Transcript Interviewing Skills

The Ins and Outs of
Interviewing
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Interviewing-What is it?
- A structured
meeting between
you and an
employer
- Interviewing is a
skill- like riding
your bike
- PRACTICE makes
PERFECT
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Interviewing is a two-way street
- Employers are
attempting to
determine if you
are an appropriate
fit for the job and
their culture
- You decide if the
environment is
right for you.
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Types of Interviews
Phone: used as an initial screen of candidates or to
narrow the pool of applicants
One-on-One: most common interview style and
incorporates you with the potential employer
Panel or Group: allows many individuals to interview
you at once
Meal: used to see how you interact or function in a
social setting
Second or On-site Interview: this allows one to
get a tour of the facility, meet the staff, and
additional questioning from different employees
and/or administration
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Pre-Interview Preparation
Research position, company, & industry
Know yourself and be able to articulate
skills, strengths, accomplishments, and
career goals
Prepare necessary materials (Copies of
resume, references, portfolio/pen, palm
pilot or organizer, breath mints)
Ask for directions and where to park
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Arriving
Be sure to allow yourself plenty of
time to arrive at your destination
(you may want to conduct a dry run
prior to your interview day)
Try to arrive 10-15 minutes early at
the site to allow you to park, walk to
the interview, use the restroom, or
just gather yourself
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Greeting & Introduction
Only 1 chance to make a
good 1st impression
Dress appropriately
Smile
Maintain eye contact
Firm handshake
Remain poised and
confident
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Body Language:
What signals are you sending?
Positive Signals
Leaning forward =
interest
Smiling = friendly
Nodding = attentive
and alert
Eye contact = curious
and focused
Negative Signals
Crossed arms =
defensive
Fidgeting hands or
tapping feet = nervous
or bored
Lack of eye contact =
untrustworthy
Leaning back=
discomfort
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Types of Interview Questions
Standard or
traditionaltargeting your
education, work
experiences, and
career goals
Sample Questions
Tell me about yourself?
What is your greatest
strength? Weakness?
Why did you choose to
interview with us?
What did you like most
about your last job? Least?
What are your short and
long term career goals?
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Types of Interview Questions
Behavioral Questions
-These focus on your
actions and/or
behaviors in a
previous setting.
- Past behavior
provides clues to
future behavior
Sample Questions
Describe a time you had
to make a difficult
decision?
Tell me about a time you
worked under a deadline?
What do you do when a
team member is not
pulling his/her weight?
Think about a time you
made a mistake. What
did you learn from it?
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Types of Interview Questions
Inappropriate or
unethical questions
- Questions which probe
into your private life or
personal background
- Questions about your
ethnicity, religion,
sexual orientation,
disabilities, marital
status
Sample Questions
How old are you?
Do you have
children?
Do you have a
disability?
What religion do
you practice?
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Types of Interview Questions
Questions asked by
the interviewee
To determine if you
are an appropriate
fit for the company
and position,
prepare a list of
questions for the
interviewer
Sample Questions
What type of assignments
can I expect within the
first year?
What do you like most
about this company?
What is the biggest
challenge facing this
department right now?
What skills are you looking
for in this position?
What is the next course of
action?
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General Interview Strategies
-Be prepared to talk about yourself and your
experiences
-Master the art of storytelling
-Provide specific and concrete examples of
your results/accomplishments
-Remain positive, enthusiastic, poised, and
confident throughout the interview process
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General Interview Strategies
Remember an interview is a formal
conversation--avoid filler words like “Um”,
“Ah”, & “You know”
Avoid indecisive phrases like: “I think,” “I
guess,” “probably,” or “pretty good”
Think before speaking
Avoid long verbose answers--limit your
response to 1-2 minutes
If you do not hear or understand a
question, ask them to repeat or clarify it
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General Interview Strategies
Remain calm,
relaxed, and be
yourself
Try to focus on the
message you are
trying to convey-NOT how well you
are doing!
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Dressing for Success-Men
Suit-Single or double
breasted
Polished shoes
Solid white shirt
Conservative tie
Neatly groomed hair,
beard, and mustache
Avoid strong colognes,
earrings, and body
piercing
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Dressing for Success-Women
Pant or skirt suit
Pumps with small to
medium heels
Light makeup,
perfume, and
jewelry
Wear neutral color
hosiery
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FOLLOW-UP
Ask good questions
Thank the interviewer
Request a business card
Inquire about next steps in the process
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FOLLOW-UP CONT
Send a thank you
note within 24
hours
Letter may be
handwritten or
typed; e-mail is
also acceptable
Tailor each one to
the individual.
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Final Thoughts
Remember that only 15% of the
success of an interview is out of your
control
Take some time to reflect
- Overall, how well did I do?
- What went well?
- What steps can I take next time to
improve?
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Suggestions
Conduct a test run the day before the interview
Practice! Practice! Practice!
•Obtain a list of practice interview questions and
jot down short answers
• Stand in front of a mirror and rehearse your
answers
•Schedule an appointment for a mock interview
with Career Services
Get a good night’s sleep-be well rested and alert
for the interview
Be relaxed and be yourself!
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Need additional help?
Call (314) 977-2828 or
email [email protected] to
schedule a mock
interview
Stop by during our walkin hours to meet with a
peer advisor if you have a
quick question
Schedule an appointment
with a career counselor if
you have a concern about
your career or job search
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