Interview Success Effective Interview Techniques Program Overview What

Interview Success Effective Interview Techniques

Program Overview Ø Ø Ø Ø Ø What Recruiters Look For Preparing for the Interview Modes of Interviewing Types of Interviews Interview Process Overview Typical Interview Format Sample Questions Second Interviews Making the Right Decision

What Recruiters Look For Recruiters are looking for You can draw from RPI, demonstrated examples of professional, Critical Behaviors: undergraduate & extracurricular activities to ◦ Leadership showcase your abilities ◦ Analytical Skills ◦ Problem Solving Skills You need to show ◦ Teamwork your past successes & ◦ Communication Skills experiences will allow you ◦ Creativity to be successful at their ◦ Passion/Interest in Industry organization

Preparing for the Interview • Step 1: The Self-Interview Ø Know your strengths & weaknesses Ø Determine your employment interests; what do you want to do and why Ø Reflect on your values; what’s most important to you Ø Be prepared to cite several examples of experiences, accomplishments, successes

Preparing for the Interview Step 2: Research Ø Review employer website/literature Ø Develop targeted questions concerning employer and job Ø Attend Informational Meetings Ø Be sure you know what the company stands for, its culture, and why you want to work for them!

Preparing for the Interview Step 3: Practice!! Ø Ø Ø Ø Review common questions Schedule mock interview Prepare list of questions Be alert to body language & eye contact SMILE Speak clearly; listen carefully Match your skills/experiences with jobs

Modes of Interviewing Ø Ø Ø On-campus Interviews Telephone Screening Video Interviews Over a Meal The Site Visit/Second Interview

Types of Interviews Ø Ø Ø Self-Analytic Interviews Fact Finding Interviews “What If” Interviews Problem Solving/Case Interviews Critical Behavior Interviews Role Playing Interviews

Interview Process Overview • Typically consists of 2 – 3 rounds of interviews • Interviews last between 30 – 45 minutes • Mix of general, behavioral, situation/case questions

Typical Interview Format Ø Ø Ø Ø Introductions/Ice Breakers Discussion of Positions/Opportunities Candidate Assessment (Sell Yourself!) Pose Questions – Make Them Good! Conclusion/Find Out Next Steps Assess Your Performance Send Thank-You Note Follow-up!

General Interview Tips Ø Ø Ø Ø Arrive 10 minutes early Dress professionally – wear a business suit Focus & relax – Be Yourself! Develop a firm handshake Be confident, enthusiastic, truthful Allow interviewer to lead Expect the unexpected!

Post Interview Assessment • Was it evident that you have a clear understanding of your self? • Did you prove that you researched the company and the job? • Did you show the match between the job, your technical skills and experience? • What can you do to improve for the next interview?

Post Interview Assessment • Did you successfully discuss your education and extracurricular activities? • Were you composed, honest, confident? • Did you look and act professional? • Were you energetic, enthusiastic and positive?

Sample Questions Tell me about yourself. Walk me through your resume. What are your strengths/weaknesses? Give me an example of a situation that tested your leadership ability. Ø Tell me about a time that you had to do something you didn’t enjoy. Ø Describe your greatest accomplishment. Ø How would you define success? Ø Ø

When the Offers Come In • • • Choosing the Right Job The Art of Salary Negotiation What About Fringe Benefits Your Word is Your Honor Notify Employers/CDC of Your Decision