Transcript INTERVIEW TECHNIQUES

Chapter 15
INTERVIEW
TECHNIQUES
Professionalism: Skills for Workplace Success, 2/e
Lydia E. Anderson • Sandra B. Bolt
Copyright ©2011 by Pearson Education, Inc.
publishing as Pearson [imprint]
“All the world’s a stage.”
William Shakespeare
(1564-1616)
Professionalism: Skills for Workplace Success, 2/e
Lydia E. Anderson • Sandra B. Bolt
Copyright ©2011 by Pearson Education, Inc.
publishing as Pearson [imprint]
OBJECTIVES
• Conduct company specific research for
interview preparation
• Prepare a personal commercial to sell
skills and tie them to a target job
• Identify pre-interview preparation
activities including creating an interview
portfolio and practice interview questions
Professionalism: Skills for Workplace Success, 2/e
Lydia E. Anderson • Sandra B. Bolt
Copyright ©2011 by Pearson Education, Inc.
publishing as Pearson [imprint]
OBJECTIVES (cont.)
• Describe specific statements and
behaviors to exhibit at the close of an
interview and job offer
• Discuss salary negotiation strategies
Professionalism: Skills for Workplace Success, 2/e
Lydia E. Anderson • Sandra B. Bolt
Copyright ©2011 by Pearson Education, Inc.
publishing as Pearson [imprint]
COMPANY SPECIFIC RESEARCH
• Conduct research prior to interview
• Research better prepares you for interview,
increases confidence, and provides greater
advantage over other candidates
• Sources include:
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Company web site, brochures, materials
Internet search
Industry journals
Interviews with current employees and business
leaders
Professionalism: Skills for Workplace Success, 2/e
Lydia E. Anderson • Sandra B. Bolt
Copyright ©2011 by Pearson Education, Inc.
publishing as Pearson [imprint]
COMPANY SPECIFIC RESEARCH
• Identify as much as you can about
– The target company
– Its administrators
– Department of the target job
• Identify if the company is the right fit for
you and your career goals
• Share specific research information
during the interview
Professionalism: Skills for Workplace Success, 2/e
Lydia E. Anderson • Sandra B. Bolt
Copyright ©2011 by Pearson Education, Inc.
publishing as Pearson [imprint]
THE PERSONAL COMMERCIAL
• Personal Commercial: a brief career
biography that conveys your career choice,
knowledge, skills, strengths, abilities, and
experiences that make you uniquely qualified
• Sells skills and ties these skills to the target
job in a brief two minute statement
• Adapt statement to the requirements for each
target job
Professionalism: Skills for Workplace Success, 2/e
Lydia E. Anderson • Sandra B. Bolt
Copyright ©2011 by Pearson Education, Inc.
publishing as Pearson [imprint]
THE PERSONAL COMMERCIAL
• Do not include personal information such
as marital status, hobbies, or other
private information
• Include career objective information
• Use personal commercial at beginning of
interview
• Restate at end of interview
• (Exercise 15-1, page 240)
Professionalism: Skills for Workplace Success, 2/e
Lydia E. Anderson • Sandra B. Bolt
Copyright ©2011 by Pearson Education, Inc.
publishing as Pearson [imprint]
THE INVITATION TO INTERVIEW
• Most invitations occur via phone or email
• Regularly check and respond to phone
and e-mail messages
• Maintain a professional voice mail
message and e-mail address
Professionalism: Skills for Workplace Success, 2/e
Lydia E. Anderson • Sandra B. Bolt
Copyright ©2011 by Pearson Education, Inc.
publishing as Pearson [imprint]
THE INVITATION TO INTERVIEW
• Attempt to identify
– With whom you will interview
– How much time is scheduled for the interview
– How many applicants are being called to interview
• Be friendly, respectful, and professional
• Try to arrange interview at time that puts you at
advantage
– First and last are most memorable
– Morning is best
Professionalism: Skills for Workplace Success, 2/e
Lydia E. Anderson • Sandra B. Bolt
Copyright ©2011 by Pearson Education, Inc.
publishing as Pearson [imprint]
THE INTERVIEW PORTFOLIO
• Interview Portfolio: small folder containing
relevant documents that are taken to an
interview
• Use business portfolio or paper folder with
pockets
• Include: copies of résumé, cover letter,
reference list, generic application, and
personal commercial
• Also include a calendar, note paper, a pen,
and personal business cards
Professionalism: Skills for Workplace Success, 2/e
Lydia E. Anderson • Sandra B. Bolt
Copyright ©2011 by Pearson Education, Inc.
publishing as Pearson [imprint]
PRACTICE INTERVIEW
QUESTIONS
• Important pre-interview activity
• Practice answering common interview
questions in front of mirror or video
camera (table 15-1)
• Analyze responses
– Selling skills
– Projecting professional image
– Nervous gestures
Professionalism: Skills for Workplace Success, 2/e
Lydia E. Anderson • Sandra B. Bolt
Copyright ©2011 by Pearson Education, Inc.
publishing as Pearson [imprint]
PRE-INTERVIEW
PRACTICE
• Practice day
• Arrive at interview location (company)
• Walk to specific interview office (do not go into
office)
• Note nearest public restroom
• Interview attire—clean and professional
• Thank-you notes (page 243)
• Interview portfolio
Professionalism: Skills for Workplace Success, 2/e
Lydia E. Anderson • Sandra B. Bolt
Copyright ©2011 by Pearson Education, Inc.
publishing as Pearson [imprint]
THE DAY OF THE
INTERVIEW
• Look in the mirror
• Ensure professional appearance
• If you smoke, refrain from smoking prior
to the interview
• Arrive 15 minutes early
• Go to the restroom and freshen up
• Enter meeting location 5 minutes early
Professionalism: Skills for Workplace Success, 2/e
Lydia E. Anderson • Sandra B. Bolt
Copyright ©2011 by Pearson Education, Inc.
publishing as Pearson [imprint]
THE DAY OF THE INTERVIEW
• Make every interaction positive
• Introduce yourself to the receptionist
• Be sincere
• Take a seat and relax
• Use positive self-talk
From the minute you enter the building, assume
your interview has begun
Professionalism: Skills for Workplace Success, 2/e
Lydia E. Anderson • Sandra B. Bolt
Copyright ©2011 by Pearson Education, Inc.
publishing as Pearson [imprint]
THE INTERVIEW
• Communicate confidence
• Communicate how your knowledge, skills, and abilities
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will be an asset to the company
Stand, extend a smile and handshake
Clearly and slowly state your name
Listen carefully to the individual’s name
The interview may be conducted several ways:
• One person
• Several individuals (panel interview)
• Testing
Professionalism: Skills for Workplace Success, 2/e
Lydia E. Anderson • Sandra B. Bolt
Copyright ©2011 by Pearson Education, Inc.
publishing as Pearson [imprint]
THE INTERVIEW
• Do not be seated until invited to do so
• Decline a drink
• After being seated, write down names
• Inject names into conversation
• Look for conversation cues
Professionalism: Skills for Workplace Success, 2/e
Lydia E. Anderson • Sandra B. Bolt
Copyright ©2011 by Pearson Education, Inc.
publishing as Pearson [imprint]
THE INTERVIEW
• Body language
– Watch yours
– Watch individuals conducting interview
– Sit up straight, sit back in chair, and relax
– Be calm but alert
• Keep hands folded on lap or ready to take
notes
• Do not lean on furniture
• Make eye contact, but don’t stare at the
interviewer
Professionalism: Skills for Workplace Success, 2/e
Lydia E. Anderson • Sandra B. Bolt
Copyright ©2011 by Pearson Education, Inc.
publishing as Pearson [imprint]
THE INTERVIEW
When Asked a Question
• Listen carefully
• Take a few seconds to think and digest
question
• Formulate an answer
• Answers should relate back to the job
qualifications and/or job duties
• The goal is to convey to interviewer how your
skills will assist the company
• Keep answers brief, but complete
• Your job is to sell yourself
• When possible, inject company information
Professionalism: Skills for Workplace Success, 2/e
Lydia E. Anderson • Sandra B. Bolt
Copyright ©2011 by Pearson Education, Inc.
publishing as Pearson [imprint]
THE INTERVIEW
When Asked a Question (cont.)
• “Talk about yourself” = personal
commercial
• When possible, share job samples
• When possible, share company
research findings
• Do not provide personal information
• Relate answers back to the target
job
Professionalism: Skills for Workplace Success, 2/e
Lydia E. Anderson • Sandra B. Bolt
Copyright ©2011 by Pearson Education, Inc.
publishing as Pearson [imprint]
PHONE INTERVIEWS
• First interview may take place over the
phone
• Consistently answer phone professionally,
keeping interview portfolio within easy reach
• During a phone interview:
– Be professional and prepared
– Be concise with communication
– Be polite
Professionalism: Skills for Workplace Success, 2/e
Lydia E. Anderson • Sandra B. Bolt
Copyright ©2011 by Pearson Education, Inc.
publishing as Pearson [imprint]
INTERVIEW METHODS
• One-on-one interviews: involve meeting
between applicant and a company rep
• Group Interviews: involve several applicants
interviewing with each other while being
observed by company reps
• Panel Interviews: involve applicant meeting
with several company employees at the
same time
Professionalism: Skills for Workplace Success, 2/e
Lydia E. Anderson • Sandra B. Bolt
Copyright ©2011 by Pearson Education, Inc.
publishing as Pearson [imprint]
TOUGH QUESTIONS AND
ANSWERS
• Negative work-related experiences
• Potentially devastating if not handled properly
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Fired
Poor performance evaluation
Poor/no job reference
Behaved in a negative manner prior to leaving old job
• If not asked, don’t disclose
• Only exception is if current/former boss has potential
to provide a negative reference
– Tell interviewer
– Request another manager or coworker be contacted
Professionalism: Skills for Workplace Success, 2/e
Lydia E. Anderson • Sandra B. Bolt
Copyright ©2011 by Pearson Education, Inc.
publishing as Pearson [imprint]
TOUGH QUESTIONS AND
ANSWERS
• Be honest
• State the facts
• Tell interviewer that you have matured and
realized that you did not handle the situation
appropriately
• Do not speak poorly of current/previous
employer, boss, or coworker
• Do not place blame on who was right or
wrong
• Every experience is a learning experience
Professionalism: Skills for Workplace Success, 2/e
Lydia E. Anderson • Sandra B. Bolt
Copyright ©2011 by Pearson Education, Inc.
publishing as Pearson [imprint]
CLOSING THE INTERVIEW
• At close of interview, you may be asked if you have
any questions
• Have question(s) prepared
– Current event
– Portfolio information
– Do not ask selfish questions regarding salary, benefits,
vacations, or general company questions
• Restate personal commercial
• Ask for the job
– The purpose of the job interview is to sell yourself
– An interview isn’t successful if you don’t close the sale
Professionalism: Skills for Workplace Success, 2/e
Lydia E. Anderson • Sandra B. Bolt
Copyright ©2011 by Pearson Education, Inc.
publishing as Pearson [imprint]
CLOSING THE INTERVIEW
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Interviewer will signal that interview is over
Hand interviewer your personal business card
Secure a business card
Shake hands
Thank him or her for his or her time
Communicate confidence, friendliness, and
professionalism
• Immediately after leaving the interview, write the
thank-you note
• Make a positive last impression
Professionalism: Skills for Workplace Success, 2/e
Lydia E. Anderson • Sandra B. Bolt
Copyright ©2011 by Pearson Education, Inc.
publishing as Pearson [imprint]
AFTER THE INTERVIEW
• Deliver thank-you note
• Congratulate yourself
• Prior to leaving company property,
make notes
• Evaluate impression of company
Professionalism: Skills for Workplace Success, 2/e
Lydia E. Anderson • Sandra B. Bolt
Copyright ©2011 by Pearson Education, Inc.
publishing as Pearson [imprint]
NEGOTIATION
• Should hear back from company
– Second interview or job offer
– Reference checks
• Call individuals on reference list
• Interviewer may ask about salary requirements
– Sell skills
– Conduct and compare research to job posting
• Start a few thousand dollars higher than your
desired starting salary
• Consider experience and/or lack of experience
• If offered unacceptable salary, use silence
Professionalism: Skills for Workplace Success, 2/e
Lydia E. Anderson • Sandra B. Bolt
Copyright ©2011 by Pearson Education, Inc.
publishing as Pearson [imprint]
WHEN YOU’RE NOT
OFFERED A JOB
• Job search is a full-time job
• Do not be discouraged
• Evaluate résumé and cover letter
– Typographically or grammatical errors
– Listed important skills that reflect needs
of job
– Have someone review cover letter and
résumé
• Make every experience a learning
experience
Professionalism: Skills for Workplace Success, 2/e
Lydia E. Anderson • Sandra B. Bolt
Copyright ©2011 by Pearson Education, Inc.
publishing as Pearson [imprint]
WHEN YOU’RE NOT
OFFERED A JOB
• Review each step in interview process
– Grade yourself
– Pre-interview preparation
– Interview day appearance
– Interview answers
– Ability to interject company research
into answers
• Maintain a good attitude
Professionalism: Skills for Workplace Success, 2/e
Lydia E. Anderson • Sandra B. Bolt
Copyright ©2011 by Pearson Education, Inc.
publishing as Pearson [imprint]