Interviewing Like a Pro
1 like260 views
This document provides a comprehensive overview of how to prepare for and conduct oneself during a job interview. It discusses researching the employer, dressing appropriately, being prepared with examples of one's skills and experience, maintaining good etiquette during the interview, asking relevant questions, following up with a thank you note, and the importance of practicing interview skills. Key points emphasized include communicating one's strengths, enthusiasm and interest for the position, and ensuring good preparation.
Interviewing Like a Pro
- 1. Interviewing Like a Pro Samford University is an Equal Opportunity Educational Institution/Employer.. Read more at www.samford.edu/communication/eeostatements.html.
- 2. Interview Like a Pro Career Development Center
- 3. PURPOSE of INTERVIEW: GET A JOB!
- 4. Two-Way Learning Employer Learns about YOU Abilities & Talents Work Experience Education Motivation Interests Personality You Learn about the EMPLOYER Needs History Work Environment Business Activities Plans for the Future
- 5. TYPES OF INTERVIEWS Preliminary: quick screen designed to screen out totally unacceptable candidates, often conducted by phone In-Depth: extensive and intense, relies heavily on past experiences to predict future success Behavioral : candidates asked questions related to past decisions and experiences Group Interview: team of persons from divergent areas ask questions Patterned Interview: combination of direct and indirect questioning where the object is to get the candidate to speak freely and let his/her guard down
- 6. What Employers Want Communication Skills (Oral & Written) #1 Interpersonal Skills Teamwork Decision-making ability Analytical Skills Leadership Problem Solving Skills Energy, Drive, Enthusiasm Competence in Field Flexibility
- 7. 1 st STEP Interview Preparation
- 8. BE PREPARED! Research the company and the job. Practice interviewing skills with friend, parent or Career Counselor. Know names of persons with whom you will meet. Know where you are going. Internet directions can be inaccurate. Take multiple copies of your resume and reference page.
- 9. Self-Assessment Analyze: Your Experiences : Be able to articulate the skills and abilities you gained Your Strengths & Weaknesses : Know how to describe them, remembering to dwell on the positive or show how you have overcome a weakness Short & Long-Term Goals : Be able to articulate One-minute Commercial : Develop an agenda to sell yourself Nonverbal Behavior : Consider doing mock interview with a CDC Counselor
- 10. COMPANY RESEARCH Why? Gain information about the company and position Enables you to answer interview questions more effectively Reflects your interest and enthusiasm in the company and positions Demonstrates initiative
- 11. COMPANY RESEARCH What? Products or Services Standing in the Industry, Competitors History Philosophy Business Methods Recent News Organizational Structure, Key People Locations
- 12. COMPANY RESEARCH Where? Talk with current or former employees Consult The New York Times Index, Business Periodicals Index and other indices Review news articles from the past twelve months Check business directories, trade associations, professional societies, almanacs View company’s website Warning: Do not limit your research to company’s website. Their site is designed and maintained by the company and is likely to contain only good news!
- 13. First Impression: How You Look Don’t overlook the power of a good first impression. Interviews are not the time to show your fashion flair. You don’t want your attire to distract. Let your personality come through in communication.
- 14. DRESS FOR SUCCESS MEN Conservative, well-fitted, two-piece dark suit Over the calf dark socks Long-sleeved white or blue shirt Subdued silk tie Shined, dark, conservative lace-up shoes WOMEN Conservative, well-fitted, two-piece, dark suit Shined, closed-toe pumps with conservative heel Neutral Hose
- 15. DOs & DON’Ts Well-groomed hairstyle Clean, trimmed fingernails Minimal cologne or perfume Minimal jewelry Multiple piercings or excessive jewelry Earrings, beards or long hair on men Immodest hem or neckline on women Gum or Candy
- 16. 2nd STEP Interview Conduct
- 17. Interview Tips Emphasize your Strengths. Don’t criticize. State things in the positive. Discuss ways you can contribute to the organization. Be Assertive, but not Aggressive.
- 18. Etiquette Be 5-10 minutes early Be courteous and respectful to everyone you meet Have a firm handshake and good eye contact Greet the interviewer by last name if you are sure of the pronunciation Wait until you are offered a chair before sitting Listen Be yourself
- 19. INTERVIEW DON’Ts Answer with simple “yes” or “no” Falsify or exaggerate Make derogatory remarks Ramble: Think before you begin your response Bring up salary and benefits first
- 20. Be Articulate Use proper grammar and diction Pace: Don’t talk too fast Fillers: Don’t fill pauses with “um”, “uh,” “ah” Lose phrases “you know” and “like” Use strong, positive words when you talk about your skills and experience Consider using a 3-Step method to answer interview questions.
- 21. STEP 1 State what you’re trying to prove. “ I feel that my greatest strength is the ability to manage my time well.”
- 22. STEP 2 “ Last fall I had a full load of courses – six classes. Since I was President of the junior class, treasurer of my fraternity and working 20 hours a week, it was crucial for me to manage my time well. I even ended up with my highest GPA that semester.” Give concrete examples to prove it.
- 23. STEP 3 Relate it back to the job. “ I know that time-management is important in this position because of the number of projects that must be completed in a certain amount of time.”
- 24. Questions You Might Face What are your strengths and weaknesses? What are your career goals? How would you describe yourself? Why do you want to work with us? Do you prefer to work by yourself or with others? Tell me about a confrontation you’ve had. Talk about a time you performed under pressure. How will you contribute to this company? Click on the following link for a detailed list of frequently asked questions : http://www.samford.edu/groups/cardev/IQ1.html
- 25. What Questions Do You Have? Asking questions shows you are interested in the company and the position. Sample Questions: What would my duties and responsibilities be? How much employee turnover do you have? How large is the department in which this opening exists? Why is the position open? What type of training does a new employee receive?
- 26. CLOSING THE INTERVIEW Express interest in the job. If you want the job, ask for it! “ Ms. Smith, I’m very impressed with what I have seen here today; your company, its products, and the people I’ve met. I am confident I could do an excellent job in the position you’ve described to me.”
- 27. CLOSING THE INTERVIEW (cont.) Ask the interviewer about the decision making process and time frame Thank the interviewer Shake hands
- 28. Why Candidates are Rejected Purpose and Goals not defined Rambling: Inability to express thoughts clearly and concisely Failure to discuss achievements Inability to express interest in position Overbearing or Cocky Asks few or poor questions
- 29. Why Candidates are Rejected (cont.) Little interest or enthusiasm, indifferent No confidence and poise: weak handshake, poor eye contact, etc. Poor personal appearance Negative, makes excuses or evasive Not prepared: no company research Interested only in money or promotions
- 30. Final Step After the Interview
- 31. THANK-YOU NOTES Sent the following day Personal Gracious Restate Your interest in the job Summarize Key Points Add any further information to help your case
- 32. THANK YOU! Handwritten is generally preferred. However, if handwriting is poor generate letter on computer and sign. Some recruiters prefer an e-mail thank you.
- 33. SALARY NEGOTIATION Avoid discussions until they make a job offer Try to determine if salary is fixed or contains room for negotiation $
- 34. SALARY NEGOTIATION (cont.) Determine how much you need: Consider your expenses, financial goals. Know what positions in that geographical area typically pay. Consult salary surveys such as the those in the CDC, or check out internet sites like www.salary.com $
- 35. KEYS TO SUCCESS Know your Job and Career Goals Prepare for the Job Interview Practice Interview Skills Communicate your Strengths Be Persistent
- 36. On-Campus Interview Requirements CDC Data Sheet completed and signed Resume critiqued by Career Counselor Resume Uploaded to your account on www.samfordbulldogs.org Viewed this PowerPoint or attended an Interviewing Skills Seminar
- 37. Cancellation/ No Show Policy Notification of CANCELLATION received less than 24 hours prior to the scheduled interview will require that a courtesy letter be written to the interviewer along with a copy supplied to the Career Development Center within 24 hours of the missed interview. Failure to comply will result in being removed from future interview schedules and loss of the privilege to interview on-campus. In the case of a NO SHOW , which entails no contact with the Career Development Center concerning cancellation and failure to appear to the scheduled interview, your name will be removed from all interview schedules . To be eligible for future on-campus interviews, a letter of apology must be written to the interviewer and a copy supplied to the Career Development Center within 24 hours of the missed interview. In addition, the student must schedule an appointment with a counselor to discuss eligibility for future career services.
- 38. HAPPY INTERVIEWING! If you are fulfilling the CDC Interview requirement, please click here to e-mail us that you have completed the presentation. Contact the Career Development Center when you land that job! Samford University is an Equal Opportunity Educational Institution/Employer.. Read more at www.samford.edu/communication/eeostatements.html.