Transcript Interview Skills

Interview Skills
Presented by:
Lucia V. Cook
Catch the Fever
March 2014
Interview Skills
O Purpose
O Interviewer and candidate to determine if
there is a correct fit between them.
O First impressions are key for both parties
involved – first impressions last, so make it
count.
Interview Skills
O 3 Step Process
O Before the Interview
O During the Interview
O After the Interview
Pre-Interview
O Know Yourself
O What are my strengths?
O What am I good at doing?
O Do your homework
O What do I know about this company?
O Be prepared for questions
O You will be asked questions on your strengths
O You should be ready to ask questions about
the job/company
Pre-Interview
O What to Bring
O Notepad & Pen
O Resume
O What Not to Bring
O Friends, family members or children
O Cell phones- if you have them, turn them OFF.
O Ipods or any other electrical devices
O Food / Drinks
O Anything Distracting
Dress for Success
You never get a second chance to make a firstimpression
O Hair should be clean and combed.
O Fingernails must be clean with no gaudy polish.
O Keep perfume, cologne and aftershave to a
minimum. Brush your teeth and don’t forget
deodorant.
O Women: dress, skirt (not too short), or dress pants with
a nice blouse or blazer. No excessive jewelry, make-up,
or ungroomed hair.
O Men: pants (not jeans!), collared shirt, tie, sport coat
and shoes. A suit is not always necessary.
The Interview
O Shake hands firmly with the interviewer. A
firm hand shake is important and OFTEN
mishandled.
O While shaking hands, make good eye
contact, smile and greet the person with
“Pleased to meet you, I am…”
O Be polite; use the formal address of Mr.,
Ms., unless invited to do otherwise.
The Interview
O Body Language
O Stand Tall
O Sit straight and tall and look attentive and enthusiastic
O Listen attentively but avoid staring at the interviewer
O Place all material you brought with on the floor beside you
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with the exception of a note pad
Nod when appropriate to demonstrate interest and
evidence that you are paying attention
Remain calm; Don’t fidget
Be careful not to speak too quickly
Respond to questions appropriately
Be warm and conversational, but don’t ramble
The Interview
O Be honest with all answers.
O Be thorough with your answers.
O Never answer with just a “yes” or “no.” Always
provide explanations and examples.
O If you don’t understand the question, ask the
interviewer to explain.
O Organize your thoughts before speaking.
O Feel free to think for a moment about tough
questions. Silence is not a bad thing as long as
you do not take an excessive amount of time.
The Interview
O Ask the job-related questions you prepared for
the interview.
O If you are told you will be contacted, ask about
how long it will be.
O Offer to call in a few days to find out the decision.
This shows your continued interest.
O Make sure the interviewer knows how best to
contact you.
O Phone number, e-mail address, physical address
O Thank the person for the interview. Shake
hands firmly on the way out.
Common Interview Type
O Behavioral Interview
O Systematic process that ensures a fair
selection process
O Use candidate’s previous behavior as an
indicator of future performance
O May involve standardized assessment
instruments, such as personality, aptitude
and interest inventories
O Involves directive and probing questions
Common Interview Type
O Sample Questions
O Describe a time when two of the members of your
team did not work well together? What did you do
to get them to work together?
O What is the most difficult decision you’ve had to
make? How did you arrive at your decision? What
was the result?
O Answers should follow C A R format
O C – Context
O A – Action
O R – Result
Post Interview
O Thank you Notes
O Can be a typed or hand written letter or note. An
e-mail is also acceptable. Customize the note.
O Free of spelling or grammar errors.
O Should be completed within 2-3 days of the
interview.
O Highlight key points you want to reiterate or forgot
to say, information you learned about the
company, express enthusiasm about the
opportunity.
Summary
O Be prepared
O Know your stuff
O Dress for Success
O Body Language is Key
O Follow – Up
O These tips help you Stand Out!
??? QUESTIONS ???