Guide to a Winning Interview

Guide to a Winning
Interview
brought to you by
Bruce A. Bennett
Career Coach Corner
July 8, 2020

2
Zoom controls are at the bottom of the screen
Moving cursor will display the control bar
Zoom Controls

3
The chat feature allows you to ask question
Type message and hit enter to send message
Zoom Controls

4
Introduction & Notes for Workshop
 Introduction
 Professional Career in Media & Marketing Research
 MCWN Volunteer & Contractor
 Career Coach Corner Blogger, Podcaster & Presenter
 General Notes for Today
 My contact info is on last slide
 Presentation file available upon request
 Workshop is interactive, Q/A & Parking lot
 Red Arrows
 Social Media Revolution

5
Outline for Workshop Today
Interviewing
 Preparing by researching company & position
 Review the interview process
 Q & A examples
 Five toughest question videos
 Closing the interview
 General Do’s and Don’ts

6
Goals for Workshop
Goals
 Repeat strengths as STARs for interviewing
 Recognize how to respond to Tell Me About Yourself
 Investigate and research employers and companies
 Know Thyself – Personal Intelligence

7
Resources Available On-line
http://www.illinoisworknet.com/

8
Resources Available On-line
Online Safety Tips for Job Seekers

10
How to Ace an Interview
Self awareness
 Inventory your skills
 Strength Finder by Gallup - now CliftonStrengths
 SWOT analysis
 Preparation
 Select 3 to 5 of your key strengths
 Use a STAR to illustrate the skill to interviewer
 Research company and individuals
 Practice
 Scripted answers
 Mirror or camera
 Family, friends or pets

11
Strength Finder Report
https://www.gallupstrengthscenter.com/

16
Key Strengths - STARs or CARs
 Relate a memorable story with your core traits
 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 roll outs of
proprietary programs for regional managers.
 Training Staff
 Coached and developed 22 direct reports into
supervisory role positions.

17
Research Company and Position
 7 Fundamental Things You MUST Research
 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
 Use Indeed or other job boards for similar positions
for key words or skills not covered in their posting
 Check salary.com to get range of compensation
 LinkedIn Research
 Search for interviewer(s) and company
 Find details from their profile and LinkedIn page

18
Research Company Exercise
 Target company research exercise
 Select a target company, e.g. Sage Products
 Google the company
 Visit company website
 LinkedIn
 What talking points were discovered?
 Mission statement?
 Corporate culture?
 Management changes?
 New product/services launch?

19
Research Position Exercise
 Target Position research exercise
 Select a position, e.g. CSR, Salesman, Manager
 Google the position
 Check Indeed website
 Check LinkedIn
 What common elements were found?
 Key skills?
 Previous experience?
 Education?
 Industry experience?

20
Interviewing Situations
 Prescreen Phone Interview
 Spur of the moment
 Prearranged for a scheduled time
 Determines your next step in the process
 Follow up with F2F interview
 Keep your resume on file
 F2F Interview
 Job Fairs
 On Campus recruiting
 Company location

21
 Video Interviewing
 Background & Environment
 Practice recording on laptop or tablet
 https://www.myinterviewpractice.com/

22
 Hire Vue
 On-line interviewing application
 https://www.hirevue.com/blog/how-to-take-a-hirevue-
interview/

23
 Zoom, Skype, Facetime Interviews
 Andrew LaCivita talks about Online interviewing

24
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 interviewer’s name
 Have work history and job description handy
 Relate the job’s and your key skills

25
Phone Screen Interview Preparation
Stand during the phone interview
 Smile while on the call
 Have a few questions ready for the interviewer, e.g.
 Is position new or replacing someone, i.e. budgeted?
 Next steps in the application process
 Avoid rambling and/or really long answers

26
F2F Interviewing Preparation
 Prepare story examples that illustrate skills and
capabilities
 Interview practice with family, friends, etc.
 Have work history and reference details
 ABCs of references
 Take several copies of resume
 Dress for interview
 Over dress rather than under dress
 Appropriate for position, e.g. Ad Agency
 Research the company and position
 Google it
 Check them on LinkedIn
 Check company’s webpage

27
F2F Interviewing Process
 Turn on positives, creative, am quick learner,
relationship builder, etc.
 Eye contact
 Self on shoulder alter ego (good/bad angel)
 Humor ok!?!?
 Know the corporate culture
 Personal branding - Portfolio
 Ideal or dream job

28
Standard Questions
 Why did you leave your last job?
 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 were you fired?

29
Behavioral Type Questions
 How did you handle a difficult situation with a
supervisor?
 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.
 Relate when you had to enforce a company policy
that you did not agree with personally.
Pamela Skilling Discusses Behavioral Questions

31
Oddball Questions
 How much does the earth weigh?
 What would you expect to pay for the empty lot next
to our company?
 How far away is Alpha Centuri?
 What animal or tree would you like to be?
 What kind of cookie would you like to be?
 What is your spirit animal?

32
Five Tough Questions Videos
John Heaney offers advice for these tough questions
 “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
 “What are your greatest weaknesses?”
 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XhTbeeUtWKs&t=3s
 “Why should we hire you?”
 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yx1_CZTdKAc&t=8s
 “Why do you want to work here?”
 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=g619eeLPSi0&t=81s
 “Where do you see yourself in 5 years?”
 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gRURxgW4eBE&t=3s
Search Google and YouTube for additional interview Q & A

33
Do You Have Any Questions For Me?
You better!!
 Be prepared with questions to ask the interviewer
 A printed list will demonstrate your preparation and
interest in the company and position
 Questions can range from evaluations to
management style.
 Is Corporate Culture is another potential topic?
 Interview Questions MarketTools
Google for other questions to ask the interviewer

34
Interviewing Closing Suggestions
John Heaney suggests to 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 ask these questions
 NEVER Ask These Questions in a Job Interview
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WPRG7_fXe_E 8 minutes
 Closing statement?
 Elevator speech repeated with knowledge gained
through the interview
 Express interest in the job, “I want the job!”
 Next steps in candidate selection process
 “May I have your business card?”
 Handshake or fist bump?

35
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

36
Interview Don’ts
 Do not be too early or late
 Do not answer cell phone or texts
 Do not wear perfume or cologne
 Do not disparage your previous employer or boss
 Do not leave your notebook at home
 Do not cross your arms
 Do not answer with simple yes or no
 Do not fidget

37
Post Interview Suggestions
 Debrief yourself
 Keep a journal of interview questions & answers
 Rate your answers to learn from interview to
interview
 Thank you letter
 Personal Thank you card best
 Email note is acceptable
 Follow up with phone call
 Lastly, remember the Challenging interview

38
Success Stories
Michele N. – Medical
Attended Resume & LinkedIn workshops and gained confidence
Mary M. – Educator
Changed her resume after Resume, CL & ATS workshop and got 9 interviews
Stefanie S. – Pharmacy Technician
Prepared effectively after Winning Interview workshop and was hired
Terri A. – Accounting Professional
Attended webinars and negotiated her position
Val M. – Retail Supply Chain
Incorporated my recommendations from workshops & 1 on 1
I want to add your name to the list!!

39
McHenry County Workforce Network
McHenry County Workforce Network
July Calendar of Events & Services
Personalized Job Search Assistance Services
To sign up, request the professional directly by email
Mock Interviews
60 minute sessions
Kraig Roberts – July 13 & 27
9:30 - 10:30
Email: mcwnkraig@gmail.com

40
Upcoming Events
NTS Job Club - Making Lemonade Out of Lemons
Or How to Deal with Job Loss
Wednesday July 15, 2020 from 1:00pm to 3:00pm
Click here to register in advance for this webinar
LinkedIn for Your Job Search
Monday July 20, 2020 from 1:00pm to 3:00pm
LinkedIn Strategic Guidelines
Wednesday July 22, 2020 from 1:00pm to 3:00pm
St. Joseph Employment Ministry
Job Search for Over 50
Thursday July 23, 2020 at 7:00pm

Feel free to follow up or
connect with me on LinkedIn
Contact Info:
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/
Podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/show/b-squared-linkedin

Guide to a Winning Interview

More Related Content

What's hot (20)

Similar to Guide to a Winning Interview (20)

More from Bruce Bennett (20)

Recently uploaded (20)

Guide to a Winning Interview