Interviewing for a Job Sara Yousef CPIT 221

Interview Types ¡ Media: l ¡ Time: l ¡ 30 minutes to a day Interviewer l ¡ In person, by phone, teleconference One person, two or even a group Traditional, behavioural, task-related Whatever the type, the key is to be well-prepared

Before the Interview ¡ Learn as much as possible about the company l l Its Its activities, products, services size, assets, branches owner (larger company? ) history Then ask: where will I fit in?

Learning About the Company ¡ Where can you get such information? l l l ¡ Internet Business section of newspapers Company’s publications / site Ask the interviewer about details you couldn’t find about the company l l Shows your interest Allows you to learn more about your potential employer

…Before the interview ¡ Anticipate and prepare answers to common questions l l What are your short and long-term career goals? Where do you see yourself after 5 years? What are your major strengths and weaknesses? How do you spend your free time?

More Common Questions l l What accomplishments are you particularly proud of? Why do you want to work for this company? Why should I hire you? Why are you leaving your current job?

Behavioural Interviews ¡ ¡ Rather than traditional questions, interviewer works around examples/ hypothetical situations Example questions: l l l If I were your boss and you disagreed with a decision I made, what would you do? Tell me about a time when you failed and what you learned from that experience. How have you used your leadership skills to bring about change?

…Before the Interview Arrive 10 -15 minutes early ¡ Bring extra copies of your CV ¡ Bring a portfolio of your work, if applicable ¡ Dress simply and conservatively and avoid extreme fragrances or cosmetics ¡

At the Start of the Interview Thank the interviewer for her time ¡ Remain standing until offered a seat ¡ Sit with good posture ¡ Look at the interviewer ¡ Appear relaxed and confident ¡

When Answering Questions Make sure you understand the question before answering it ¡ Avoid responding too quickly ¡ Respond in a natural and relaxed manner ¡ l ¡ Use prepared answers; not memorized answers Don’t take extensive notes l May write just a few important points

…When Answering Questions Stick to the point ¡ Avoid just yes/no answers ¡ l ¡ Doesn’t give the interviewer enough info about you If faced with a moment of silence: l l Ask an intelligent question But don’t rush to simply fill the silence because seems like a sign of insecurity

…When Answering Questions Try to relate what you know about the company ¡ Match your accomplishments to what the company is looking for ¡

What Interviewers Commonly Look For: Understanding of the field ¡ Self-confidence ¡ Interest in the: ¡ l l l Field Company Job

At the End of the Interview Thank the interviewer ¡ Restate your interest in the job ¡ Try to get an idea of company’s hiring frame ¡ Exchange a firm handshake ¡

After the Interview Jot down key info to help you compare job offers ¡ Send the interviewer a thank you letter/email and include: ¡ l l l Thanks Name of job you interviewed for Your impression that the job is attractive Your confidence that you can perform well Your offer to provide further info

Sample Thank You Letter (pg. 276) Dear Ms. Leil, Thank you for the informative and pleasant interview we had yesterday. Please extend my thanks to Ms. Darin of Human Resources as well. I came away from our meeting yesterday most favourably impressed with Calcutex Industries. I find the position of software designer very attractive and feel confident that my qualifications will insha Allah enable me to perform the duties to everyone’s advantage. If I can answer any further questions, please let me know. Sincerely, …

As a Fresh Graduate Treat major projects / volunteer work as experience ¡ Know the value of transferrable skills ¡ Remind the interviewer that you’re a quick learner and can be trained to exactly what the company needs ¡

Salary Negotiations Before the interview research the current salary range in your level and region ¡ Use: ¡ l l People you know Career-development offices Job ads …

Timing of Salary Negotiations ¡ Delay salary negotiations as much as possible – preferably until you get a written job offer l ¡ Gives you more power to negotiate Resist accepting the first offer

If Asked About the Salary ¡ ¡ ¡ Indicate that you want to know more details about the position first & that your primary goal is a good career Reemphasize your qualifications and what makes you special compared to other candidates Answer diplomatically: l l “I’m ready to consider your best offer” “I’m sure this company pays a fair salary for a person with my level of qualifications and experience”

…If Asked About the Salary ¡ If interviewer still demands to know numbers, give a range: l Ex: “ 28, 000 -38, 000 and that’s negotiable”

Trade-offs to Remember ¡ Consider: l l ¡ Chance for early promotion Job title/responsibilities that will help your career grow Try some of the following perks to upgrade your package: l l Paid vacations Child benefits Overtime compensation Flexible hours Health care Bonuses/discounts …

Conclusion: (1) Test Your Understanding ¡ What can you do to prepare before the interview? l l l Learn as much as possible about the company Anticipate and prepare answers to common questions Arrive 10 -15 minutes early Bring extra copies of your CV Bring a portfolio of your work, if applicable Dress simply and conservatively and avoid extreme fragrances or cosmetics

Conclusion: (2) Test Your Understanding I need a volunteer… to demonstrate an ideal end to an interview ¡ l l Thank the interviewer Restate your interest in the job Try to get an idea of company’s hiring frame Exchange a firm handshake

Conclusion: (3) Test Your Understanding I need a volunteer… to demonstrate an ideal answer during salary negotiations ¡ ¡ Indicate that you want to know more details about the position first & that your primary goal is a good career Reemphasize your qualifications and what makes you special Answer diplomatically: l l “I’m ready to consider your best offer” “I’m sure this company pays a fair salary for a person with my level of qualifications and experience”