Interview Success

Effective Interview Techniques

 Program Overview
 What Recruiters Look For
 Preparing for the Interview
 Modes of Interviewing
 Types of Interviews
 Interview Process Overview
 Typical Interview Format
 Sample Questions
 Second Interviews
 Making the Right Decision
 What Recruiters Look For
Recruiters are looking for
demonstrated examples
of Critical Behaviors:
◦ Leadership
◦ Analytical Skills
◦ Problem Solving Skills
◦ Teamwork
◦ Communication Skills
◦ Creativity
◦ Passion/Interest in Industry
You can draw from RPI,
professional,
undergraduate &
extracurricular activities
to showcase your abilities
You need to show how
your past successes &
experiences will allow you
to be successful at their
organization
Preparing for the Interview
• Step 1: The Self-Interview
Know your strengths & weaknesses
Determine your employment interests; what do
you want to do and why
Reflect on your values; what’s most important to
you
Be prepared to cite several examples of
experiences, accomplishments, successes
Preparing for the Interview
Step 2: Research
 Review employer website/literature
 Develop targeted questions concerning
employer and job
 Attend Informational Meetings
 Be sure you know what the company stands
for, its culture, and why you want to work for
them!
Preparing for the Interview
Step 3: Practice!!
 Review common questions
 Schedule mock interview
 Prepare list of questions
 Be alert to body language & eye contact
 SMILE
 Speak clearly; listen carefully
 Match your skills/experiences with jobs
 Modes of Interviewing
 On-campus Interviews
 Telephone Screening
 Video Interviews
 Interviews Over a Meal
 The Site Visit/Second Interview
 Types of Interviews
 Self-Analytic Interviews
 Fact Finding Interviews
 “What If” Interviews
 Problem Solving/Case Interviews
 Critical Behavior Interviews
 Role Playing Interviews
Interview Process Overview
• Typically consists of 2 – 3 rounds of interviews
• Interviews last between 30 – 45 minutes
• Mix of general, behavioral, situation/case
questions
 Typical Interview Format
 Introductions/Ice Breakers
 Discussion of Positions/Opportunities
 Candidate Assessment (Sell Yourself!)
 Pose Questions – Make Them Good!
 Conclusion/Find Out Next Steps
 Assess Your Performance
 Send Thank-You Note
 Follow-up!
 General Interview Tips
 Arrive 10 minutes early
 Dress professionally – wear a business suit
 Focus & relax – Be Yourself!
 Develop a firm handshake
 Be confident, enthusiastic, truthful
 Allow interviewer to lead
 Expect the unexpected!
 Post Interview Assessment
• Was it evident that you have a clear
understanding of your self?
• Did you prove that you researched the
company and the job?
• Did you show the match between the job,
your technical skills and experience?
• What can you do to improve for the next
interview?
 Post Interview Assessment
• Did you successfully discuss your education
and extracurricular activities?
• Were you composed, honest, confident?
• Did you look and act professional?
• Were you energetic, enthusiastic and
positive?
 Sample Questions
 Tell me about yourself.
 Walk me through your resume.
 What are your strengths/weaknesses?
 Give me an example of a situation that tested
your leadership ability.
 Tell me about a time that you had to do
something you didn’t enjoy.
 Describe your greatest accomplishment.
 How would you define success?
 When the Offers Come In
• Choosing the Right Job
• The Art of Salary Negotiation
• What About Fringe Benefits
• Your Word is Your Honor
• Notify Employers/CDC of Your Decision