Interview Techniques (Professional Procedures)
- 1. Great Interview Techniques Prepare Manage Improve Your perspective and presentation makes the difference
- 2. Planning to Succeed Preparation Managing Improving
- 3. Did you know? For most employers: 20 Interviews = 16 Turndowns = 4 Follow-ups = 3 Offers = 1 Acceptance 20:1
- 4. Why should I hire you? Info to have on the Employer: Do Your Homework on the Business Organizational structure Stock price Typical jobs Website Locations Recent news Size and Growth Annual sales growth Products and services Customer base Competition
- 5. Managing… but subtly 3-5 Strengths about you A ccomplishments, S kills, K nowledge Mentored new programming students at school to help them learn to debug their own work. Problem Solver Leader of a student group to create a tutor program for an elementary school. Self Starter
- 6. Know Your Weaknesses What are the 3-5 things that are weaknesses? “ My program has enabled me to be up-to-date and become skilled at using cutting edge……..” No experience in the field “ Overall grades seem low. Notice how the final terms reflect how I have learned to take control of my goals.” Grades
- 7. Knock Out Factors Lack of career goals Lack of knowledge of field Inability to express self clearly Insufficient evidence of achievement Not prepared No real interest in company Location inflexibility M aturity, M ental Ability, M otivation
- 8. Knock out Factors cont’d No enthusiasm Overbearing / cocky Interested only in money Asks no questions Unwilling to start at the bottom Makes excuses, evasive No confidence / poise Poor personal appearance
- 9. Being Organized is KEY Know why you want to work there Arrive early – why? Professional Dress Enthusiasm Scheduled your preferred interview after 2-3 others
- 10. Control the Interview Establish Rapport Expand on your resume Prove your case Sell your achievements Conclude with a fit Close positively Appear confident
- 11. Illegal Questions Sex Race Age Religion / creed National origin Citizenship
- 12. Never Say… about previous work or school Terrible politics Morale was low Boss was a poor manager Personality conflicts Classes too large / small Nobody cares about staff A no-growth situation
- 13. Never Discuss… Previous compensation Disappointment Politics / religion Bad things about others Apologies Emotional issues Blaming others
- 14. What might you ask? Travel? Overtime? Work hours? Structured progression, career paths? Relocation frequency? How much training is available and when?
- 15. What might you ask cont’d Dress code? Educational assistance? Retirement policies? Health insurance policies? Cars provided with the job? Public transportation available?
- 16. After the Interview Make notes Follow-up with an email, call or letter thanking the employer Turn down – follow-up if told to do so, do not press for details
- 17. Web Resources www.cnnfn.com latest news on companies www.wetfeet.com hot industries www.vaultreports.com in-depth company profiles www.wsj.com Wall Street Journal
Editor's Notes
- #2: MODULE DURATION: 1 hour Use this module to start students working on their interview skills. They will need their resumes with them for this class. No computers are needed. Based on materials in Chapter 17-19 in Career Planning Today