Rock Your Interview!
SJSU Career Center
SJSU Washington Square
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What is an Interview?
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Preparation is key!
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Types and Stages
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Interview Questions
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Strategies for Success
Agenda
SJSU Washington Square
What is an Interview?
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A two-way exchange of information:
• Both parties are checking each other out for a
possible fit
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A marketing opportunity:
• Both parties are presenting their best package!
What Do Employers Want?
SJSU Washington Square
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Can you do the job?
• Communication Skills, Education, Work Experience,
Extracurricular Activities, Leadership, Computer Skills
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Will you do the job?
• Are you motivated? Are you excited about the job? Do you
want to work here? Are you going to stick around?
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How do you fit in?
• How well do you interact with other co-workers? Are you
right for the company culture? Will you be part of the team?
Research the Employer
SJSU Washington Square
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WHAT TO RESEARCH
• History/mission/vision of the employer?
• What is the employer best known for? (awards, reputation)
• What is the structure of the organization?
• What services are offered?
• Who are this employer’s clients?
• What is happening in the organization and industry?
• Who are this organization’s competitors?
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HOW TO RESEARCH: Website, LinkedIn, Glassdoor, etc.
SJSU Washington Square
Analyze the Position
1. Review the job description—really “pull it apart.”
2. What are your “matches?” --What does the
employer want that you have
3. Prepare your stories – What experiences have you
had that show the employer how you’ve used
specific skills?
Think about class projects, jobs, volunteer work,
student organization involvement, or internships.
What to Wear
Women
• Well-fitting two-piece suit,
conservative color
• Skirt knee-length (pants OK,
too)
• Blouse or collared shirt
Men
• Well-fitting two-piece suit,
conservative color
• Long sleeved collared shirt
• Conservative tie
• Polished shoes, matching socks
• Polished, low-heel shoes
• Simple jewelry and cosmetics
If you do not have a suit
If you do not have a suit
• Dress or khaki-type pants
• Coordinated jacket or cardigan
• Long-sleeved collared shirt
• Knee length skirt or tailored
• Conservative tie
slacks
• Sport jacket
SJSU Washington Square
What to Bring
Professional folder with:
• Paper, pen, copies of your resume
• Written questions to ask at the end of the interview
Leave your:
• Cell phone (or place on silent)
• Gum
• Backpack/large handbag
At home or in the car!
SJSU Washington Square
• Phone Screen
• Panel Interview
• General or Basic Interview
Types of Interviews
Non-Verbal Cues
• Words
7%
• Tone of Voice
38%
• Body Language
55%
*Reference: Mehrabian, Albert. Nonverbal Communication, Aldine Atherton,
Inc., 1972
SJSU Washington Square
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Professional dress
Good eye contact
Sit comfortably/Gestures
Appropriate facial expression
Enthusiasm in voice
Listen attentively and respond
Firm handshake
Non-Verbal Cues
Phone Screen Interviews
SJSU Washington Square
• The Recruiter wants to hear YOU talk.
• They want to verify information on your resume.
• Be prepared to ask questions:
• Can you tell me about the position from your
perspective?
• What are the next steps in the interviewing
process?
• Have your resume, job description, paper, pen, & a
quiet environment
SJSU Washington Square
Panel Interviews
• Interview with a number of company members at one
time.
• Ask in advance who you will be meeting with so you
can prepare.
• Keep your eye-contact with all members of the group.
• Answer your question to all members of the group.
• Have questions prepared ahead of time to ask at the
end.
General or Basic Interviews
SJSU Washington Square
• Most interviews start out here and evolve.
• Designed to get to know you
• Typical Stages:
1. Introductory: create rapport
2. Information: from interviewer to candidate
3. Questions: from interviewer to candidate
4. Questions: from candidate to interviewer
5. Conclusion: next steps
Top 10 Most Common Questions
SJSU Washington Square
1. Tell me about yourself.
2. Why should we hire you?
3. Why do you want to work here?
4. What is your greatest strength?
5. What is your greatest weakness?
6. Why did you leave your last job?
7. What is your greatest accomplishment?
8. Tell me about a time when…
9. Where do you see yourself in 5 years?
10. Do you have any questions for me?
Tell Me About Yourself
SJSU Washington Square
In one minute…
• Brief Background
• Education/Current Activities
• Objective/goals/direction
• Identify your fit with the employer
If you have limited experience…
• Highlight transferable skills
• Bring unique skills to the table by showing how your
background or experiences relate
SJSU Washington Square
Behavioral Questions
Example: Give me an example of a time when you had
to go above and beyond the call of duty in order to get
the job done?
Tell your story - Beginning, Middle, & End
1. What was the PROBLEM you solved?
2. What ACTION did you take to resolve the issue?
3. What was the RESULT?
What is your biggest weakness?
SJSU Washington Square
Common Mistakes
• Denial
• Strength as a weakness
• Revealing a weakness that raises red flags
Think About
• How are you working on it?
Example: Public speaking is a challenge for me, but I
know how important this skill is in the working world. I
joined Toastmasters and am learning to be more
confident in my public speaking skills.
Difficult Interview Questions
SJSU Washington Square
• Have you ever had a conflict with a manager or
professor? How was it resolved?
• Describe your worst boss.
• If you could be an animal, which would it be and why?
• How many lawn mowers are there today in the United
States?
• What is the last book you read?
Illegal/Improper
Interview Questions
SJSU Washington Square
• Questions about: Age, Color, Disability, Gender, National
origin, Race, Religion or Creed.
• Questions asking specifically about the nationality, racial, or
religious affiliation of a school are also improper.
• Questions about when you were born or your birth date.
• Questions about if you have children or are you planning to
have children. When.
• Questions asking if you have any disabilities or medical
conditions.
SJSU Washington Square
Questions to Ask
• What are the opportunities for growth?
• What would a typical day look like?
• What do you think is the most challenging aspect of this
position?
• What is the next step in the hiring process?
Tip: Ask questions that provide you an opportunity to convey
something new about you or knowledge about the company.
Example:
• I’m passionate working with diverse populations and have a
background in tutoring low income students. Will this role provide
opportunities to work with various student organizations?
SJSU Washington Square
• Reiterate your enthusiasm for
the position
• Ask about next steps in hiring
process
• Request business cards from
interviewers
• Thank the interviewers
• Shake all hands and meet all
eyes
Closing the Interview
SJSU Washington Square
After the Interview
Reflect
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What went well and what you would change
Adjust strategy
Note
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Contact names and follow up schedule
Tricky questions asked
Details you learned
Follow Up
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Send thank you email or letter within 24-48 hours
• Thank them for their time
• Express continued interest, fit with role
SJSU Washington Square
Big Interview
Your next interview just got a
whole lot easier! You will have the
opportunity to:
• Practice tough interview questions
with the ability to record, review,
and share your answers.
• Choose from dozens of interview
sets and over 20 different
industries/majors.
• Utilize nearly 40 lessons and learn
all the best interviewing
techniques to get you on track.