Interviewing Tips

Presented by: Cooperative Education & Placement Services

Purpose of the Interview:

 For the Interviewer and the Candidate to obtain information & to evaluate each other.

 For the interviewer to determine if there is a possible fit.

Scheduling Your Interview

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Time, date, location, directions, interviewer, length of interview Know how long it will take to arrive at the interview Leave extra travel time Arrive 10 minutes early

Preparation for the Interview

 Self assessment  Identify your skills  Adaptive/traits  Job specific/work content  Transferable/Functional: will keep you employed  Know your values: what is important to you  Know your career interests & goals

Research the company

 Use a variety of resources  Know products, services, competitors  Know organization’s functions & positions  Know departments & relationships to other departments  Know hiring policies, goals, objectives, management styles, philosophy/mission

Attitude & appearance

 Conservative clothing & colors: fit is important  Professional shoes: avoid athletic & sandals  Men: Suits, socks that match trousers or shoes, long sleeved shirts  Women: Suits, full-length hose, enclosed shoes  Well-pressed clothing  Avoid distracting jewelry

Attitude & appearance continued….

 Avoid fragrances  Good grooming is essential: use mouthwash, deodorants  Be positive, friendly, interactive  Smile & have good eye contact  Be respectful of interviewer & interviewer’s space  Be enthusiastic & self confident

Interview Structure

 Introduction: small talk, exchange of names, etc.

 Body of the interview  Question & answer  Have questions prepared  Demonstrate interest  Closing  Emphasize interest & fit  Know follow-up procedures, timelines  Send typed thank-you  Same day; no later than 24 hrs.

Types of Interviews

 Screening Interviews: 30 – 60 minutes  Second, third, company visits  Panel Interview: 2 or more interviewers  Group Interviews: 2 or more candidates interviewed  Structured: based on job skills & questions prepared  Unstructured: not preplanned  Telephone

Qualities Employers Seek

 Professional image: grooming, attire, self-confidence  Mature behavior & judgment  Realistic knowledge of strengths & weaknesses  Interaction with others: peers & supervisors  Teamwork & your role/ contributions  Leadership

Qualities Employers Seek Continued….

 Good work ethics  Problem solving, coping with policies, procedures  Academic performance: GPA matters  Communication skills: oral presentation, interpersonal, written  Computer literacy  Extra-curricular activities  How you fit with the organization

Behavioral Interviewing

  Purpose  To evaluate past performance to predict future performance  To ask questions related to job functions and expectations Using the STAR response 

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ituation, set background 

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ask or role 

A

ction, why was it appropriate 

R

esults: how you made a difference

Preparation

 Research the skills required for the position  Identify where & how you used those skills  Know where you made a positive difference  Know where you made mistakes and what you learned from them  Practice, practice, practice

Behavioral Interview Questions

 Tell me about a difficult decision you made.

 Process used to make the decision  Alternatives? Resource consideration  Tell me about a time when you had to go above and beyond the call of duty.  Willingness to do more  What you consider to be more  What did you do in a team project that contributed to the teamwork environment?

 Management style/leadership  How you make a difference

Behavioral Interview Questions Continued…

 What did you do in your last job to be more effective with your organization & planning?

 Were resources considered?

 Alternatives? Organization  What class did you like least and why?

 Maturity, responsibility, goals  Tell me about a time when you had to bend the rules.

 Judgment, flexibility

Behavioral Interview Questions Continued…

 Tell me about a time when you missed a deadline on an important project.

 Causes, responsibility for actions  What did you learn?  What would your references say about you?

 Talk to them, know what they would say.

The End