A Guide to a Winning Interview April 2024
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The document is a comprehensive guide for preparing and succeeding in job interviews, presented by career coach Bruce A. Bennett. It covers various topics including researching employers, common interview questions, and best practices for different interview formats (phone, face-to-face, and video). The guide also emphasizes the importance of practicing responses, utilizing strengths effectively, and maintaining professional conduct throughout the interview process.
A Guide to a Winning Interview April 2024
- 1. Guide to a Winning Interview brought to you by Bruce A. Bennett Career Coach Corner April 8, 2024
- 2. Introduction & Notes for Workshop Introduction MCWN Volunteer since 2010 & Contractor from 2018 Career Coach Corner Blogger & Presenter B² Discuss LinkedIn Podcaster General Notes for Today My contact info is on the last slide Presentation file is on SlideShare Workshop is interactive, Q/A & Parking lot Follow-up email will include a link to deck and survey Social Media Revolution 2
- 3. Outline for Workshop Today Interviewing Preparing by researching a company & position Review the interview process Q & A examples Five toughest question videos Closing the interview General Do’s and Don’ts 3
- 4. Goals for Workshop Goals Recognize and understand the interviewing situations Repeat skills or strengths as STARs for interviewing Learn how to respond to Tell Me About Yourself Discover how to research employers & companies 4
- 6. Guide to a Winning Interview Self-awareness Inventory your skills Strength Finder 34 by Clifton Strengths or High 5 Test SWOT analysis Preparation Select 3 to 5 of your key strengths Use a STAR to illustrate the skill to the interviewer Research individuals and companies Practice Scripted or bulleted answers Mirror or camera Family, friends or pets 6
- 10. SWOT Analysis 10
- 11. Key Strengths - STARs or CARs Customer Service “Are you calling me a liar” story. Decision Making Our equipment in the garage appeared to be the source of the fire. Computer Software Adaptability Became the beta tester for new rollouts of proprietary programs for regional managers. Training Staff Coached and developed 22 direct reports into supervisory role positions. 11
- 12. Key Strengths - STAR Approach Stories in the Job Interview Crafting stories Key Story Elements Where to Find Stories Practice, Improve, Practice, Improve Sample Stories as Interview Answers Stories in the Job Interview.PDF 12
- 13. Research Company and Position Research the company Google the company Company website, news, management team, etc. Mission statement and/or core values Check them on LinkedIn Research the position Search Indeed and other job boards for similar positions for keywords or skills not covered in their posting Check salary.com to get a range of compensation LinkedIn Research Search for interviewer(s) and company 13
- 14. Research Company Concepts 7 Fundamental Things You MUST Research 14
- 15. Interviewing Situations Prescreen Phone Interview Spur of the moment Prearranged for a scheduled time Determines your next step in the process Follow up with a F2F interview Keep your resume on file F2F Interview Company location Job Fairs On campus recruiting Video Interviews 15
- 16. Phone Screen Interview Preparation Schedule the time rather than spur of the moment Locate to a distraction-free environment No pets, no TV, no Radio, no computer Have your cell phone fully charged Take note of the interviewer’s name Have work history and job description handy Relate the job and your key skills 16
- 17. Phone Screen Interview Preparation Stand during the phone interview Smile while on the call Have a few questions ready for the interviewer Is it a new position? Is the position replacing someone? Is it budgeted? What is the salary range for the position? What growth is the company expecting? Next steps in the application process Avoid rambling and/or really long answers 8 Mistakes to Avoid in the Prescreen Call 17
- 18. F2F Interviewing Preparation Prepare STAR stories that relate skills & capabilities Interview practice with family, friends, etc. Have work history and reference details ABCs of references Take several copies of your resume Dress for the interview Research the company and position Google, LinkedIn and/or Company’s webpage 18
- 19. F2F Interviewing Process Know the corporate culture Turn on positives, creative, am quick learner, relationship builder, etc. Eye contact Self on shoulder alter ego (good/bad angel) Personal branding - Portfolio Humor ok!?!? Ideal or dream job 19
- 20. Video Interviewing Riveter Works video interviewing practice https://riveterworks.com/ Video Interviewing Tips Background & Environment Practice recording on laptop or tablet 20
- 21. Video Interviewing HireVue Online interviewing application https://www.hirevue.com/blog/how-to-take-a-hirevue-interview/ 21
- 22. Video Interviewing Zoom, Teams, Skype, Facetime, etc. Andrew LaCivita talks about Online interviewing 22
- 23. Standard Questions What would former coworkers or managers say? What did you learn at your last job? What level of education did you achieve? What is your greatest strength? What have you been doing since being laid off? Why did you leave your last job or were you fired? 23
- 24. Behavioral/Situational Type Questions Give me an example of how you set goals and achieve them. Teamwork is important to the position. Give me an example of your working with a team. Tell me about how you worked effectively under pressure. How did you handle a difficult situation with a supervisor? Relate when you had to enforce a company policy that you did not agree with personally. Pamela Skilling Discusses Behavioral Questions 24
- 26. Oddball Questions How much does the earth weigh? How far away is Alpha Centauri? What would you expect to pay for the empty lot next to our company? What animal or tree would you like to be? What kind of cookie would you like to be? What is your spirit animal? Who is your hero? 26
- 27. Five Toughest Questions Videos “Tell me about yourself!” https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zhWq1Q8uGg4&t=2s by John Heaney https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MmFuWmzeiDs by Pamela Skillings https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hCoqmcyHedA by Don Georgevich “What are your greatest weaknesses?” https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XhTbeeUtWKs&t=3s by John Heaney “Why should we hire you?” https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yx1_CZTdKAc&t=8s by John Heaney “Why do you want to work here?” https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=g619eeLPSi0&t=81s by John Heaney “Where do you see yourself in 5 years?” https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gRURxgW4eBE&t=3s by John Heaney 27
- 28. Artificial Intelligence Paul Cameron offers several videos about interviewing on his YouTube channel https://www.youtube.com/speedupmyjobsearch This presents new tactics for interview prep How to Use ChatGPT for Interview Preparation 28
- 29. LinkedIn Offers Interviewing Resource LinkedIn offers Interview Prep on the Jobs tab More features Skills Assessments & Resume Builder 29
- 30. Interview Prep provides sample Q & A with video & tips LinkedIn Offers Interviewing Resource 30
- 31. LinkedIn Offers Interviewing Resource Free accounts provide an answer framework 31
- 32. Categories button offers additional questions LinkedIn Offers Interviewing Resource 32
- 33. Lack of preparation, not knowing about company Getting name of company wrong Inappropriate language during the interview “Beating around the bush” regarding compensation expectations Needing to pull responses from candidate Candidate talking too much, long winded Not flexible with scheduling Ghosting during the process Source: C. Schroeder, Talent Acquisition Manager Interviewer Pet Peeves 33
- 34. Do You Have Any Questions For Me? You better! Be prepared with questions to ask the interviewer Interview Questions Hallmark Data Systems A printed list demonstrates your preparation and interest in the company and position Questions can range from evaluations to management style Is corporate culture another potential topic? 34
- 35. Interviewing Closing Suggestions John Heaney suggests not ask these questions 10 Questions to Never Ask on a Job Interview https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FNW8u1yC4Bg 7 minutes Don Georgevich advises never to ask these questions Never Ask These Questions in a Job Interview https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WPRG7_fXe_E 8 minutes 35
- 36. Interviewing Closing Suggestions Closing statement? Elevator speech repeated with knowledge gained through the interview Express interest in the job, “I want the job!” Next steps in the candidate selection process “May I have your business card?” Handshake, elbow or fist bump? 36
- 37. Interview Do’s Bring a notebook to take notes Press your clothes and shine shoes Be aware of your body posture Turn off your phone Be friendly with everyone you meet Smile 37
- 38. Interview Don’ts Do not be too early or late Do not answer cell phones or texts Do not wear perfume or cologne Do not disparage previous employer/boss Do not leave your notebook at home Do not cross your arms Do not answer with simple yes or no Do not fidget 38
- 39. Post Interview Suggestions Debrief yourself Keep a journal of interview questions and answers Rate your answers to learn from interview to interview Thank you letter Personal thank you card is best and/or email is acceptable Follow up with a phone call Send a post-rejection thank you note Lastly, remember the Challenging interview https://www.dailymotion.com/video/x2xhxte 39
- 40. Simple Thank You Letter Template Hallmark Data Systems Attn: Julie Jones, HR Manager Phone: 847-999-9999 Web: http://www.halldata.com/ Dear Ms. Jones, I wanted to thank you for your time and consideration for the Senior Client Relationship Manager position. Our discussion about my experience and the position clarified how much this job matches my background. My extensive management, operations, client service, and relationship building experience would benefit Hallmark Data Systems. I look forward to progressing to the next step in the candidate selection process. Thank you, Bruce 40
- 41. High Performance Interviewing by David King and Jim Starkey Another Interviewing Resource 41
- 42. Presentation Video Resources Social Media Revolution - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6k_G_h41ZaQ Paul Cameron - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AvAHjpKR9rg Andy LaCivita - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=05WWE0Afz1k Pamela Skillings - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mH3DaeJSwy4 Bill Burnett - https://drive.google.com/file/d/1G3aixm2C6LHzub6wNNHy7QwbUEgrj9Rz/view?us p=sharing 42
- 43. Additional Video Resources Paul Cameron #1 Favorite Interview Tactic Madeline Mann When is your job interview - Timing is Everything! Madeline Mann - Self Made Millennial How to Answer Behavioral Interview Questions Sample Answers Professor Heather Austin 7 Job Interview Red Flags LinkedIn Learning https://opportunity.linkedin.com/prepare-for-interview 43
- 44. Success Stories Shannon - Office Admin Mickey - Communications Robert - IT Paul - Writer Melissa - Market Research Liz - Market Research Kurt - Marketing Lisa - Administration Mark - Operations I want to add your name to the list! 44
- 45. McHenry County Workforce Network April Calendar of Events & Services Free Personalized Job Search Assistance Services To sign up, request the professional directly by email Mock Interviews 60 minute virtual session April 8 & 22 Kraig Roberts Email: mcwnkraig@gmail.com 45 Mock Interviews In-person sessions April 10 & 17 Bob Lueders 10:00 - 12:00 Email: luedersbob@gmail.com
- 46. Upcoming Webinar Events NTS - Using Social Media in Job Search Wednesday April 10, 2024 from 1:00pm to 3:00pm LinkedIn for Your Job Search Monday April 15, 2024, from 10:00am to 12:00pm LinkedIn Strategic Guidelines Wednesday April 17, 2024 from 10:00am to 12:00pm Resumes, Cover Letters and Applying Online Wednesday May 1, 2024 from 10:00am to 12:00pm NTS - 5 Keys to Impress a Hiring Manager Wednesday May 8, 2024, from 1:00pm to 3:00pm
- 47. Feel free to connect with me on LinkedIn Bruce A. Bennett Mobile: 815-302-9552 Email: BABennett73@gmail.com LinkedIn: http://www.linkedin.com/in/bruceabennett Career Coach Corner Blog: http://bruce73.wordpress.com/ https://bruce73.wordpress.com/upcoming-presentations/ Podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/show/b-squared-linkedin