1. Effective Interviewing Presented by Renee Burrell

2. Types of Interviews • Individual: Interview w/one person or different people individually • Panel: The applicant is interviewed by a group of interviewers at the same time. • Group: There is more than one applicant in the room. Typically interviewed by a panel • Meal: The interview takes place over a meal, typically lunch • Working: The applicant is put to work and observed.

3. Phone Interview • Schedule a time where you can give your complete attention • Take the phone call in a quiet place-preferably use a land line • Write down a few key points you want to mention and questions you want to ask • Keep a copy of your resume & job description near the phone • Smile and stay enthusiastic

4. Parts of an Interview • Greeting & Opening • Questioning & Probing • Evaluation • Your Questions/Interviewer’s Answers • Wrap-Up • Follow-Up

5. Greeting & Opening • Be on time (10-15 minutes early) • Make a good first impression, feel comfortable with small talk • Bring paper, pen, extra copies of resume in a portfolio (no backpack!) • Address interviewer by his/her name, use firm handshake, make eye contact • Dress professionally – appearance counts!

6. Questioning & Probing • Know yourself and your resume • Be able to answer why the organization should hire you over other candidates • Speak clearly & thoughtfully-be specific & concise • Research employer beforehand (Why are you interested in the organization?)

7. Types of Interview Questions • Informational (e.g. Please tell me about yourself or what was your favorite class) • Behavioral questions (Give an example where you resolved a conflict)

8. Improper Interview Questions • Age • Marital Status • Family Background • Race/Ethnicity • Religion • Disability • Photo

9. Evaluation • Employer will observe the following about you: • Personality/level of enthusiasm • Maturity • Communication Skills • Appearance • Skills/Experience

10. Your Questions • Have 3-5 questions prepared and written down (you might forget them) • Research the organization - know about any major news stories, special/unique services, recent changes • If a question comes up for you during the interview, add it to your list

11. Wrap-Up • Find out what next steps are and when you can expect to hear back • Ask if you may contact the company if you have not heard within that time frame • Make sure you know the interviewer’s name for follow-up (ask for business card) • Make a grand exit (smile, eye contact, firm handshake)

12. Follow-Up • Send a thank you letter, handwritten or typed, within a day or two after the interview • Be specific in what you talked about - no generic letters • If invited for a second interview, respond as soon as possible to the organization to let them know you received the correspondence

13. Second Interview • Try to ask in advance names and titles of people who will interview you and how you will be interviewed • Second interviews vary in length from half hour to full day of interviews, tours, tests/observation groups, etc. • You may have to repeat some information about yourself from 1st interview

14. Practice with sample questions Review specific achievements Visualization Prepare written notes Mock Interview How to Practice

15. Tricky Question #1 • Please tell me about yourself • Don’t discuss personal interests, where you grew up or family background • Explain your current situation (student, recent graduate, or current position if employed), past relevant experience, and future goals relevant to company • Provide 3 examples of strengths/abilities

16. Tricky Question #2 • What are your goals • Don't discuss your goals for returning to school or having a family, they are not relevant and could knock you out of contention for the job. • Connect your answer to the job you are applying for, i.e. learning/enhancing skills, taking on additional responsibilities, growing w/company, move from tech/assistant to management, join professional association

17. Tricky Question #3 • What is your greatest weakness? • Don’t say I don’t know, or I can’t think of one • Don’t give a cliché answer like I work too hard or I am a perfectionist • Don’t provide something personal like, I’m not a morning person • Instead think of a weakness you worked to overcome (W.A.R – Weakness – Action –Result)

18. STAR Method • Situation • Task • Action • Result