Interviewing Skills for any Economy
- 1. Interviewing Skills for Any Economy Tina Holt, SPHR BalanceWorks, LLC
- 2. Any Economy? Unemployment was less than 4% a few years ago, 10.7% now Increased competition Need to be distinctive Develop interviewing skills to benefit in any economy
- 3. Perspective In good company “Wake up” call Old: Rely on a company Now: Rely on employability Over-identified with a job Unrealistic expectations
- 4. Interviewing Skills Basics: Resumes, Cover Letters, E-mails Preparation Know your unique story Impressive interviewing Following up Onward and Upward!
- 5. BASICS: RESUME NOT a job description – if a coworker could insert his/her name, you haven’t been distinctive enough Use third person Not: Seeking a position where I can use my talents and abilities for the benefit of the company Instead: Experienced service representative ready to apply negotiation skills in outside sales and territory management Purpose: An invitation to interview
- 6. BASICS: Cover Letter/e-mail Don’t miss this opportunity to sell your skills Why this job? How are you suited for this position? Remember, a recruiter may never personally review your information - automated
- 7. Congratulations! You’re Interviewing Positive – you’ve been selected from among other applicants Purposeful – Share your qualifications Empowering – you will have the opportunity to learn more about the company and position
- 8. PREPARE: Application = Legal Document Transfers info from an ambiguous resume to a legal document Gives permission to verify Your signature certifies the accuracy and truthfulness of your statements Dates, Credentials, Education
- 9. Different Interviews HR Screening Interview Objectives: 1) Screen, 2) Qualify, 3) Brief Company, benefits, culture Advocate for candidate Does this candidate meet the requirements? Hiring Manager Interview Objectives: 1) Manage, 2) Team, 3) Fit Assignments, reporting, structure Risk of hire Will this candidate help us meet our objectives?
- 10. PREPARE: Have an agenda Find out all you can beforehand Know your product: You Qualifications Skills Preferences Interest in the position What must they know about you to make an informed decision?
- 11. Know Yourself & Your Unique Story Tell me about yourself Interest in field Preparation for job/career High points of experience thus far Interest in this job
- 12. Why this job? Reason for interest in the company Reason for interest in the position Expectations Demonstrate how you fit
- 13. PREPARE: Anticipate difficult questions If new graduate, grades Career changes Leaps from one position to another Gaps in employment Reasons for leaving There are no correct answers, but they should be reasonable
- 14. Impressive Interviewing Behavioral: Best predictor of future behavior is past behavior Know your challenging/pivotal career moments Mine your experiences Think like a “witness”
- 15. Car Wrecks
- 16. Be a STAR Situation or Task Action Result Based on your unique experience More convincing than “I would…”
- 17. General Behavior Courteous and professional to all staff Positive encounters Dress appropriately Have a copy of your resume Get directions and arrive a few minutes early
- 18. Follow-ups Hiring Process Takes Time Screen> Select> Verify> Offer Don’t stop other efforts until offer is accepted Thank-you note within a week of the interview “Nudge” via e-mail
- 19. Onward and Upward! Interviewing skills work for getting a job… and for securing a better one Internal promotional opportunities Exploring attractive opportunities with a new employer Career Changes
- 20. Interviewing Skills Basics: Resumes, Cover Letters, E-mails Preparation Know your unique story Impressive interviewing Following up Onward, Upward and GOOD LUCK!