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 Verbal Factors Can carry on an informal conversation Grammar and word usage are professional in nature Voice sounds confident and selfassured
Answering Interviewer Questions 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
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 easy
Answering Behavioral Based Interview 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 Behavioral Based Interview 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 Behavioral Based Interview 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
Why Ask Questions Asking questions is an important part of the interview. Most employers will want to know what questions you have. Developing questions is a part of interview preparation Asking questions shows the following: You are interested Your are intelligent You are thorough
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 your appreciation for the opportunity to interview interest Ask for business cards
After the Interview Always write a thank you note Include any important omissions Reiterate your strengths and your enthusiasm Make sure your letter is typed in a professional manner 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 You may need to reschedule if they call at a bad time Arrange to avoid interruptions Allow plenty of time Be comfortable Notes at your fingertips
Special Situations The Group Interview Don t be intimidated by number of interviewers Say Hello to all interviewers Address everyone Eye contact for all present Thanks to all
Please Remember Learn from every interview Have fun