Interviewing Skills Tips and Techniques for Landing a

Interviewing Skills Tips and Techniques for Landing a Job Presented by The Sure B. E. T. Team

What is an Interview? Interviewing is a Skill – Like Riding a Bike n An interview is a meeting between you and a potential employer n Practice Makes Perfect n

Types of Interviews Telephone Interview – Used to screen applicants or narrow applicant pool n One on One – Most common type of interview n Panel or Group – Many individuals interview you at once n Meal – Used to test your skills in a social setting n Second Interview/On-Site – Allows you to tour organization and meet staff n

Preparation is the Key Research position, company and industry n Be able to articulate skills, strengths, accomplishments and goals n Prepare and take copies of resumes and a list of references n Ask for directions and where to park n

Arriving at the Interview Allow yourself plenty of time to arrive at the interview; consider a dry run the day before n Don’t be late – Plan to arrive 10 -15 minutes early to park, use the restroom and find the office/location of the interview n

First Impressions Only one chance to make a good first impression n Dress appropriately n Smile n Maintain eye contact n Firm handshake n Remain poised and confident n

Body Language What signals are you sending? n Positive Signals Leaning forward = Interest n Eye Contact = Focused n Smiling = Friendly n Nodding = Attentive and Alert n

Body Language What signals are you sending? n Negative Signals Crossed Arms = Defensive n Lack of Eye Contact = Untrustworthy n Tapping Foot or Fidgeting = Nervous or Bored n Leaning Back = Discomfort n

Types of Interview Questions n Standard/Traditional Tell me a little about yourself n What do you know about our company? n Why have you applied for this job? n Why should we select you? n What are your career goals and where do you see yourself in 5 years? n What are your strengths and weaknesses? n Do you have any questions? n

Types of Interview Questions n Behavioral Questions Describe a time when you had to make a difficult decision. n Think about a time when you made a mistake. What did you learn from it? n What do you do when you have a conflict with a co-worker or supervisor? n Tell me about a time when you worked under a deadline. n

Types of Interview Questions n Inappropriate or unethical questions How old are you? n Do you have children? n What is your religion? n What is your political affiliation? n Are you married? n

Types of Interview Questions n Questions for you to ask the interviewer What skills are you looking for in this position? n Is there room for advancement? n What can I expect my first assignment to be? n Is there a training program available? n What is the biggest challenge facing this dept. ? n What do you like most about this company? n What is the next step in the hiring process? n

Interview Strategies Be prepared to talk about yourself, your past experiences and accomplishments n Give examples of success stories, awards and goals that you have met n Remain positive, enthusiastic, poised and confident n

Interview Strategies Think before speaking n Avoid long, drawn-out answers. Limit responses to 1 -2 minutes n If you do not understand the questions, ask the interviewer to repeat the question n Remain calm, relaxed and be yourself n Try to focus on the message you are trying to convey… NOT on how well you are doing n

Common Interview Mistakes Poor personal appearance n Lack of enthusiasm/interest n Over emphasis on money n Failure to make eye contact n Limp, fishy handshake n Asks no questions about the job n Lack of confidence and poise n

How NOT to Get the Job Bring your mother or kids to the interview n Answer your cell phone during the interview n Chew gum or smoke n Badmouth your previous employers n Explain transportation and/or financial problems in depth n

Follow-Up Ask good questions n Thank the interviewer n Request a business card n Inquire about next steps in the hiring process n

Follow-Up Send a thank you note within 24 hours n Handwritten thank you notes or emails acceptable n Tailor each one to the individual n

Final Thoughts n Take some time to reflect after the interview Overall, how well did I do? n What went well? n What steps can I take to improve my interview skills for next time? n

Suggestions for Success Write down a list of practice questions and short answers n Practice. n Get a good night’s sleep – be well-rested and alert for the big interview n Be relaxed and be yourself! n