Chapter Five: INTERVIEWS

Motivational Quote
 Starter

“Big jobs usually go to the men who

prove their ability to outgrow small
ones.” Ralph Emerson
 Interview

WHAT IS INTERVIEW AND

WHAT DO YOU KNOW
ABOUT INTERVIEWS
?
Two – Way
Process

Mutual
Interests
interview
Between. Examine.
Together. Survey.
Mutual. Inspect.
 Interview

Definition:
A formal meeting at which someone is
asked questions in order to find out if
they are suitable for a post of
employment.
 SHARPENING your Interviewing
Skills involves:
• Learning about the different types of
interviews
• Preparing for the interview
• Understanding the stages of an
effective interview
• Learning tips for answering questions
• Knowing how to get bonus points!
• Asking the right questions
• Practicing!
 Criteria used to select candidates:

➢The application!

➢The resume

➢Have already made a connection

through networking

➢Recommended by someone else

 Criteria used to select candidates:

➢Attitude
➢Communication skills
⚫Written (resume)
⚫Verbal
⚫Non-verbal
➢Emotional Intelligence
➢Initiative
➢Self esteem
➢Passion for the field!
 TYPES OF INTERVIEWS

• Phone (for pre-screening)

• Resume-based
– Traditional
• Behavioral
• Group/panel
• Case
 TRADITIONAL/RESUME-BASED

• Tell me about yourself.

• Tell me about your current position.
• What did you learn from this
experiences?
• What did you like the most about your
program of study at UoH?
• What accomplishment are the proudest
of?
• What skills, experience and training do
you have that make you qualified for the
position?
 TRADITIONAL/RESUME-BASED

➢ What do you know about our

department/organization?
➢ Why do you want to work at this
department?
➢ What are your strengths? Weaknesses?
➢ What kind of supervisor do you like to
work for?
➢ What are your career goals?
 PANEL INTERVIEW

• Recognize each Interviewer:

– Acknowledge with a handshake, eye
contact and a nod of your head.

– When responding to questions try to

make eye contact with everyone.
– Send a different thank you note to
each interviewer (or one to the lead
interviewer asking them to relay your
thanks).
 BEHAVIORIAL INTERVIEW

• Is based on the premise that:

“The most accurate predictor of future

performance is past performance in a
similar situation”
 BEHAVIORIAL INTERVIEW

• The interviewer identifies the top skills

and competencies they need for the
position.

• They craft questions based on these skills

and competencies:
– Customer services
– Problem solving
– Written communication
– Research
 BEHAVIORIAL INTERVIEW

• Tell me about a time when you solved a

problem.
• Describe a situation where you were able
to successfully juggle multiply priorities.
• Give me a specific example of a time
when you used good judgment and logic.
• By providing examples, convince me that
you can adapt to a variety of people,
situations and environments.
 THE BEST WAY TO PREPARE

• Think about the past 3-5 years and any experiences

you’ve had where you were “at you best”
(when you felt a great sense of accomplishment)
– Work related experiences (current and past)
– Team projects
– Committees, task forces, etc.
– Professional associations
– Volunteer and community service
– Other outside activities (hobbies and interests)

• Draw on these and be prepared to tell very “short

stories” about these experiences.
 THINK ABOUT YOUR
ACCOMPLISHMENTS!

• Take some time to write down examples

of “accomplishments”

• Be prepared to tell the group about one of

them
 WHEN DESCRIBING YOUR
ACCOMPLISHMENTS:
• Describe or tell a “story”:

– P – The PROBLEM or SITUATION

you faced

– A – The ACTIONS you took

– R – The positive RESULTS of these

actions!
 PAR - Example:

• “ As a Program Coordinator at the

Leadership Development Center I
determined that we needed greater
participation at our programs and
events. I researched and analyzed the
history of our programs from the past
two years.
• This included compiling a list of
attendees and determining the
departments they represented. I also
gathered data on the topics that the
programs and events had the greatest
participation.
 PAR - Example:

• “Based on this research I identified the

programs that were more attended and
the departments that supported these
programs.…….”

• “I then met with our team and presented

this information and communicated my
recommendations. I gathered feedback
from the team members and we then
planned three programs and one major
event.”
 PAR - Example:

• “The results of this process led to an

increase in participation at the programs
by 30% and a 35% increase in
attendees registering for our major
event.

• “My Director commended me on the

positive results of my research and
acknowledged my part in helping to
increase revenues for our
departments.”
 EXAMPLE OF INTERVIEW
QUESTIONS

“Tell me about a time you had to

meet a deadline”
Other questions you need to
be prepared for:

Tell me about yourself?

 ELEVATOR SPEECH

EXAMPLE:
My name is Jenny Jobseeker and I’m a
career counselor working with adults
looking for career advice and direction.
I thrive on helping people find career
fulfillment. I discovered this after I
studied to be a teacher and student
taught 150 seventh grade boys in a
Bachelor Living class. This experience
helped me learn about the elements I
do want in my profession and what I
never want to do again!
 ELEVATOR SPEECH

This personal experience led me to

discover my love of helping other people
find their career fit before they commit to
a career that is not a good match. I like
to think that I’m a catalyst in helping
people clarify their skills, values and
unique gifts in order to find fulfilling and
meaningful work in a career they love.
 ELEMENTS OF AN EFFECTIVE
ELEVATOR SPEECH

• Include the four W’s:

– Who you are
– What field you are in
– What makes you
different from others
– What benefits you
offer to others
ELEMENTS OF AN EFFECTIVE
ELEVATOR SPEECH

o Compose it
o Compose it again
o Re-write it 5-15
times
o Edit it
o Present it to others
for feedback
o Rewrite it again
o Practice LOTS and
memorize it
 PREPARING FOR THE
INTERVIEW

➢Learn about the • Prepare for

organization questions from the
➢Talk to current Interviewers.
and past • Consider questions
employees. you can ask.
➢Analyze your
• Know where the
skills and
abilities. interview will be
held (and how to
get to it!).
• Plan your outfit.
 INTERVIEW ATTIRE
93% of communication is non-verbal
Men’s Attire, shoes and
Accessories
 DRESS WISE AND NICE
Men
• Clean, pressed business
suit
• Light shirt
• Conservative tie
• Matching socks
• Shined shoes
• Clean, trimmed head and
facial hair
• Fresh shave
• Minimal or no cologne
• No food, gum, or
cigarettes
• Clean nails
• Empty pockets
Women
• Clean, pressed suit or
tailored dress
• Polished pumps/Shoes in
good repair
• Carry either a purse or
attache case
• Attractive, controlled hair
style
• Minimal make-up and
perfume
• Moderate jewelry
• Clean fingernails with no
chipped polish
• No gum, food, or cigarettes
• Positive attitude
 BUSINESS CASUAL
A comfortably relaxed version
of classic business attire:
– Men – Shirt, Jacket and Tie
– Women – Skirt, blouse, Abbaya.
Professional Grooming
Women’s Attire
 TO Do’s

• Get plenty of rest and try and do some

stress management techniques:
– Exercise
– Meditation
– LAUGH!
• Dress appropriately and limit what you
carry with you:
– Portfolio
– Women – appropriate size purse
– Turn off cell phone when you get there
What to Bring to an Interview

• Portfolio
• Copies of your Resume
• Note and Pen
DAY OF THE INTERVIEW
 TRAVEL/DIRECTIONS

• Plan to arrive 20 minutes early

for your interviews.
ARRIVING FOR CHECK-IN
MAKING SOLID FIRST
IMPRESSION
 HOW TO SHAKE HANDS

Tip: Carry a tissue in

your pocket. If your
palms are sweaty, wipe
them dry before you go
into the interview.

• Smile and make eye contact as you shake hands.

• Extend your hand; your palm should touch the palm of the interviewer
• Use a firm handshake; adjust your grip to the other person’s hand.
• Hold the handshake for 2 to 3 seconds making a slight up and down
 The First THREE Minutes
“Halo Effect”

• Interviewers focus on:

• Appearance
• Facial expressions
• Eye contact
• Movement
• Personal space
 BE AWARE OF

• Body Language

• Handshake

• Social Skills

• Warm-up questions
 POSITIVE NON-VERBAL BEHAVIORS

• Reframe from sitting down until you’ve

been offered a seat
• Sit upright in your chair and lean forward
a bit
 Most FEARED Questions
“Tell me about yourself.”
– Prepare a 30 second elevator speech
“What is your greatest weakness?”
– Tell them what you learned…..
“What salary do you expect?”
– Ask them for the range they expect to pay
– Do your research
– Plan to negotiate (signing bonus?
Relocation expenses? Loan forgiveness?
Tuition assistance?
 Be prepared to ask the Recruiter
Questions:
➢What will the orientation process
consist of?
➢How will I receive feedback on my
performance?
➢What critical issues is the organization
currently facing?
➢What training and professional
development opportunities are
available?
 Be prepared to ask the Recruiter
Questions:
• What traits do you consider critical to
success in this position?
• How will I receive feedback on my
performance?
• How will I be oriented to your
department?
• What other training and professional
development opportunities exist within
this department?
 BONUS POINTS

• Identify several ⚫Critical thinker

“key words” that ⚫Good decision
maker
describe you.
⚫Advocate for
Incorporate these patients
throughout the ⚫Fast learner
interview and cite ⚫Problem solver
examples of when ⚫Team player
you have ⚫Reliable
demonstrated ⚫Adaptable
them: ⚫Hard working
 Words 7%
Tone of Voice 38%
Body
Language price
 REDUCING INTERVIEW
JITTERS/TENSION
• Feel good
• Give yourself credit-
• If you work out or simply exercise,
stick to your routine
• showcase your talents!
• prepare your clothes for the
interview, shine or dust off your
shoes.
• Prepare and practice your interview
responses
• Get a good night’s sleep.
CLOSING THE INTERVIEW
REFLECTING & LEARNING
FROM YOUR INTERVIEW
 ?

WHAT ELSE CAN YOU ADD ON

THE ART OF INTERVIEWING?
 Practical Demonstration

LET’S PRACTICE
 Closure

✓ Practice assignment
(Five Groups to prepare an
Interview by studying Job
description)
 The End

Thank you