Transcript Getting Your Dream Job Interviewing Techniques and

The Key to a Successful
Interview
Phone Interviews
While you're actively job searching, it's
important to be prepared for a phone
interview on a moment's notice.
You never know when a recruiter or a
networking contact might call and ask if
you have a few minutes to talk.
Be Prepared to Interview
Prepare for a phone interview just as you
would for a regular interview.
Compile a list of your strengths and
weaknesses, as well as a list of answers to
typical interview questions.
Plan on being prepared for a phone
conversation about your background and
skills.
More Phone Interview Tips
If the time isn't convenient, ask if you
could talk at another time and suggest
some alternatives.
 Clear the room - evict the pets, family and
friends. Turn off the TV. Close the door.
 Unless you're sure your cell phone service
is going to be perfect, use a landline
rather to avoid a dropped call or static on
the line.
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Practice Interviewing
Talking on the phone isn't as easy as it
seems.
 Conduct a mock interview and tape record
it so you can see how you sound. You'll be
able to hear your "ums" and "uhs" and
"okays" and you can practice reducing
them from your conversational speech.
 Rehearse your answers to those typical
questions you may be asked.
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During the Phone Interview
Don't chew gum, eat, or drink.
 Do keep a glass of water handy, in case
you need to wet your mouth.
 Smile. Smiling will project a positive image
to the listener and will change the tone of
your voice.
 Speak slowly and enunciate clearly.
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Use the person's title (Mr. or Ms. and their
last name.) Only use a first name if they
ask you to.
 Don't interrupt the interviewer.
 Take your time - it's perfectly acceptable
to take a moment or two to collect your
thoughts.
 Give brief answers.
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 Remember your goal is to set-up a face-to-face
interview. After you thank the interviewer ask if
it would be possible to meet in person.
After the Interview
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Take notes about what you were asked
and how you answered.
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Remember to say "thank you." Follow with
a thank you note which reiterates your
interest in the job.
Face-to Face
Interviews
Proper Interview Attire
In a conservative business environment
appearance DOES MATTER
 55% perception base on appearance
 Employer’s initial impression is made
within the first minute of seeing you.
 Always err on the side of conservatism
(overdressed is better and underdressed)
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Men
Suit: conservative, solid color
 Dark dress socks and shoes
 Little or no jewelry
 Trimmed nails
 Shoes shined
 Clothes presses
 Button your jacket when you stand
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Women
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Suite: conservative,
solid color
Moderate dress shoes
Minimal accessories
Manicured nails
Tan or light stocking
Clothes presses
Don’t wear anything
too tight or revealing
Etiquette
Be on time – no exceptions
 If faced with unforeseen circumstances,
call immediately to apologize, explain, and
try to reschedule (but may not be enough
to get you the second chance)
 Treat the receptionist with respect
 Walk with confidence
 Be enthusiastic, eager, and smile
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Attitude
Know your interviewer’s name and title
before you arrive
 Do not address him or her by their
first name unless otherwise directed to
do so
 Don’t sit until you’re invited to, and sit
up straight
 Practice good eye contact
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The Handshake
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Wait for the interviewer to extend
his/her hand
Stand up straight
Make good eye contact
Grasp hand firmly
NO limp hand
Avoid pumping/loose arm
Maintaining a Positive Impression
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Space - Be assertive but do not invade
interviewer’s space
Being seated - Remain standing until interviewer
sits or indicated you may be seated
Good posture helps you look confident and more
professional
Lean forward in interest, fold hands in your lap,
cross legs at the ankles, and tuck them slightly
under your chair
Be aware of and control nervous habits like foot
tapping
Body Language
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Always maintain good eye
contact
Don’t watch the clock or
your watch
Smile !
PREPARATION
Research the Company
Research the company thoroughly
 Where do you fit in (skill set)?
 Tailor your skills to company’s needs
(review job description)
 Information you uncover reflects your
interest and enthusiasm in position
 Establishes a common base of knowledge
for questions
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What Do You Need To Know?
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Age of company
Services or products
Competitors within the industry
Growth pattern
Reputation
Divisions and subsidiaries
Locations/length of time there
Size
Number of employees
Sales/assets/earnings
New products or projects
Culture and values
THE INTERVIEW
Tell Me About Yourself
Create a 60-second sound byte
Include
 Geographic origins
 Reason for choosing major
 Educational background
 2 or 3 strengths related to position
 Specific expertise and accomplishments
 How you can contribute to company
 Identify your career goals
 Speak clearly and honestly
What Are Your Strengths
Relate them to the job
 Give examples of where
you have demonstrated
these
 How were they
developed
 Identify your mentors
and/or role models
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Write Down Answers/Scenarios
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Draft written answers to potential
interview questions
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Develop job appropriate scenarios
based on your research
– A solution to one of their problems
What are your Weaknesses?
Relate these to your work
 Show the positive side of these
 Identify the steps you have taken for
improvement
 Detail the results and/or time
frames expected
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Questions You May Be Asked
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Describe yourself
Can you take lots of information, organize it and
present it concisely?
Why should we hire you?
How will you be able to fit into the culture of our
company?
How would your peers or former employer
describe you?
Tell me what you know about our company
Speak confidently and stress qualification and
experience that apply to the position you are
interviewing for.
Write Out Questions for the
Interviewer
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Demonstrate your knowledge of the company
Why is this position available?
Is this a new position?
How long has this position existed?
How many people have held this position in the
last two years?
What do you like about working for this
company?
What are the current plans for expansion
or cutbacks?
 What kind of turnover rate does the
company have?
 How financially sound is this company?
 What projects and assignments will I be
working on?
 Who would be my supervisor? To whom
would I report?
 Will I receive any formal training?
 Can you describe a typical day for
someone in this position?
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If you are being interviewed by
the person who you will directly
report to?
 What
are the day-to-day expectations
and responsibilities of this position?
 How will my responsibilities and
performance be measures?
 Can you describe the company’s
culture?
 Can you describe your management
style
Practice Your “Soft Skills”
Greet people with a firm handshake
 Stand up to meet people
 Keep your guard up during lunch or dinner
 Practice your dining etiquette
 Remember “please” and “thank you”
 Be good at chatting and small talk
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What to Bring to an Interview
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Several copies of your resume
Your portfolio, if applicable
New notebook and a nice pen
Leather folder or portfolio
Names, addresses, and phone
numbers of references
Illegal Topics
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Topics to avoid include
– Nationality/race
– Marital status
– Religion
– Affiliations
– Disability or medical history
– Pregnancy, birth control, child care
– Age
Details Needed for Follow-up
Ask for their business card
 Use interviewer’s name
 Send a short thank you note within 24
hours
 Remind them of key points from the
interview
 Emphasize your interest
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Follow-up the Interview
Send a short thank you note
within 24 hours
 Remind them of key points from
the interview
 Emphasize your interest
 State when you expect the next
contact to be
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Evaluate/Retrain
How did you do overall?
 What were your strengths?
 What needs improvement?
 Develop a follow-up chart for tracking
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