Interview Skills Training

1. Interview Skills Training Kathleen Campbell APAC Regional Recruitment Manager, Microsoft

2. Agenda • The Recruitment Continuum • Understanding the Recruitment Transaction • Interview Roadmap • CV Development • Getting Noticed • Interviews • Best candidates vs. Best employees • Competency Based Recruitment

3. The Recruitment Continuum

5. CV Development Resumes – Curriculum Vitae • Soft copy application unless otherwise specified in advert • No more than 3 pages – bullet points • Typed and clearly presented • No colours; fonts; graphics; clip art • Keywords (for database search) • Do include multiple contact details • Bring a copy to interview • Advance reference checking

6. Getting Noticed... • Make direct applications where possible • Don’t waste money on hard copies & postage • Present well to agencies • Don’t contact all agencies – be selective • Be ready to consider all employment options • Utilise online job board agencies • Utilise Employee Referral Options Own your own job search!

7. Interviews • Master your telephone interview techniques • Be on time • Have good/smart questions prepared for your interviewer • Have a pen and paper • Read the description fully • Visit company web page – Research • Bring samples to demonstrate your skills if appropriate • Be honest and be yourself • Don’t let nerves control your interaction (they are just people!) • Practice

9. WHAT DO I LOOK FOR IN CANDIDATES? Friendly positive attitude Team worker Hunger/thirst to learn new things Honesty and ethics Self-confidence Breadth of experience Right attitude towards money Respect for Managers & others Creativity and original thinking Someone who proves they can work hard Excellent communication skills Relevant skills/qualifications/experience Tenacity and determination Religious vs. Agnostic in Technical Beliefs WHAT MAKES ME SAY “NO-HIRE”? Poor listening skills Over confidence (arrogance) Poor communication skills Bad attitude towards managing conflict Lack of self critical Mobile phones left on Obsequious “Money is #1 priority” “I have learnt all I need to know” Lack of creativity or ability to think outside the box Stronger candidates available Dishonesty or unethical actions Inability to say ‘I don’t know’ Poor presentation Incomplete CV Lack of genuine interest in the role Religious vs. Agnostic in Technical Beliefs Attitude

10. Desire to Learn Formal Learning Informal Learning Desire to Break & Fix Willingness to try something new Hunger to learn from others Learn the competition Retrospective wisdom Ability to demonstrate

11. The Difference Factor What makes you so special? Travel Extra-curricular activities Sports Hobbies Community Service Awards 2nd Languages Responsibilities Passions

12. Technical Skills University Qualifications MSCE Qualifications (& equivalent) Self-taught skills Networking Web languages Reading – online subscriptions Betas & Testing Competitive Knowledge Demonstrations & Industry Events Non-Technical Skills Presentation Skills Debating and Negotiation Selling Skills Customer Service Project Management Writing Skills Team working Skills Planning & Organisation Competitive Knowledge Understanding Business & Industry Skills

13. Presentation Telephone – write down what you want to ask A good clear CV with no spelling errors Better to be over dressed than too casual Careful with: jewelry; perfume; tissues; scarves; Accepting “coffee” Practice presenting answers at a whiteboard Public Speaking* Good eye contact & communication skills Business cards Good handshake skills Build your network – stay in touch

14. Hiring the Best

15. SuccessfulInterviewing Model Comps Must Be Present FIRST Job Related Core Comps: Core Talents and Company Values = FOUNDATION Company Values: Integrity and Honesty; Open and Respectful; Self-Critical; Big, Bold Challenges; Passion; Accountable

16. Questions Thank you