Transcript Interviewing Tips - Texas Southern University
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
T
ask or role
A
ction, why was it appropriate
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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.