Transcript Introduction of Our Website

Marketing YOU
Developing Your
Career
The Interview
A Workshop series from The
National Association of Colleges
& Employers with Yangzhou
University
Employers say they are impressed by
job candidates who have：
excellent
communication
skills,
good grooming
habits,
and relevant work
experience.
Employers say they want：
trustworthy new hires
who can move right in,
get along with their coworkers,
and get the job done
without having to be
babied at each step.
10 steps to a successful interview：
Arrive on time
Introduce yourself in a courteous manner
Read company materials while you wait
Have a firm handshake
Listen.
10 steps to a successful interview：
Use body language to show interest
Smile, nod, give nonverbial feedback to the
interviewer
Ask about the next step in the process
Thank the interviewer
Write a thank you note to anyone you have spoken
to…..or email
Two Scenarios
Portis from Enterprise
Rent-A-Car
Structured 30 minute
behavioral interview
Goal people who have
strong customer-service
skills and high visibility
Kallenbach from Intel
Corp.
Informal process but
still focuses on
behavioral questions
Goal engineering and
computer science
majors with technical
skills & experience,
little public interaction
Package yourself
“If you don’t dress seriously, we can’t really take
you seriously” when the target is to hire for
management trainees positions.
“If you come in not well dressed, you’ve taken away
50% of your chance to be hired.”
Portis on Interviewing
Learn how to convince employers
you’re right for the job…
“ Make sure you know what is expected of
you in that interview before you go in.
There’s no excuse for not knowing a
company’s culture.”
Elearnor Sanchez,
associate dean of career services
at Columbia University
Getting ready: The Groundwork
Interviewing does not have to be a scary process!
Think of it as conversation between you and an firm
representative to see if there is a fit between your
goals and the position. You are interviewing him, just
as he is interviewing you. You want to know if this
position will allow you to meet your career goals. He
is trying to find out if you have what it takes to help
the organization meet its needs. Doing your
homework prior to your interview is the key to a
successful interview ‘conversation.’ Taking time to
lay the groundwork increases the odds that your
meeting will be productive.
Research the organization
Check out its web site.
Request brochures, annual reports, and other
company literature.
Search out news articles referring to this site.
Talk to other interns who worked there previously.
Your knowledge of the organization will be
impressive and can offset lack of experience.
Dress like the serious professional
you will soon be.
If you have a suit, wear it.
– If not, plan to wear a sports jacket, collared shirt,
tie, and slacks (if you’re male)
– or a pantsuit or blazer, blouse, and skirt (if
you’re female).
Choose dark colors—they convey an air of
authority.
Practice your smile, good posture, and firm
handshake.
Leave flashy jewelry and strong scents at home.
Rehearse/role play answers to
typical questions you may be
asked.
Practice, but don’t memorize your responses word-forword.
You don’t want to sound like you are reading from a
script!
It is usually better to give up-front, honest responses
rather than ‘canned’ answers you think the
interviewer wants to hear.
Questions in an interview for an
internship position:
Why do you want an
internship or co-op with
this organization?
Why should we hire you for
our internship program?
Do your grades reflect your
true ability? Why or why
not?



How many hours each
week would you be able to
devote to this internship
Would you be able to work
beyond one semester?
How would you handle
conflicts between your
school schedule and a
surprise, rush job here?
Questions in an interview for an
internship position:
 What type of supervisor
do you prefer to work
under?
 How will this internship
help you meet your
career goals?
 Who is your least
favorite professor?
Why?
 What are your greatest
strengths and biggest
weaknesses?
 Give me an example from your
past that shows the following:
how you dealt with difficult
people; how you overcame an
obstacle or solved a problem.
 Which of your courses, jobs, or
school activities has prepared
you for this internship?
Job Interview Questions: Education
and College Activities
If you could do so, how would you plan your
academic study differently? Why?
Explain your academic grade performance levels.
7/21/2015
Dr YU HL
16
Job Interview Questions: Personal
What sets you apart form other people who
may be interviewing for this job?
In what ways have you been a leader?
What have you learned from your mistakes?
What are some aspects of your work style
in which you can improve?
What is your energy level like? Describe a
typical day.
Describe a situation in which you had to
use your creativity to the fullest to complete
a project.
7/21/2015
Dr YU HL
17
Job Interview Questions: Personal
How do you go about influencing someone to accept
your ideas?
What major problem have you encountered and how
did you deal with it?
What would you do when a team member of yours
does not get along with you?
How do you handle criticism?
What are your outside interests? What do you like
to do in your free time?
7/21/2015
Dr YU HL
18
Job Interview Questions: Position and
Organization
What is your greatest strength and weakness, and how will
these affect your job performance?
What would you do when a decision has to be made and no
procedure exists?
What qualities should a successful manager possess?
Do you prefer to work independently or as part of a team?
What criteria are you using to evaluate the organization for
which you hope to work?
How long would you stay with our company?
Are you willing to relocate? Are you willing to travel?
7/21/2015
Dr YU HL
19
Job Interview Questions:
Work Experience
Give an example of a work-related problem you
encountered and how you solved it.
How have you prepared for the world of work
What was your most significant accomplishment
in a job?
Explain why the job and you are an excellent fit.
What have you learned from your previous jobs?
7/21/2015
Dr YU HL
20
“ Think about the worst question you can face in
the interview—the one you most dread. Practice
answering that. Do role playing. You must be
prepared for that question. If you can answer it,
the rest will be much easier”
Sanchz on getting ready for the interview
Prepare questions to ask.
This is your chance to make sure that a particular
internship or job will meet your needs and goals.
Answers to your questions will help you discover
which internship or co-op is right for you.
The One Question To Ask Every
Interviewer
The opportunity for you to ask a question often
comes only at the end of the interview. In fact, you
are typically offered the chance when the interview
is over: "Are there any questions that I can answer
for you?" However, there is a question you should
ask of every interviewer as early as possible during
the course of the interview: "Can you tell me about
the position and the type of person you are
seeking?"
7/21/2015
Dr YU HL
23
Properly positioned, this question can provide you
with your single greatest opportunity for
understanding more about the job and your ability
to fill the role. The answer can show you the specific
areas of need which you should address during the
course of the interview. So it is important to inject
this question into the interview as early as possible.
You can do this with an out-take question. As you
finish an answer, use it as a lead to your question.
Be careful not to use this technique as an attempt to
control the interview. You merely need to use this
technique to inject this critical question.
7/21/2015
Dr YU HL
24
For example, in answering a "What do you know
about our company?" question, you can answer
directly with what you know about the company
(you have done your research, right?), then state
that you do not know as much about the specific
position. Turn your answer into the out-take
question: "Can you tell me more about the position
and the type of person you are seeking?"
7/21/2015
Dr YU HL
25
Find the strategic opportunity to inject this question
as early as possible in the process. Then, as
appropriate, frame your answers around what they
are seeking in the person to fill the position. Stay
within practical and ethical bounds in directing
your answers, yet keep in mind the perspective of the
interviewer and seek to meet their needs for the
position. You will be further ahead in the interview
than if you merely take shots in the dark, hoping for
your answers to magically hit the mark.
7/21/2015
Dr YU HL
26
Prepare questions to ask.
 Could you list some tasks and
projects I would be involved with?
 Should I expect training or an orientation prior to beginning
my internship?
 Would I receive a wage, stipend, or reimbursement for my
expenses?
 Is there a dress code I would be expected to follow?
 Would I have regular meetings with my supervisor?
 I will need to take time off during my exam periods; is this
acceptable?
Bring along samples of your work.
Show the interviewer
articles you have written,
programs from events you have planned,
photographs of activities you have organized,
and newsletters you have edited.
These aids will convey information about your skills
and abilities that your resume cannot.
After the Interview
You might get an offer on the spot, if your
interview goes well. Hiring decisions for interns
and co-ops are generally made much more quickly
and unilaterally than hiring decisions for jobs. If
this is the internship you want, by all means accept
the position.
But don’t let pressure force you into a decision
you aren’t ready for. It’s okay to ask for two or
three days to make up your mind. This delay gives
you time to weigh the pros and cons.
Before the Interview ends, be ready to
follow up.
Make sure you leave your interview with
the name of your interviewer (and its correct
spelling)
and the address where she can be contacted.
After the Interview Follow up.
Write a brief thank-you note on a note card, or type
a brief letter. (In this day and age, e-mail thanks are
gaining acceptance, as well, but the ‘hard copy’
approach is still preferred.)
Use this opportunity to thank your interviewer for
her time and remind her of your strengths; you may
wish to include additional information that you
forgot to mention in the interview.
After the Interview Follow up.
If you received an offer at the interview,
use your thank-you note to thank the
interviewer for the offer,
and, if you’ve already accepted the position,
confirm your start date and schedule.
Ace the Interview…In Other Words
Learn about the company. - Do research. The more you
know about the company and job you are applying for
the more confident you can be. By finding out
information ahead of time you will be able to
determine where you will fit. One way to get
information might be the company's web site. You can
view their information and get a feel for the company.
The company may also have literature you can
review.
Ace the Interview…In Other Words
Arrive early - About 10 minutes is early enough. Check
out the directions before the scheduled interview.
Leave plenty of time on the day of your interview for
the unexpected traffic delay. If you carry a cell phone,
turn it off.
Have a firm handshake - Regardless if you or the
interviewer is a man or a woman have a firm but not
too tight a handshake. You don't want to have a feeble
or damp handshake. If you are not used to shaking
hands, practice.
Ace the Interview…In Other Words
Address the interviewer by name - This will help you
remember it, too. Don't call the interviewer by their
first name unless invited to do so.
Wait until you are asked to be seated. Allow the
interviewer to offer you a seat. Of course if they don't,
ask politely if you may have a seat.
Ace the Interview…In Other Words
A positive impression during an employment interview is
essential to receive a job offer. As a candidate, you should
know that most employers' goals are to find candidates who
are capable of succeeding in the position, "fitting in" with
the organization and its culture, and possessing a positive
outlook and demeanor.
This guide identifies types of interviews, how to prepare for
interviews and sample questions. Interviewing comes more
easily for some people than for others. But, everyone can
become an effective interviewer if they know how to prepare
and what to expect.
Types: Screening Interview
This "classic" format is usually one-on-one with
you, the job seeker and a human resources staff
person. The HR representative or manager asks you
about your background and skills, and you reply to
her/his questions and "sell" yourself. This is often
the format used for the first step of a screening
process and is relatively brief (1/2 - 1 hour). It is
often the type of interview available on-campus or at
a job fair.
7/21/2015
Dr YU HL
37
Types: Jobsite Interview
An interview that takes place at the employer's work site can
take many forms. It usually includes meeting (s) with a
representative from HR and a hiring manager from the
department for which you may work. Other company
personnel may also be included - co-workers, other
managers, a vice-president, etc. Some companies might
schedule a group interview where you interview with two to
five people. The on-site interview (s) may last many hours.
These interviews include common interview questions, and
may also be conducted in a behavioral interview format.
7/21/2015
Dr YU HL
38
Types: Behavioral Interviews
Behavioral Interviews are now a common method of
interviewing by many employers. In behavioral interviews, the
applicant is asked situational questions. For example, "Tell me
about a time when . . ." The successful applicant will provide
examples and clear explanations about what she did and the
successful outcome. The employer is trying to find out not
"what you will do" in a hypothetical situation, but rather,
"what have you done". In other words, "actions speak louder
than words".
Types: Behavioral Interviews
It is not uncommon for a successful candidate
to be invited back for two or three additional
interviews. These interviews will typically be
done with more senior members of the
organization and will be more in-depth.
7/21/2015
Dr YU HL
40
Types: Informational Interview
This IS NOT A JOB INTERVIEW! This interview is for
individuals who are looking for information about a career or
company and is generally conducted prior to job interviews. If
you want to find out information about what a job is like and
develop an understanding of the typical responsibilities and
tasks, you contact someone doing the career in which you are
interested. You then set up a time to visit with the person for 30
to 40 minutes, and ask prepared questions to help you to
decide if it is a type of career or position you wish to pursue.
After the interview you should always send a thank you.
Handouts and a video describing informational interviewing
are available in the Career Development office for some
international organizations.
7/21/2015
Dr YU HL
41
Preparation is the Key
Many job seekers go to interviews unprepared and
unsure of what to expect. Preparation will be vital to
help you conduct a successful interview and to help
you feel self-confident.
1. Research the company!
2. Know the job requirements.
3. Practice for the interview.
4. Have your outfit ready.
5. Know where to go.
Preparation is the Key
1. Research the company! You do not need to know everything
about an organization, but you must know the basics! These
basics include: what the company does, how large it is, where
it is located and if it has more than one operation in different
locations, what is its philosophy, what is its financial status,
and how long it has been in business, to name a few. This
information is easily accessed on the internet, including the
company website, and in various library reference materials.
Search Researching an Employer Guide, for help with this
process and for convenient web links and lists of recommended
resource material. Employers develop a very negative opinion
of candidates who have "not done their homework".
Preparation is the Key
2. Know the job requirements. By reading the job
announcement, reviewing a job description and/or
talking with the employer, you will know what
experience and/or skills the employer wants for
someone working at the job. Review your work,
volunteer, and academic background to identify
experiences where you have developed and/or
demonstrated the skills and abilities the employer is
seeking. Be ready to talk about these skills and
share examples of where you have developed them.
You can share this information when asked, "Tell
me about yourself," " What makes you qualified for
this position," "Why should we hire you" and other
similar open-ended questions.
Preparation is the Key
3. Practice for the interview. By anticipating types of questions
and practicing your responses, you will be better prepared to
articulate your skills and strengths during an interview.
Practice your nonverbal behavior including extending a firm
handshake, maintaining good eye contact, and smiling. Ask a
good friend, a professional colleague, the career
development staff or a professor to help you practice and to
give you clear, honest feedback about the clarity of your
answers and your nonverbal behavior. Make an appointment
for a mock interview or interview coaching with a friend of
your family who has a management role. Even though it can
feel awkward, practicing in front of mirror can also help you
"see yourself" and what image you project.
7/21/2015
Dr YU HL
45
Preparation is the Key
4. Have your outfit ready. What you wear to an
interview is key to that positive impression you want
to portray to an employer. In almost all cases,
"business formal" will be appropriate for
professional positions. For women that means a suit
or professional dress; neutral or coordinated hose;
low-heeled, professional polished shoes; no flashy
jewelry, bright eye shadow or perfume. You don't
need to break the bank to find professional clothing
- shop sales and second-hand stores for great deals!
Check out the Dress for Success Workshop
7/21/2015
Dr YU HL
46
Preparation is the Key
5. Know where to go. Before the interview, find
out exactly where the interview is, when to be
there and, if needed, where parking is
available. Ask for directions from the
organization contact who sets up the
interview and/or check a map so you can be
relaxed about where to go and arrive a few
minutes early. You may choose to drive to the
location of the interview a few days
beforehand so you know exactly where to go
and how long it takes to get there.
7/21/2015
Dr YU HL
47
This Stuff Gets Easier
After your first interview, the whole process won’t
seem quite so daunting. Interviews for experiential
positions are merely forerunners to the scores of
interviews you’ll be having in the course of your
working life. The more interviews you have, the
easier it gets. Who knows? You may even start to
enjoy them!
Thank you
for your attention Today!
We can continue with The
Telephone Interview…
Dress for Success & Your Personal
Website in the future…