Interviewing Workshop Mc Cormick Office of Career Development

Interviewing Workshop Mc. Cormick Office of Career Development

Objectives • To better understand the interview process: the before, during, and after • To be aware of the appropriate interviewing behaviors • To learn about behavioral interviewing • To practice interviewing skills

Goals of the Interview Goals of the Candidate (you): • • • To obtain information about the job/organization. To communicate important information about yourself. To make a positive impression upon the employer. Goals of the Interviewer: • • • To promote the organization and attract the best candidate. To assess if qualifications match the job requirements. To determine candidate fit with the organization and staff.

Skills/Qualities Sought by Employers § § § § Ability to learn Technical Skills Communication skills Critical thinking Personal management Teamwork Leadership Adaptability § § § Organization Skills Motivation Problem Solving Maturity Professional Judgment NOTE: Know the specific technical skills for your areas of interest!

Before the Interview

Before the Interview • Research the industry/company • Identify reasons for wanting to work or having interest in that industry/company • Recall situations that show favorable behaviors/actions • Analyze the skills the employer is seeking • Practice answering common interview questions • Prepare questions to ask the employer

Company/Industry Research § Learn more about the industry § § Wetfeet. com Vault. com Factiva. com Informational Interviews & Networking § Learn about the company § § Crain’s Business Glassdoor. com Student Evaluations Company Website

Dress for the Interview • Business professional dress, unless notified otherwise • Carry a binder/portfolio to contain resumes, personal calendar, pen • Don’t chew gum or bring beverages or food

Dress to Impress- Women § Navy, gray, and black suits §Skirts length should be below the knee §Keep accessories to a minimum §Make-up should look natural §Choose one; handbag or briefcase

Dress to Impress- Men §Invest in a conservative color §Check for proper fit §Wear socks that match your trousers §Clean your shoes §The tie knot should be small

During the Interview

Interview Structure § Pre-Interview § Greeting, Introduction, “Small Talk” § Information Exchange § Interview questions/responses § Information sharing about employer § Interviewee’s questions § Closing § Next steps § Business card?

Pre-Interview & Greeting Pre-Interview • You're being judged as soon as you arrive • Arrive 10 -15 minutes early to compose yourself Greeting • • • Know the interviewer’s name and pronunciation Extend a warm greeting and firm handshake Wait to be asked to have a seat

Information Exchange • DIRECT: confirms information • Are you able to. . . • OPEN-ENDED: generates performance data • • Tell me about a time when you… How did you… Describe a situation where you… Give me an example of… • WHY QUESTIONS: reveal preferences, motives

Tell me about yourself… A dreaded, but very common question. Share information the employer may Importance: § First Impression still malleable not already know and present it in § Tone of interview a way that connects to the position § Provide depth to resume you are seeking. § Insight into who you are

Direct Questions Direct questions often require only a short answer with minimal elaboration Examples: § Are you able to … § Are you willing to relocate? § Are you willing to travel?

Behavioral interviewing “The best predictor of future performance is past performance in similar situations. ” Provide specific examples/situations based on actual past behaviors, instead of based on responses to hypothetical questions.

Your Response Strategy: The STAR Technique • Situation • Task • Action • Result AR Be a ST

Tell me about a time when you took initiative? Situation • Task • Action • Result • During my internship last summer, I was responsible for managing various events. I noticed that attendance at these events had dropped by 30% over the past 3 years and wanted to do something to improve these numbers. I designed a new promotional packet to go out to the local community businesses. I also included a rating sheet to collect feedback on our events and organized internal round table discussions to raise awareness of the issue with our employees I was able to incorporate many of the ideas from the community, as well as make the internal systems more efficient and visible. I am proud to report that attendance increased by 18%.

About Your Body Language • Be sure to smile • Don’t hurry gestures/movements • Use good posture • Lean forward while listening and answering questions • Make eye contact • Use mirroring

Do and Don’t DO • Convey enthusiasm, confidence, friendliness • Convey maturity and professionalism • Know your nervous body language tendencies and avoid them • • • DON’T • Be negative • Use ums/likes • Exaggerate or lie • Have your cell phone turned on • Interrupt the interviewer • Engage in a debate • Use acronyms Be articulate Take time to reflect, if necessary, before answering Be aware of your eye contact

Asking Good Questions § Prepare questions before the interview § They should be thoughtful and relevant § Address the position, skills, qualifications, etc… § Avoid salary benefits and/or personal topics

After the Interview • Write a thank you note to the interviewer within 48 hours • Recall pieces of your interview conversation • Remind them of your applicable skills and experience • Reiterate your interest in the position • Reflect/Process your experience • What did you do well? • What didn’t go so well? • How can you change that in a future interview? • Process your interaction to assess your fit

Good Luck! Questions?

Pitfalls • Inability to express information clearly • Untidy personal appearance • Lack of genuine interest or enthusiasm • Unwillingness to start at the bottom • Negative attitude • Lack of eye contact • Being late for the interview