Transcript Interviewing Techniques

Interviewing Techniques
The Handshake

Keep your right hand free
 Meet the other person’s hand “web to web”
 Keep hand in a vertical position
 Shake from the elbow, not the wrist
 Two to three smooth pumps
Workshop Topics

Purpose of the Interview
 Preparing for the Interview
 Typical Structure of the Interview
 Typical Questions
 After the Interview
Purpose of the Interview
The Candidate
– Clarify responsibilities of the position
– Determine if you can/will do the job
– Determine “fit”
The Interviewer
– Evaluate candidate based on qualifications and
employer needs
– Determine “fit”
Questions
When
Scheduling

How long will the interview last?
 How many candidates will be interviewing?
 With whom will I be interviewing?
 Is there anything I should bring with me?
Know the Employer

Product or Service
 Sales/Assets
 Competition
 History
 Field Offices
 Industry Trends
 Chain of Command
 Size

CRC
Resources for
Researching the
Employer
– Planning Job Choices: How to Research
Companies
– Florida Business Directory
– Hoover’s Handbook of American Business
– Career Information Library - Employer Files

Internet
 Journals
Know Yourself

Why do you want to work for the firm?
 What can you do for the company?
 Your accomplishments/experience
 Your strengths/weaknesses
 Your initiative, goals and attitudes
 Your responses should be unique and
specific
What to Bring to the Interview







Portfolio
Copies of your resume
List of Professional
References
College transcripts
Federal application
Two quality pens
Notepad

Comb or brush
 Breath mints
Dress for Success
Women
– Suit with knee-length
skirt and tailored
blouse
– Keep accessories and
makeup simple
– Pantsuits are more
acceptable now but
save them for after you
obtain the job
Men
– Two-piece suit
– Solid colors vs. prints or
patterns
– Tie pattern should be simple
– Wear polished shoes with
dark socks long enough so no
skin shows when you are
seated
Ten Tips





Arrive on time
Introduce yourself in a
courteous manner
Read company
literature while you
wait
Use body language to
show interest
Listen





Smile, nod, give
nonverbal feedback
Ask about the next
step in the process
Thank the interviewer
Obtain a business card
Write a thank-you
letter to anyone you
have spoken to
Typical Structure of an
Interview

Small talk
 “Tell me about yourself!”
 Discussion of your background and how it
relates to the position
 Your opportunity to ask questions
 Conclusion
Five Tough Interview
Questions
The tell-all question: “Tell me about
yourself.”
 The surprise question: “What’s your
passion?”
 Strengths and weaknesses questions
 Questions about the future: “What are your
long-term goals?”
 Scenario questions: “What if…?”

Questions to Ask in an
Interview





What will my duties entail?
What kind of work can I expect to be doing? Can
you describe a typical day?
Where does this job fit into the organizational
structure of the company?
Who would I report to? Who would I be working
with?
What is the size of the department I would be
working in? What is its structure? How is it
organized? May I see it?
More Questions to Ask





Does the company offer any training
opportunities?
How would you describe the ideal candidate for
this position? What qualities do you want in the
person who fills this job?
What do you feel would be the greatest challenge
for me?
What is the selection process/timeline from here?
May I contact you if I have any further questions?
After the Interview

Write a thank-you letter to anyone with
whom you have spoken
– Use standard business letter format
– Thank the interviewer
– Reference a point of conversation which was of
mutual interest
– Recap how your skills and qualifications fit the
position based on your interview conversation
– Communicate your continued interest in the
position
Practice, Practice, Practice!

Mock interview
 Internet
NEGOTIATING
TOPICS FOR DISCUSSION

Understanding The Process

The Interview

The Offer

The Negotiation Process
UNDERSTANDING THE
PROCESS

What It Is Not
– saying “I want more money”

What It Is
– Meeting and discussing a subject
– Mutual agreement of issues
UNDERSTANDING THE
PROCESS

When does negotiation begin
– Telling about yourself
– With the initial interview
Don’t reveal your salary requirements too
early in the negotiation process.
UNDERSTANDING THE
PROCESS

Evaluation
– Answer these questions:
What is the Salary range?
What is the lowest salary that I will consider?
What makes me worth a higher salary?
UNDERSTANDING THE PROCESS

Where To Get Salary Information
– National Association of Colleges and
–
–
–
–
–
Employers
Career Resource Center
Libraries
Trade associations and trade publications
Internet
People working in the industry
UNDERSTANDING THE PROCESS

Some Employer Objections To Your
Request For More Money
– You don’t have enough experience
– Other employees aren’t making more
– The budget won’t permit
– That’s what we are paying new hires
UNDERSTANDING THE PROCESS

Your Positive Response To An Objection To Pay
You More
– In response to the “other employees aren’t making
more” statement, you might give a response such as:
“I see. (short pause) What is the range for this position?
What would it take to get to that higher level within that
range?
Remember, you are asking questions not delivering
an ultimatum.
The Interview

Some Ideas To Help You During The Interview
Process As It Pertains To The Salary Issue
– Good listening skills
– Try not to be the first to mention money
– If asked what salary you are looking for, say you have a
range but that it really will depend on the total package
– If pushed, have a range in mind
– If asked what your current pay is, tell the truth
THE OFFER
– Give answer in 24 hours unless you are
considering other options. Or ask for a
window of time.
– Ask about other important fringe benefits
before accepting the job
– Avoid telephone negotiations
THE NEGOTIATION PROCESS

Here Are Some Examples Of How A Salary Discussion
Might Go
Company: “We would like to offer you a salary of
Rs.55,000/year.”
You: Alternative answer #1: “I’m delighted that you are
interested in me. Based upon my experience and also
because of a variety of expenses associated with the cost of
living in (this city), I would like to make around
Rs.60,000. How do you feel about that?
THE NEGOTIATION PROCESS
Alternative answer #2: “I like the opportunity, and I know
that I could contribute, but I have several other
opportunities that are in the $60,000 range. Is there a way
we could work this out?”
Alternative answer #3: “I’ve completed a very valuable
education and anticipated Rs.60,000 as a minimum. Is
there a way we can work that out? I love the opportunity
and would like to work here if I can get that amount. What
do you think?”
THE NEGOTIATION PROCESS
– Ask if you can get periodic reviews to let your
future employer know that you are concerned
with providing the highest level of service.
– Before asking for more money, mention
positive statement that reflects your skills and
why you are qualified for the job.