Winning Interviews

Pomerantz Career Center

• Serves students and alumni on the UI campus

• Is located just north of the Pappajohn Business Building

• For more information please visit our web site www.careers.uiowa.edu. You can also get a copy of our career guide online or in our office.

Presentation Outline

• Types of Interviews• Typical Interview Format• 5 P’s of Interviewing

Types of Interviews• Traditional

– One-on-one session where interviewer asks you questions

• Group– 2 different formats:

• You are interviewed by a group of people• You and others are interviewed collectively

• Telephone– Most commonly used as a screening device.

If you are caught off guard, ask to call back after you have prepared

• Work Simulation– Allows you to demonstrate your skills

Typical Interview Format

• Each interview will be different, however most follow a format similar to this:– Introductory Stage/Rapport

Building • First impressions are formed• Interviewer will create relaxed but

business-like atmosphere• They may ask you to tell them a little bit

about yourself – keep it professional

Interview Format (cont.)

– Question and Answer section•Questions to review your background

and interests•Questions to match your skills with

the skills necessary for the job•Focus on what you have

accomplished•Give concise and thurough answers

Close

– Close•Time for you to ask questions of the

interviewer –make sure you have well thought out questions

•Interviewer explain the steps of hiring process

The 5 P’s of Interviewing

• Preparation• Practice• Personal

Representation• Pertinent Questions• Post-Interview

P

Preparation• Do your research on the

organization• Employers cite “Not having enough

knowledge of the job and/or company presented during the interview” as the #1 reason for failing to get hired.

Research Provides

– Information specific to the position within the company

– General knowledge of company– Ability to ask informed questions– Insight into whether you want to work

for company

You should know these things about the organization:

• Type of organization• Goals and mission• Products or services offered• Current projects/research• Sales and earnings• New trends in the field

You can get this information from these

sources:• Employers’ web sites• Company literature• Trade Journals• Occupational Outlook Handbook• Dunn & Bradstreet, Standard and Poor's

Register

Preparation

• Do research on the questions you could be asked– The job posting will shed light onto the

qualities the employer is looking for and possible questions the interviewer will ask

– Organize a collection of your experiences that demonstrate your transferable skills and abilities

– Review your resume, it may provide potential questions and be able to elaborate on it

Preparation

• Behavior-based Questions– Questions designed to see how you

acted in past situations in order to predict how you will act in similar situations in the future

– Open-ended questions often beginning with, “Tell me a time when…”

Tips for Behavior-based Questions

– Listen carefully to the question– Ask for clarification if necessary– Always answer the question completely

(Use the STAR Method)– Use examples from past internship,

work experience, activities, and classes

PreparationThe STAR method to answer• Can help you to answer behavior based questions

S=Situation (define it)

T=Task (what was expected of you) A=Action (state what you did)

R=Result (what you accomplished)

Spend most of your response on the RESULT!Employers want to know the outcome.

Preparation

• Your interview folder should include:– Extra resumes– Cover Letter– References– Copy of Transcript – if applicable – Application or Job posting - if available– Pen and a pad of paper– Your list of questions for employer

Practice

• Practice will help you define problem areas and help ease your nerves– Sign up for a mock interview on the UI

campus using UI Employment Expo– Rehearse with a friend or relative– Video tape yourself and view the tape

later to identify nervous tendencies

Personal Representation

Women• Conservative suit or dress-below the

knee please

• What to Wear

What to Wear (cont.)

Men• Dark conservative suit with white, long-

sleeved dress shirt and tie

Dress for the job you want, NOT the job you have!

General Appearance Tips

• Avoid excessive perfume and jewelry, • Hair should be well-groomed and

clean• Shoes should be polished and

coordinate with suit

Personal Representation

• Maintain eye contact • Smile• Good posture• Firm handshake• Facial expressions• Nervous tendencies (try not to

twiddle thumbs, twirl hair, etc.)

Non-verbal behavior

Personal Representation

• Be 10-15 minutes early• Know the interviewer’s name and

how to pronounce it• Don’t interrupt• Be honest, lies will come back to

haunt you!

Interview Etiquette

Interview Etiquette (cont.)

• Emphasize what you can do for the organization

• Provide a positive “spin” as often as possible

• Correct yourself if you make an error• Avoid making disparaging remarks

about former workplace or personnel• Wait for the interviewer to bring up

salary and benefits

Pertinent Questions

• Ask Questions!– Shows preparation and initiative– Prepare at least 10 questions about:

– The position– The company– The industry

– Ask each interviewer a question– Avoid obvious questions

Post-Interview

• Jot down key questions for future reference

• Also, any relevant information from interview

• Send thank you note within 24-48 hours– Handwritten thank you notes are ideal– Send a note to each person you spoke

with, even the person who greeted you

Remember…

An interview is a conversation between two people, where BOTH are trying to find out information. Use this opportunity to find if the position and company are a good fit for you.