telephone/Video

2.) Selection Individual Panel/Committee Group Performance/Presentation Lunch/Dinner

Selection Interviews

Interview with hiring manager or department lead rather than HR Recruiter

Usually held at company /organization location

Frequently is a series of interviews (multiple interactions with panels and/or individuals)

May include lunch or dinner

Remember- You are being evaluated throughout the entire process!

Invitation to Interview

Missed the call» Professional voice message» Accurate message taking» Timely Response

Ask what to expect» Interview schedule» Interview process and format» Interviewers or committee

members(Request titles and correct

spelling of names)

What Employers Really Want to Know

The 3 Underlying Questions

1) What are you like?

2) Can you perform the responsibilities of the job?

3) Will you fit with the organization/team?

Overcome Nervousness

Prepare for the interview!» A large majority of graduates stumble through

their first 2-3 interviews

Why are practice interviews so valuable?» Receive constructive feedback» See yourself (body language, expression, nervous

habits)» Listen to yourself (catch phrases, speech

patterns, effective communication of message)

Company and Position Research

Know:» Organization

Services, size, locations, culture, mission, customer/client base

» Position description Responsibilities, job tasks, qualifications

Resources:» Company website» Company information

sessions» Career Insider

Develop/Enhance Your Professional Image

Attend to your appearance and carefully select your wardrobe

Make a Great Impression

Be on time Leave cell phone in the

car Be positive and

enthusiastic Have a firm handshake Demonstrate strong

non-verbal communication» Eye contact, posture, smile

and voice quality

Non-Verbal Communication

More than half of what we try to communicate is received non-verbally

Understand what your body language is communicating about you

Pay attention to your interviewer’s body language, but don’t over analyze

Types of Interview Questions

Open-ended:» “Tell me about yourself”» “What do you expect to be

doing in 5 years?” Qualifications:

• Summary of academic and experiential background relevant to the position

Proven successes: » GPA, leadership, initiatives

taken, projects completed

Off-beat:» Don’t get rattled by

these types of questions» “If you were an animal,

what kind would you be and why?”

Types of Interview Questions

Case Study / Hypothetical» Requires you to analyze and

develop problem solving strategy on the spot

» “What would you do if …” Opinion

» Be honest, professional, and positive

» “What are your strengths?”» “What is your greatest

weakness?”

Behavioral » Past behavior = future

behavior» “Tell me about a time

when…”» Use the STAR method to

answer

STAR Method

Situation or Task» Describe the situation that you were in or the task

that you needed to accomplish. You must describe a specific event or situation, giving enough detail for the interviewer to understand.

Action you took» Describe the action you took and be sure to keep the

focus on you. Results you achieved

» What happened? How did the event end? What did you accomplish? What did you learn?

Some Questions to Ask

“What are the three most important attributes for success in this position?”

“What are the opportunities for growth and advancement for this position?”

“What opportunities exist for professional development?”

“When can I expect to hear from you regarding your hiring decision?”

Illegal Questions

Age/date of birth Marital status Parental status National origin Religion Mental health

issues

Race/ethnicity Arrest history Impairments or

disabilities irrelevant to the position

What is the Proper Response? Examine the interviewer’s intent:

» Ignorance/Innocence: answer in brief or address perceived concern.

» Blatant discrimination: you have the right to terminate the interview.

Recommendations

Don’t bring up salary, but be prepared if you are asked about it

Don’t accept an offer on the spot Consider the full compensation package

when deciding on a job offer When you accept a position, employers

generally expect that you have made a 2 year commitment

Getting the job is the first step on your career ladder – the first year on the job can make or break you

Closing the Interview

Ask about the next step Reiterate your interest in the position Make sure to request business cards while at

the interview Thank the interviewer(s) and shake hands

Interview Nuances

Employers may search your online profiles prior to the interview

On the spot assessments may be used All interviewers are different Don’t give up on the interview – it’s not

over until it’s over! Don’t make assumptions

Interview Thank You Letter

Send one to every person that interviewed you

An opportunity to reiterate your interest in the position

Should be sent within 24 hours of interview» Mailed, emailed, typed or handwritten

Tailor your thank you letter to the interview experience

Focus on elements that were indicated as high interest during the interview

Standout Resumes

Do! Don’t!

Respond timely to all employer communications

Review your strengths and be able to provide examples

Refined research on company and position

Purchase appropriate interview attire

Try to wing it Create a poor impression Forget the importance of

non-verbal communication

Be negative, insincere or desperate

Fail to acquire names and titles of those interviewing you

Connect with Us!

Call 407.823.2361 or Visit www.career.ucf.edu