Interview skills
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The document provides information about interview skills. It discusses the different types of interviews, including telephonic, one-on-one, panel, meal, and on-site interviews. It also discusses preparing for an interview, arriving on time, greeting the interviewer, types of interview questions, dos and don'ts during an interview, following up after an interview, and getting rejected. The overall information is aimed to help candidates successfully prepare for and participate in a job interview.
Interview skills
- 2. Interview A structured meeting of minimum two people arranged to examine the suitability of the candidate The candidate is tested for subject knowledge, skills and desired behaviour in a very limited time
- 3. Interviewing is a two-way street - Employers are attempting to determine if you are an appropriate fit for the job and their culture - You decide if the environment and the profile is right for you.
- 4. Types of Interviews Telephonic: An initial screening of candidates or to narrow the pool of applicants or the final step One-on-One: Most common interview style used by potential employers Panel : allows many individuals to interview you at once Meal: used to see how you interact or function in a social setting On-site Interview: this allows one to get a tour of the facility, meet the staff, and additional questioning from different employees and/or administration
- 5. Structured interview Stress interview In-Depth Interview Group Interview 5 Types of Interviews
- 6. Pre-Interview Preparation Know yourself and be able to articulate skills, strengths, accomplishments, and career goals Research position, company, & industry Prepare necessary materials Ask for directions and where to park
- 7. Interview preparation Interviewers assess: - Clarity - Depth - Personality - Application of concepts to real-life situations - Communication skills - Attitude
- 8. Arriving Be sure to allow yourself plenty of time to arrive at your destination (you may want to conduct a dry run prior to your interview day) Try to arrive 10-15 minutes early at the site to allow you to park, walk to the interview, use the restroom, or just gather yourself
- 9. Greeting & Introduction Only 1 chance to make a good 1st impression Dress appropriately Perfumes Smile Maintain eye contact Firm handshake Remain poised and confident Tone
- 10. Body Language: Positive Signals Leaning forward = interest Smiling = friendly Nodding = attentive and alert Eye contact = curious and focused Negative Signals Crossed arms = defensive Fidgeting hands or tapping feet = nervous or bored Lack of eye contact = untrustworthy Leaning back= discomfort
- 11. Types of Interview Questions Standard or traditional- targeting your education, work experiences, and career goals Tell me about yourself? What are your strengths? Weakness? Why did you choose to interview with us? What did you like most about your last job? Least? What are your short and long term career
- 12. Types of Interview Questions Behavioral Questions -These focus on your actions and/or behaviors in a previous setting. - Past behavior provides clues to future behavior Sample Questions Describe a time you had to make a difficult decision? Tell me about a time you worked under a deadline? What do you do when a team member is not pulling his/her weight? Think about a time you made a mistake. What
- 13. Types of Interview Questions Inappropriate or unethical questions - Questions which probe into your private life or personal background - Questions about your ethnicity, religion, sexual orientation, disabilities, marital status Sample Questions How old are you? Do you have children? Do you have a disability? What religion do you practice?
- 14. Types of Interview Questions Questions asked by the interviewee To determine if you are an appropriate fit for the company and position, prepare a list of questions for the interviewer Sample Questions What type of assignments can I expect within the first year? What do you like most about this company? What is the biggest challenge facing this department right now? What skills are you looking for in this position? What is the next course of action?
- 15. Do’s If provided a form, fill out neatly. Do greet the interviewer & do shake hands firmly. Do make good eye contact with your interviewer(s) Remain calm, relaxed, and be yourself Do show enthusiasm Do make sure that your good points come across to the interviewer in a factual sincere manner Do stress your achievements
- 16. Don’ts Don’t ever lie. Answer questions truthfully, frankly and to the point. Don’t answer questions with a simple ‘yes’ or ‘no’. Explain whenever possible. Give examples. Avoid negative statements or complaining. Don’t leave unfinished sentences. Avoid indecisive phrases like: “I think,” “I guess,” “probably”. Avoid answering a question if you are not clear.
- 17. Confidence Interest Initiative Sincerity Result Orientation Positive Attitude Aptitude Team Player General Ability Interview Evaluation
- 18. General Interview Strategies -Be prepared to talk about yourself and your experiences -Provide specific and concrete examples of your results/accomplishments -Remain positive, enthusiastic, poised, and confident throughout the interview process
- 19. General Interview Strategies Remember an interview is a formal conversation--avoid filler words like “Um”, “Ah”, & “You know” Avoid indecisive phrases like: “I think,” “I guess,” “probably,” or “pretty good” Think before speaking Avoid long verbose answers--limit your response to 1-2 minutes If you do not hear or understand a question, ask them to repeat or clarify it for you
- 20. General Interview Strategies Remain calm, relaxed, and be yourself Try to focus on the message you are trying to convey-NOT how well you are doing!
- 21. Suggestions Conduct a test run the day before the interview Practice! Practice! Practice! Obtain a list of practice interview questions and jot down short answers Stand in front of a mirror and rehearse your answers Schedule an appointment for a mock interview Get a good night’s sleep-be well rested and alert for the interview Be relaxed and be yourself!
- 22. Ask good questions Thank the interviewer Inquire about next steps in the process Suggestions
- 23. FOLLOW-UP Send a thank you note within 24 hours Letter may be handwritten or typed; e-mail is also acceptable Tailor each one to the individual.
- 24. Final Thoughts Remember that only 15% of the success of an interview is out of your control Take some time to reflect - Overall, how well did I do? - What went well? - What steps can I take next time to improve?
- 25. Why I got Rejected? Vague and irrelevant answers to the questions Very fidgety: little eye contact; nervous mannerism, such as playing with hair, nail biting etc. Utter superficial remarks to impress the interviewer – project work