Transcript Interviewing 101 - Darton College: A college of the

Interviewing 101
Darton College Career Development
Building C
What is an interview?
• An interview is a strategic conversation.
An opportunity to make a good first
impression.
• Two types:
– Individual
– Panel
• They are opportunities for:
– employers to meet you and assess your
abilities
– you to sell yourself to the employer
– you to learn about the position and
determine if you’re interested
Preparing for the Interview
• Find the Location
• Get Directions
• Know where you are going and
who you are meeting
• Research the company
• Figure out WHAT TO WEAR
• Prepare your resume and cover
letter
Before the Interview
• Understand the new opportunity:
– Research the company
•
•
•
•
•
What is the size and structure of the company?
What type of training do they offer?
Where are the locations?
Who are their clientele?
What are they known for?
– Familiarize yourself with the job description
and the tasks of the job
• Use the Occupational handbook to research the
position (www.stats.bls.gov/ocohome.htm)
– Prepare questions for them
– Be knowledgeable of your skills, abilities,
interests, and values and be prepared to
articulate how they fit into the position
During the Interview
• Ask Questions
– Inquire about daily tasks and
responsibilities
• Exchange information and discover
mutual interests
– Understand career ladders and
advancement opportunities
– Find out about growth opportunities
– Ask the interviewers for contact
information
After the Interview
• If you received contact information
send specific thank you notes via
email, phone, or through the mail.
• Debrief: make notes so you don’t
forget what happened
• Keep job description in a folder with
contact information
10 Keys to Successful Interviewing
1.
2.
3.
Practice
Be concise and limit your responses
Concrete Information-Provide details of your
experiences
4. Make a good first impression-5% of your
messages are non verbal
5. Discuss short stories- be prepared to offer
examples
6. Put yourself on their team.
7. Maintain a conversational flow.
8. Ask questions at the end of the interview.
9. Recognize your stress and nervousness.
10. Find opportunities to mention strengths.
What are Employers Looking For?
• Written and Verbal Communication
Skills
• Interpersonal Skills
• Work and Internship Experience
• Motivation and Initiative
• Team Players
• Computer Skills
• Flexibility
Nonverbal Communication
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
Be pleasant to absolutely everyone
Project enthusiasm and confidence
Make eye contact
Greet the interviewer
Provide a firm handshake
Sit upright and avoid fidgeting
Remember to smile
Handshake is very important
Come Prepared
•
•
•
•
BE DRESSED APPROPRIATLY
Bring an extra resume
Bring a portfolio, notepad, and pen
List your questions about the
position
• Tissue or handkerchief (you can
never be too prepared)
What to Wear
Do’s and Don’t of What to Wear
Do
Go with a conservative business style
Wear a suit-dark colors are preferred
Wear polished shoes
Be clean and neat
Have a fresh hair cut
Women- hair off of your face
Men- dark socks not white
Women-flesh toned hosiery
Shower, shampoo, and shave
Iron all of your clothes
Do Not
Wear excessive jewelry
Wear perfume, cologne, or scents
Wear excessive makeup
Wear loud ties
Wear flamboyant nail polish
Wear short skirts
Do not go bare legged
Questions Asked by Employers
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
Tell me about yourself.
Describe your ideal job.
Why did you leave your
previous job?
What salary range are you
looking for?
Where do you see yourself
in 5 years?
Name 3 adjectives that
best describe you and
explain why.
Discuss a program that
you organized and
developed.
What are your greatest
strengths? Weaknesses?
9. Give an example of a time
when you worked under
pressure.
10.What presentations or
workshops have you
developed?
11.What skills do you think are
necessary to do well in this
position?
12.Describe a multi-cultural
environment in which you
have worked.
13. What computer programs
do you use regularly?
14.What type of work
environment do you prefer?
15.Discuss a difficult situation
you have been in with
Company X, and tell me how
you handled it.
Illegal Questions
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
How old are you?
Where were you born?
Do you have any children?
Are you married?
How is your financial status?
Where does your spouse work?
Have you ever been arrested?
What holidays do you observe?
Tell me about your religious views?
– Questions that can be asked
• Are you eligible to work in the US?
• Can you submit a birth certificate and proof of age
if necessary?
• Have you ever been convicted of a crime?
Questions to Ask Employers
1. How did this
position come
available?
2. What are you
looking for in a
candidate for this
position?
3. What are your
expectations for
this position?
4. Is there training
involved in this
position?
5. What type of growth
is available within the
company?
6. Is this a team
oriented position or
would I work
individually?
7. Do I receive
healthcare with this
position? (Be careful)
8. What are the daily
responsibilities of this
position?
Things to Remember
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
Practice
Be organized
Stay positive
Always be aware of your strengths and
weaknesses (give examples of how you
counter balance them)
Be prepared
Sell yourself
Be patient, you will find the right path.
Work on your greeting (Handshake,
Tone, Body Language, and Eye Contact)
Directions for Mock Interviews
• I am going to break you into teams
to practice panel interviews.
• One person will be the job
candidate the other two will be the
employers
• Discuss the position for which you
are applying before beginning this
exercise
• Use the sheets to assist you in
developing questions but
remember to keep eye contact
Thank you for attending
Please fill out the satisfaction survey and
sign in before you leave.
Darton College
Career Development Center
229.317.6866
C-228