Why Are Interviews Conducted?

• See the candidate first-hand

• Probe for detailed information about the candidate

• Where appropriate, sell the job and the organization

Typical Interview Structure

• Introduction (Brief)

• Interviewer asks questions (Extensive)

• Candidate asks questions (Extensive)

• Closing (Brief)

Introduction

• “You never get a second chance to make a first impression.”

• Employers form a first impression of the candidate in less than a minute

• The first impression affects the rest of the interview

Introduction

• Non-verbal factors–Punctuality–Clothing–Grooming–Handshake–Eye contact–Posture–Expression

Introduction

• Verbal Factors–Can carry on an informal conversation

–Grammar and word usage are professional in nature

–Voice sounds confident and self-assured

Answering Interviewer Questions

• Be prepared to talk about yourself

–Experiences

–Accomplishments

–Skills

–Goals

–Values

• Identify your strengths and prepare to back them up

Answering Interviewer Questions

• Prepare by practicing responses to common interview questions

• Give responses that reflect strengths–How you solve problems–How you make decisions–How you set priorities and goals–How you work with others–How you plan and organize

Answering Interviewer Questions

• Prepare to show strengths by means of self-assessment

• Organize your answer before you start to talk

• Preparation and practice make this easier

Answering Interviewer Questions

• Many employers ask “behavioral” questions

–They want to see how you have “behaved” in past situations

–They will probe to get to the details

–Be prepared to give specifics

Answering Interviewer Questions

• Examples of behavioral questions:

1. Tell me about a time when you disagreed with a supervisor.

2. How did you go about exercising leadership in that extracurricular activity?

3. Give me a specific example of when you offered extraordinary service to a customer.

4. When have you felt a great deal of pressure and how did you deal with it?

Answering Interviewer Questions

• Foundation of behavioral interviews:

–Job performance potential will be based upon past experience

–Use answers to behavioral questions to give specific displays of your strength

Answering Interviewer Questions• Other commonly asked questions include:

–Tell me about yourself.

–Why should we hire you?

–What are your strengths (and weaknesses)?

–How did you choose your college and major?

–What are your career goals?

–How are you at multi-tasking?

• Use the same strategy you use for answers to behavioral questions

• Give specific past examples that reflect strengths

Asking Questions

• Most employers will want to know what questions you have. This may occupy 5 - 15 minutes of an initial interview. This is an important part of the interview.

• Developing questions is a part of interview preparation

Asking Questions

• Asking questions shows the following:–You are interested–You are intelligent–You are thorough

• Your questions should reflect these characteristics

Asking Questions

• Ask some questions that show you’ve done your homework. Examples:

“I read in your annual report that your support for research has increased by 50%. Have you seen results from this increase?”

“A Wall Street Journal article of 2 weeks ago stressed your company’s commitment to innovative marketing strategies. Do you feel that it was accurate and why?”

Don’t Ask

• Avoid questions about the following:

– Salary

– Vacation

– Health & Retirement

They reflect misplaced priorities

Closing

• Time for either side to ask final questions

• Find out about the next step. When will you hear from them?

• Express interest (if appropriate)“I’ve enjoyed this interview and am excited about opportunities with your company. I hope you will invite me to the next step.”

After the Interview

• Always write a thank you note

–Include any important omissions

–Reiterate your strengths and your enthusiasm

• Keep a log

–All the important facts

–Any advice you were given

–Your key impressions

After the Interview

• Take any steps suggested by the interviewer–May involve contacting someone–Complete application forms or exams

• Stay in pursuit–Follow-up with them if necessary–Let them know of your interest

Special Situations

• The telephone interview

–Arrange to avoid interruptions

–Allow plenty of time

–Be comfortable

–Notes at your fingertips

Special Situations

• The Group Interview–Don’t be intimidated by numbers

–Hello to all

–Address everyone

–Eye contact for all

–Thanks to all

No Failures, Just Lessons

• Learn from every interview

• For interview assistance, call the Career Center at 581-1359

For More Interviewing Tips

• The Riley Guide

• WetFeet

• MonsterTrak’s Career Guide