THE SUCCESSFUL INTERVIEW

A step by step guide to navigating the interview process.

The Four Keys to Success

Step 1: PreparationStep 2: First ImpressionsStep 3: Presenting YOU!Step 4: Follow-up

Remember…

You are being evaluated from the minute you step into the office, so be professional and polite at all times.

STEP 1: Preparation is Key

Confirm the details Do your research Review the job and your skills Prepare questions to ask Key items to bring

Confirm the Details

Date and time Names and titles Location and transportation Length of meeting

Do your Research

Company website What do they do? What are their values? How could you fit in with them?

The Industry Research what you can about the industry

Take the initiative

Review the job and your skills

What are the key requirements and qualifications?

How do your skills match their requirements? What value will you bring to the organization? Have some concrete examples

Prepare Questions to Ask

Asking questions shows your interest in the position and organization

Keep your questions specific to the position and the organization

How would you describe the corporate culture? What are the goals of the department/organization over the next two

years? What do you see as the potential for growth in the organization? What are the next steps in the hiring process? What is the timeline for a decision regarding the position?

Key Items to Bring

Resume A few clean copies

Pen and paper Take notes during questions to keep your

thoughts organized Write down important information

References Provide if you are asked for them

STEP 2: First Impressions

Arrive early-15 minutes ahead Personal presentation appropriate to the

organization When in doubt-”dress to impress” Make eye contact with all you meet Greet your interviewer with a firm handshake

and a warm smile Front desk first impressions

STEP 3-Presenting YOU!

Be confident and take a deep breath Take your time to think about your answers Speak slowly and clearly Don’t be afraid to ask questions to clarify

what is being asked Be specific Make eye contact

Behavioral Interviews

Applicant is asked to demonstrate his or her knowledge, skills, and abilities (competencies)

The interviewers will describe situations and you will be asked to describe exactly what you did in similar circumstances that demonstrate these competencies

The interviewer is trying to determine whether a candidate possesses the competencies to perform a particular job

Sample Questions

Here are some examples of typical behavioral interview questions:

Describe a time you had to work with someone you didn’t like? Tell me about a time when you were working on a team an you did

something to improve the work of the team you felt was valuable? Tell us about a time when you were really busy and how you kept yourself

organized? We feel it is important to keep up to date by attending workshops and

training. What is the most recent professional development process, training or workshop you have participated in? What did you learn and how did you apply it?

A Specific Example:

Tell us about a project you have worked on and what the outcome was?

Here are a few examples of projects. Organizing a staff event Running an election campaign Building a house Writing a policy manual

Think of some examples from your own experience that you could apply.

Think about the project from start to finish and explain all the tasks you worked on, how you organized them, what happened at the end?

Questions and Answers

Tell us about yourself What interests you about this position? What made you choose to seek a position at

Company X? What do you think it takes to be successful in this

position and what would make you the best candidate?

Is there anything else you would like to tell us about your skills and experience for this position?

Time for Some Smart Questions

Ask any questions you have prepared regarding the organization, department, corporate culture, etc.

Take this time to ask any questions you might have to clarify the responsibilities of the position.

STEP 4: Follow-up

Ensure you get the business cards of all involved in the interview

Send a thank you note or e-mail As soon as possible and no more than 2-3 days

later Reiterate your interest in the position and the

organization Don’t be bashful but don’t be boastful This is your last chance to make a good impression.

STEP 4: Follow-up

Dear Mary,

Thank you again for the opportunity to interview for the administrative position available with your organization. I appreciated your hospitality and enjoyed meeting you and members of your staff.The interview convinced me of how compatible my background, interests, and skills are with the goals of Calgary Immigrant Women’s Association. As I mentioned during our conversation, I believe my 10 years of successful administrative experience will be an asset to your organization.

I look forward to hearing from you.

Sincerely,

Mary X

What NOT to do

Make negative comments about your current employer

This never translates well no matter how valid your complaint.

Ask questions about salary, benefits, flextime, vacation time, office space, parking, can I bring my dog to the office, etc.

These questions should be left until the “offer” stage otherwise it looks like your interest is in a pay cheque not the role

Remember…

Until you have an offer in hand, everything you do needs to build a favorable impression and sell you as the best candidate for the job.

Wrap Up

Questions?

*Handouts are available

Presentation handouts Interview Checklist List of interview resources