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The Job Interview: Capstone Experience Senior Seminar Department of Health Promotion and Human Performance
The Job Interview: Capstone Experience Senior Seminar Department of Health Promotion and Human Performance
Capstone Experience
Senior Seminar
Department of Health Promotion and
Human Performance
“Hey, I’ve Got A Job Interview!”
Make eye contact at least half to Check your impulse to use other
2/3 of the time. Nod every so person’s name repeatedly. Never
often. use first name in interview.
Smile, even if not in mood.
Fake social generosity. Radiate accessibility. Show
interest in others.
Be careful about oversharing,
i.e. disclosing too much. Match speech cadence to other
person. Listen closely.
Think Like the Interviewer
What kinds of questions
What does the manager
will the manager ask?
want to know? That: All interviews are
You are the best person to
different.
accomplish his/her 3 goals. However, since most
You will NOT become
interviews are routine,
his/her “worst fear”. there are some routine
You will make questions you can expect.
the company better,
Areas the manager needs to
the manager’s life easier,
know about you
the manager become more Education Experience
successful & look better. General intelligence Skills
Attitudes Personality
Common Questions/ Answers
Tell me about yourself. Tell me about a problem you
Highlight your background as solved on your previous job.
it relates to particular job. Provide information that
In what ways will your includes problems you have
education or training help handled, actions you have
taken and the results- premise
you in this position?
that past behavior predicts
Demonstrate your capacity to future behavior.
make practical application of Do you prefer to work alone,
formal knowledge & training. or do you to prefer to work as
Why did you specialize in part of a group?
your particular field? Double-edged sword; work
Solicits clues about basic
alone could be self starter,
work in group could be team
value system. player. Stress both attributes.
Common Questions/ Answers
What do you know about our In a job, what interests you
company? most/least?
Use company research. Relate to the position
Why are you interested in Describe your best/worst
working for this company? boss.
Relate your skills to what you Keep it positive.
know about the company. How do others describe you?
How does this position fit Personal traits &
into your future plans? characteristics adjectives
Where do you see yourself in What do you consider your
three years? single most noteworthy
Demonstrate ambition, accomplishment in your last
potential and flexibility. job?
Questions
Give me one good reason I Give me two good reasons
should hire you. I should not hire you.
What qualifications do you What would you most like
have for this job? to improve about yourself?
If you were hired, what What could you have done
ideas/talents could you better on your last job?
contribute to this position? What can you tell me that
What do you consider your best illustrates your
most outstanding quality? personal drive and
What evidence can you motivation.
cite that demonstrates your
job effectiveness?
Answers
Strengths Weaknesses - probing
Identify your key strengths technical shortcomings
related to job description (knowledge & skills to
Provide evidence of strength perform job)
utilization (as demonstrated in interpersonal shortcomings
major contributions, job (ability to relate to others)
success) personal shortcomings
Compare yourself with peers (personal traits that influence
(co-workers, other applicants) your effectiveness)
Pretend you’re the Weakness control: turn into
employer, what qualities positive
match job demands.
Your Questions ??
Interview is a two-way Company Questions
process. Prepare questions. Is there a career path? Or
Managers want to hear Where can I go from here,
intelligent, well-thought assuming that I perform
questions. the job’s responsibilities?
What is the overall
Company Questions
structure of the department
What are the plans of the
where this position is
company for the future? located?
How would someone with What are some of the
my background fit into the challenges and priorities of
company plan? the company?
Your Questions ??
Job Questions Job Questions
Were there any questions I To whom does this
didn’t provide an adequate position report?
answer? What is the background of
Is this a new or replacement my potential boss?
job? What qualifications does
As you think about this your ideal candidate need?
position, what aspects of What are the opportunities
this job could be performed for personal growth? Or If
better? you were to offer me this
What do you visualize as
job, where could I expect
the major opportunity areas to be in 5 years?
for this position?
Your Questions
Compensation Issues
Never ask about salary. The company will discuss salary
when appropriate; usually reserved for the second interview
or when there is a firm offer. When the offer is made, ask: Is
there a sign-on bonus or commission in addition to salary?
How often are the reviews?
Benefits questions. Company benefits are often worth 25% to
50% or more of cash salary offered. Ask: When am I
eligible for the plan? Do I have a choice of benefits available?
Negotiations. Everything can be negotiated after you have
received an offer. Know the market and request consideration
in terms of salary, benefits and perks.
Legal Questions
Item Can be asked Cannot be asked
Age Whether you are above Age, birth date, birth
minimum or maximum age certificate, high-school
graduation date
Criminal Conviction record, if it Arrest record
Record relates to ability to do job
The position sounds very interesting, particularly since it would be an opportunity for me to use
my skills in designing sound individual exercise prescriptions and administering safe, specific
activity programs. I am eager to develop and deliver exercise programs to your clients.
Dr. Lambert, I want this job. I can quickly become a member of your team if you’ll give me a
chance. If I may, let me call you in a few days to see if you have reached a decision favorable to
both of us. I look forward to talking with you. Thank you again for your consideration.
Sincerely,
(written signature)
Cynthia L. Smith