Career Development ServicesYour Work. Your Life. Our Mission Job Search Interviewing Techniques

Career Development ServicesYour Work. Your Life. Our Mission


Job SearchInterviewingTechniques



Interview Purpose

Exchange information with employer:

• Obtain information about the position and the employer.

• Assess the fit between your goals, values and needs and the position and employer.

• “Sell” your interests, skills and abilities for the job.



Above all, answer this…

Can you do the job: Skills & Interests Do you fit in: PersonalityCan you be counted on: Reliability/Goals



• Explore your interest in the organization - “Do I want to work there?”• Helps you ask and answer interview questions

Why Research?



• About YOURSELF• About the POSITION• About the ORGANIZATION

Research Information



Self-assessment and reflection Organization’s website Internet searches Annual reports/marketing

materials Libraries Newspapers, magazines Networking contacts

Where is the Information?



Interview Types

IN PERSON: ON CAMPUS or AT THE BUSINESS

TELEPHONE: CALL FOR AN

APPOINTMENT; SCREENING

VIDEO CONFERENCING: STILL RARE BUT…



Prepare for Interview Questions• Once you have done your research, the

next step in preparation is practice!• Think ahead about what questions the

employer may have for you• Structure your responses to provide

information showing your research and giving examples of your accomplishments



Interview Answers

Answer questions using the PAR Model…

State the Problem for which you were responsible

State what Action you took to solve the problemor complete the task

State the Results of your actions



Focus on “results” (accomplishments):

•Be specific•Use numbers, statistics, and percentages•Tell powerful results:

Awarded “Employee of the Month” for improving morale

Streamlined operationsCut costs by 20%Increased sales from $100k to $500kImproved productivity

•Start a BRAG FILE to collect accomplishments



“How would others, especially former co-workers and supervisors, describe you?”

Sample Question



Interview Answers

ACTION TIME - Share with person sitting next to you

State a Problem for which you were responsible

State what Action you took to solve the problem or complete the task

State the Results of your actions



• Make lists of FAQs• ID “most dreaded” questions• Develop PAR answers

Mock Interviews



Creating a Personal Pitch

• Introduces yourself• Includes who you are in terms

of education, roles, and work situation

• Highlights strengths• Explains what you are looking

for (i.e., this job)



Personal Pitch Points

“Tell me about yourself.”

• Who are you?• Where are you headed?• Why are you going there?• What is unique about you?



Personal Pitch Practice

• Spend 2 minutes writing an outline of the answer

• Pair off and practice answering this question



“Why should we hire you?”• Summarize your experience• Address key points that match

job requirements• The Menu Option: “I have a,

b, and c skills. Which would you like to hear about?”

Common Questions



“Did you have problems at

your last job?”

Common Questions

“Tell me about your last job.”• Be honest• No negativity• If no problems, brag



“Where do you see yourself in three years?”• Demonstrate ambition and flexibility• Tell about commitment to your occupation or the

industry

“Why do you want to work HERE?”“What do you know about us?”“How will you benefit the company?”

• Demonstrate your interest in the company• Explain what you can contribute• Share what you learned about the company/industry

from research

Common Questions



“What are your pay needs?”• Know the going rate• Know what you are worth• Know your personal bottom line• Ask rather than answer, if possible• If you must, keep it in a range

Common Questions



Interview Hazards

Some questions may be unethical or illegal• Interviewers must address your skills and experience• Questions can’t relate to age, marital status, disability, sexual orientation, national origin, race or religion.

If questions are unclear , it’s ok to ask for clarification

Some interviewers may not be good at interviewing:• Stay focused on sharing relevant information• Stay positive; maintain eye contact and smile



• An interview is a conversation• Prepare 5-6 questions ahead• OK to ask even if you think you

know answers

Also Ask Questions !



Questions You Can Ask

• May I see a copy of the job description?• What is a typical day like for this position?• Why has the job become available?• Is there any information you need that will help you make a good hiring decision?• What is the next step?• When will you be making your decision?



• Don’t interrogate the interviewer• Don’t ask about salary, stock options,

vacation, coffee breaks, holiday schedule or benefits…you should know that already.

• Don’t ask questions that have already been answered in the interview, just for the sake of asking something

Questions – a few cautions



Before the Interview

• Map out location on Google• Arrive early and go alone!• Leave CELL PHONE in your car or make sure you turn it OFF• Have copies of relevant documents with you • Be courteous to everyone you meet. Everyone!



DON’TBE

LATE!



Check your attitude and use your best manners:

• Remain poised and relaxed• Minimize distracting body language• SMILE; Convey enthusiasm• Speak clearly - not too fast or slow• Shake hands confidently• Look at all interviewers in the eye• Listen carefully to the question• Sit up and lean forward

Establishing Rapport



Interview Grooming

•Polished dress shoes – no open toed shoes•Well pressed clothes•Groomed hairstyle – freshly cut or styled•Cleaned and trimmed fingernails •Minimal cologne or perfume: No body odor! Shower!•No visible piercing beyond conservative earrings•Well-brushed teeth and fresh breath •No gum, candy, or other objects in your mouth •Minimal jewelry – no heavy chains•If you smoke…DON’T prior to the interview.

Closing the Deal

Thank You…

I Want the Job!



• Ask permission first

• Bring your list

• Stay in contact & coach them

• Make sure they will be available

Your References



• Stand out from your competition

• Courteous gesture = good manners

• Another chance to remind who you are and what you can do for the employer

Thank You Letter



• Short and to the point

• Separate letters should be addressed to each person met at the interview

• Tailor letters for each interview rather than using a form letter

• Hand-written or business letter?

Tips For “Thank You” Letters



• Mention when and why you met. Include a brief statement of what you gained from the meeting.

• Remind about a strength you bring to the job, and add anything else that “sells” you for the job.

• Confirm your interest in the job.

What to write about



• Take a moment to reflect• What will you do next? Write

down a few action steps• Communicate your action steps

to an advisor/mentor

Thank you for attending!!

Your Next Steps

Documents

Career Development ServicesYour Work. Your Life. Our Mission Job Search Interviewing Techniques