Interviewing Tips

Interviewing is a Learned Skill. Even the Most Qualified Job Seekers Need to Prepare for Job Interviews. Interviewing Tips

Objectives • Demonstrate Effective Interview Preparation • Prepare Effective Interview Questions • Describe Proper Interview Appearance • Explain Proper Interview Follow-up 2

READY…..SET….INTERVIEW • First impressions count • Answer your phone in a professional manner • Be prepared for the phone call and know your resume

Preparing for the Interview • Research the company thoroughly • Learn everything about the company • Ensure that you know exactly where the company is located • Recommended to arrive no earlier or no later than 10 minutes before scheduled interview time • Know who you will be meeting with and their titles and do research on those people so you are well prepared • Read through job posting and have a strong understanding as to what the position entails • Match your skills with the positions requirements

Preparing for the Interview • Plan what you are going to say • Try to have some stories about your work experience that illustrate your skills, experience, and education. These stories should relate to the skills that the employer is seeking, while emphasizing your: • Strengths • Leadership skills • Ability to learn new things • Contributions to the organizations in which you have worked or volunteered • Creativity in solving problems and working with people

Preparing for the Interview • Create a checklist • Don’t forget the basics. Plan a “things to do” list: • Go to bed early and get plenty of sleep. • Plan to dress in a manner appropriate to the job for which you are interviewing. • Plan your schedule and route so that you arrive 10 minutes before your appointment. • Bring extra copies of your resumes. • Gather together your letter's of recommendation, reference list, copies of licenses, driving record, transcripts, etc. • Make sure that your portfolio of work samples is up to date.

Preparing for the Interview • Read through your resume to understand it from the point of the interviewer • Ask yourself, “What was it that attracted the attention of the interviewer to contact me?” • Rehearse • Prepare a list of questions • What happened to the person who previously held this job? • Why did you choose to work here? • What is the first problem the person you hire must attend to? • Next steps?

What to Bring to the Interview • Multiple Resumes • Breath Mints • Driving Directions and Map • Cell Phone • Interview Contact Name and Phone Number • Letters of Recommendation • Performance Reviews • Portfolio/Work Samples • Professional Folder with Notebook to take Notes

What to Bring to the Interview • List of Professional References • Names and phone numbers of previous managers, colleagues, teachers and advisors that can provide information with regards to your work history and qualifications. • Sample types of references • Employment: Include past employers and co-worker who can speak about your specific employment experience • Academic: Instructors and vocational counselors who can speak about your academic endeavors. These are most appropriate for current students or recent graduates. • Personal: Individuals you know on a personal level and can describe your skills.

Interview Appearance • It is ok to ask about the companies dress attire when first contacted about the interview. You can say to the person you speak with, 'I want to make sure I understand your company culture and dress appropriately.'” • In General/Conservative Dress Attire • Suit and tie for men • Pants suit or dress suit for women • No Eating or Gum Chewing

Interview Appearance • Shop Smart • Only need one suit but can vary what you wear with the suit • Do Not Need to spend a Fortune • Do Not Neglect Accessories (less is more) • Shows attention to detail • Request business cards from everyone you meet and send a follow-up/thank you note to everyone for their time

Interview Follow Up and Feedback • How to get interview feedback besides going directly to the company • Self Evaluation • Think about the questions you have been asked and your responses and be brutally honest with yourself. Take your self-evaluation a step further by videotaping yourself responding to a series of key questions. Review your performance. What do you see?

Interview Follow Up and Feedback • How to get interview feedback besides going directly to the company continued… • Peer Evaluation • Seek out the eyes and ears of a trusted friend or significant other who will be honest with you. Role-play the interview by giving your helper a specific job posting and a list of questions. Instruct them to ask the questions randomly and to even make up some of their own. You can also ask your helper to watch your self-made video.

Interview Follow Up and Feedback • How to get interview feedback from the company • Ask the Hiring Company (Consider your timing) • The best time to ask is when the interviewer tells you the company isn't interested. If you are lucky enough to get a phone call, use this opportunity to ask for feedback. If you receive an email, follow up within 24 hours. • Ask the Right Questions • Don't put the interviewer on the spot by questioning why you weren't offered the job. Accept you weren't successful, and ask a constructive question. A better route is to ask how you could improve, what your weak areas were or if the interviewer has any specific interviewing advice for you.

Interview Follow Up and Feedback • How to get interview feedback from the company • Strike the Right Tone • The interviewee is much more likely to give the candidate constructive feedback if the question is asked with the right intent. There should be no hint of you wanting to argue a point about your candidacy or that you feel angry or injured.

Ten Tips to Boost Your Interview IQ • Practice Good Nonverbal Communication • Confidence/Eye Contact/Strong Handshake • Dress for the Job or Company • Listen • Observe your interviewer and match that style and pace • Do Not Talk Too Much • Avoid interruptions • Do Not be Too Familiar With the Interviewer • The interview is a professional meeting to talk business • Use Appropriate Language

Ten Tips to Boost Your Interview IQ • Ask Questions • When asked if they have any questions, most candidates answer, "No." Wrong answer. It is extremely important to ask questions to demonstrate an interest in what goes on in the company. Asking questions also gives you the opportunity to find out if this is the right place for you. The best questions come from listening to what is asked during the interview and asking for additional information.

Ten Tips to Boost Your Interview IQ • Take Care to Answer the Questions • Listen carefully to what you are being asked • When an interviewer asks for an example of a time when you did something, he is seeking a sample of your past behavior. If you fail to relate a specific example, you not only don't answer the question, but you also miss an opportunity to prove your ability and talk about your skills. • Remember to provide specific examples

Ten Tips to Boost Your Interview IQ • Be Mindful of Your Attitude • Attitude plays a key role in your interview success. There is a fine balance between confidence, professionalism and modesty. Even if you're putting on a performance to demonstrate your ability, overconfidence is as bad, if not worse, as being too reserved. • Don't Appear Desperate • When you interview with the "please, please hire me" approach, you appear desperate and less confident. Maintain the three C's during the interview: cool, calm and confident. You know you can do the job; make sure the interviewer believes you can, too.

Be yourself • Answer Questions honestly • Be able to comfortably speak about why you want to work for this company • Do not pretend to be someone you are not • Let your true personality shine through • Be proud of your skills and experience and let that shine through • Believe in your ability to learn, grow, and develop • Interact positively with all company representatives (recruiter, receptionist)

Interviewing – Things to Avoid • Gum/Eating • Do not be late to the interview • Do not name drop unless you are sure it is a positive for you to be associated with that person • Turn off cell phone • Don’t appear desperate • Don’t use inappropriate language • Males: No earrings • Slouching

Final Interview Tips • Job interview tips - Job interview questions and answers • Job Interview Tips for Young People

Questions?

Interviewing Tips