Transcript INTERVIEWING SKILLS: - University of Virginia

The Art
of
Interviewing
University Career Development Services
Holly Heilberg
Career Development Specialist
[email protected]
924-4343
Agenda:

Introductions

Your experiences with
interviewing

Type of Interviews

Stages of an effective interview

The PAR technique

Bonus points!

Practice……it’s like riding a bike
2
Let me know what you need
3
No question is unimportant
and there are no mistakes
4
Mind absorbs as much as…..
5
Confidentiality
6
A Story……
 There
once was……….
SHARPENING your
Interviewing Skills involves:






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Learning about the different types of interviews
Preparing for the interview
Understanding the stages of an effective
interview
Learning tips for answering questions
Knowing how to get bonus points!
Asking the right questions
Practicing!
8
What has been your experience
with interviews?
 Get
with a partner
 Gather the following:



Their name
What they do at U.Va.
Experiences with interviewing
• 1 – did poorly
• 5 – did so-so
• 10 – did great!
Be prepared to report back what you learn
9
Ideal
Job!
Job Search
Tools:
Resume,
cover letter,
application
and
INTERVIEW
Knowledge
WW
of Careers
and
SelfEnvironments
Knowledge:
Values, Interests, work
preferences and Skills
Criteria used to select
candidates:

The application!

The resume

Have already made a
connection through
networking

Recommended by
someone else
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Criteria used to select
candidates:

Attitude
 Communication skills



Written (resume)
Verbal
Non-verbal

Emotional Intelligence
 Initiative
 Self esteem
 Passion for the field!
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Types of Interviews
 Phone
(for pre-screening)
 Resume-based

Traditional
 Behavioral
 Group/panel
 Case
Traditional or Resume based:






Tell me about yourself.
Tell me about your current position.
What did you learn from this experiences?
What did you like the most about your program
of study at JMU?
What accomplishment are the proudest of?
What skills, experience and training do you have
that make you qualified for the position?
14
Traditional…...
 What
do you know about our
department/organization?
 Why do you want to work at this
department?
 What are your strengths? Weaknesses?
 What kind of supervisor do you like to
work for?
 What are your career goals?
15
Panel Interview:
 Recognize



each Interviewer:
Acknowledge with a handshake, eye contact
and a nod of your head.
When responding to questions try to make
eye contact with everyone.
Send a different thank you note to each
interviewer (or one to the lead interviewer
asking them to relay your thanks).
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Behavioral Interview:
Is based on the premise that:
“The most accurate predictor of
future performance is past
performance in a similar situation”
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Behavioral Interview:

The interviewer identifies the top skills and
competencies they need for the position.

They craft questions based on these skills and
competencies:




Customer services
Problem solving
Written communication
Research
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Behavioral:

Tell me about a time when you solved a
problem.
 Describe a situation where you were able to
successfully juggle multiply priorities.
 Give me a specific example of a time when you
used good judgment and logic.
 By providing examples, convince me that you
can adapt to a variety of people, situations and
environments.
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Behavioral:
 Tell
me about a time when you used
written communication skills to get an
important point across.
 Give me an example of an important goal
you set for yourself and how you reached
it.
 Tell me about a time when you needed to
communicate unpleasant information.
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Let’s Begin!
 FIRST…..Please
take a candy of
your choice
21
Get with the folks with your same candy
choice
(A bit of comic relief)
22
Let’s Begin!



Get with your group
Discuss the job
description
Identify the “skills” and
competencies they are
looking for


Have one person take
notes
Report back to the large
group
23
Finder’s Sheet

Find someone who
fits for each item on
this list

If you’re skill is not on
the list, please add it
to “other”

Try to find a different
person for each item
The best way to prepare:

Think about the past 3-5 years and any experiences you’ve had
where you were “at you best” (when you felt a great sense of
accomplishment)

Work related experiences (current and past)

Team projects

Committees, task forces, etc.

Professional associations

Volunteer and community service

Other outside activities (hobbies and interests)

Draw on these and be prepared to tell very “short stories” about
these experiences.
Think about your
accomplishments!

Take some time to write
down examples of
“accomplishments”

Be prepared to tell the
group about one of them
26
Capture these activities:
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When describing your
accomplishments:
 Describe
or tell a “story”:

P – The PROBLEM or SITUATION you faced

A – The ACTIONS you took

R – The positive RESULTS of these actions!
28
PAR - Example:
“As a Program Coordinator at the Leadership
Development Center I determined that we
needed greater participation at our programs
and events. I researched and analyzed the
history of our programs from the past two years.
 This included compiling a list of attendees and
determining the departments they represented.
I also gathered data on the topics that the
programs and events had the greatest
participation.

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PAR - Example:

“Based on this research I identified the programs
that were more attended and the departments
that supported these programs.…….”

“I then met with our team and presented this
information and communicated my
recommendations. I gathered feedback from the
team members and we then planned three
programs and one major event.”
30
PAR - Example:

“The results of this process led to an increase in
participation at the programs by 30% and a 35%
increase in attendees registering for our major
event.

“My Director commended me on the positive
results of my research and acknowledged my
part in helping to increase revenues for our
departments.”
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An Example…..
“Tell me about a time you had to
meet a deadline”
Observe a Mock Interview
using PAR:
Other questions you
need to be prepared for:
Tell me about yourself?
34
Elevator Speech
EXAMPLE:
My name is Jenny Jobseeker and I’m a career counselor working with adults
looking for career advice and direction. I thrive on helping people find career
fulfillment. I discovered this after I studied to be a teacher and student
taught 150 seventh grade boys in a Bachelor Living class. This experience
helped me learn about the elements I do want in my profession and what I
never want to do again!
This personal experience led me to discover my love of helping other people
find their career fit before they commit to a career that is not a good match.
I like to think that I’m a catalyst in helping people clarify their skills, values
and unique gifts in order to find fulfilling and meaningful work in a career
they love.
Elements of an effective
Elevator speech

Include the four W’s:

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

Who you are
What field you are in
What makes you
different from others
What benefits you
offer to others
Elements of an effective
Elevator speech

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Compose it
Compose it again
Re-write it 5-15 times
Edit it
Present it to others for
feedback
Rewrite it again
Practice LOTS and
memorize it
Un-memorize
Prepare a thirty second
“Elevator Speech”
“My name is Sue Adams and I have worked at
U.Va. since …….. in a variety of capacities….
 “Most recently I completed a project at XYZ
department that looks at the study habits of first
year students ……………..
 “My recent professional development courses
combined with my work experience in XYZ has
allowed me to further develop knowledge and
skills in……”
 “After researching your department and the
position you have available I believe this position
is a good match based on my interests, skills
and career goals”

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What is your
Elevator speech?
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PREPARING FOR THE
INTERVIEW:


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Learn about the
organization
Talk to current
and past
employees.
Analyze your
skills and
abilities.

Prepare for questions
from the Interviewers.
 Consider questions
you can ask.
 Know where the
interview will be held
(and how to get to it!).
 Plan your outfit.
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Interview Attire
93% of communication is non-verbal
Men’s Attire and Accessories
Men’s Footwear
Professional Grooming
Women’s Attire
Interview Attire
93% of communication is non-verbal
Men’s Attire and Accessories
Men’s Footwear
Professional Grooming
Women’s Attire
Business Casual
A comfortably relaxed version
of classic business attire:
Men – Slacks/khakis, shirt, tie and
jacket
 Women - Slacks or skirt, sweater or
nice blouse

Cultural/Ethnic Dress

Styles worn due to
religious and cultural
beliefs are protected
under U.S. law,
whereas fashion
decisions based on
personal preference
may not be
Manage your Stress:

The interview is a
chance to learn if the
position is a “fit for
YOU”.
 Beware of “sweaty
palms”.
 Put the Interviewers
at ease.
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To Do’s

Get plenty of rest and try and do some stress
management techniques:

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

Exercise
Meditation
LAUGH!
Dress appropriately and limit what you carry with
you:

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Portfolio
Women – appropriate size purse
Turn off cell phone when you get there
Day of the Interview
Travel/Directions
 Plan
to arrive
20 minutes
early for your
interviews
 Or better
yet…..do a
test run!
Arriving for Check-in
Making a Solid First Impression
The First THREE Minutes
“Halo Effect”

Interviewers focus
on:
• Appearance
• Facial
expressions
• Eye contact
• Movement
• Personal space
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Non-Verbal Communication
93% of communication is non-verbal
Conversation
General
appearance,
facial
expressions,
posture, and
tone of voice
Be aware of:

Body Language

Handshake

Social Skills

Warm-up questions
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Positive Non-Verbal Behaviors

Reframe from sitting down
until you’ve been offered a
seat
 Sit upright in your chair and
lean forward a bit
 Keep feet flat on the floor
and crossed at the ankle
The SECOND Minute:

The Interviewer
focuses on:
• Rate of speech
• Volume
• Pitch/Tone
• Articulation
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The Information Exchange
Let’s try a few questions:
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Most
FEARED Questions
“Tell me about yourself.”

Prepare a 30 second elevator speech
“What is your greatest weakness?”

Tell them what you learned…..
“What salary do you expect?”



Ask them for the range they expect to pay
Do your research
Plan to negotiate (signing bonus? Relocation
expenses? Loan forgiveness? Tuition assistance?
Be prepared to ask the Recruiter
Questions:
 What
will the orientation process consist
of?
 How will I receive feedback on my
performance?
 What critical issues is the organization
currently facing?
 What training and professional
development opportunities are available?
Be prepared to ask the
Interviewers some questions:
 What
traits do you consider critical to
success in this position?
 How will I receive feedback on my
performance?
 How will I be oriented to your department?
 What other training and professional
development opportunities exist within this
department?
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Handling the Closing

Ask your questions
 Reiterate your interest
in the position
 Get business cards
 Ask about next step in
the hiring process
 Go home and send a “Thank
You” note!
After the Interview: Employers

Top candidate is chosen
 Candidate approved by HR and
supervisor
 Offer is made

This is the time to negotiate
Bonus Points:
 Focus
on those positive experiences that
you feel the proudest of. Your confidence
and enthusiasm will come through!
 Treat
less confident issues like a “hot
potato”.
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Bonus Points:

Identify several “key
words” that describe
you. Incorporate
these throughout the
interview and cite
examples of when
you have
demonstrated them:









Critical thinker
Good decision maker
Advocate for patients
Fast learner
Problem solver
Team player
Reliable
Adaptable
Hard working
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How to use these key words:

Mention these keys words

Describe a positive experience that would show
you demonstrating these.

For example……….
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An Example:
I consistently take initiative, work hard and
demonstrate creativity when facing new
projects.
An example of this is when I decided to create
an confidential on-line survey gather
information on the success of our programs
and to solicit new ideas and ways to improve.
(then describe all that went into this
experience)
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Look over the skills list
and
identify your top 5-10 skills
(and think about an experience
where you demonstrated
these skills)
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Do you have an Example?
 Start
with key
words
 Give
an example of
how you’ve
demonstrated
these
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Bonus Point:
Tell your S.T.O.R.Y. when answering questions:
(S)
(T)
(O)
(R)
(Y)
State your qualities
Toot your horn (without blowing it!)
Outline your progress to date
Relate your background and experiences to the job
Why should they hire you?
Talk about what makes you unique.
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Bonus Point:
Teach the Interviewers
something!
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Teach them something:
 Something
new that you learned in class
or workshop you’ve attended
 The findings from an interesting research
study.
 A current event you read about in a
professional magazine.
 Something you learned about at a
professional organization meeting.
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Bonus Point:
 It
always impresses Interviewers if
you can tell them what you learned
from a particular experience. This
shows maturity and a willingness to
reflect and learn from your
experiences.
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An Example:
“When I served on
the Advisory Board
of my professional
organization I
learned a valuable
lesson about
“leadership”.
Then describe what
you learned
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Bonus Point:

Let them know how very
much you want the job!
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Practice a Mock Interview
with a partner:
Interviewing is a
Skill…….

The more you
practice…….

The better you will get
at it!
84
Notify us of Your Success!
QUESTIONS
?