Interviewing
Purpose
 Gives the employer an opportunity to get to know you and
determine if your skills and experiences match the
department’s needs
 Gives you a chance to meet key people and to determine
if you want the position
2-way street
Interviewer
Candidate
Evaluate Candidates
Sell Yourself
Make Decisions/
Recommendations
“Sell” the Company or
Organization
Determine if this is a “Good
Fit”
Demonstrate your
Communication Skills
Determine if this is
a “Good Fit”
Types of interviews
 Telephone (Screening Interview)
 Traditional (One-on-One)
 Panel/Board (Two or More Interviewers)
 Group (Several Candidates Together)
Interviewing video
 http://www.careerspots.com/newplayer/default.aspx?key=g_rWXYoiCM1J
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Before the Interview - Practice
 Research the employer and the position
Highlight important keywords
 Review your knowledge skills and abilities
Write down examples
Practice, practice, practice!
 Figure out where you’re going
 Print out extra copies of your resume
Before the Interview - Appearance
 Little or no cologne/perfume
 No smoking beforehand – use mouthwash
 Jewelry – conservative
 CAUTION: Piercings and tattoos
 No gum
 Dress
 Be conservative
 Clean, unwrinkled clothes
 Know your audience
During the Interview
Arrive 10 minutes early
Plan for parking and traffic, etc.
Turn off you phone
Or better yet, leave it in your car
Remember: you are interviewing with everyone
Types of Interview Questions
Behavioral
 Open ended, majority of interview questions
 Tell me about a time; Give me an example of; Describe or Recall
Situational
 Sets the scene or scenario based
 Challenging, because “what if” you have never done it
Traditional
 Strengths/Weakness question
STAR Technique
 S = Situation (Background)
 T = Task (Challenge)
 A = Action (Your actions)
 R = Results (Outcome and Lessons Learned)
 Always try to answer your questions by providing examples
 Don’t blame or point fingers
Questions for them
 Have 3-5 questions prepared
 Shows interest
 Avoid asking about salary, benefits, perks
 Be sure to ask: “What are the next steps in the process?”
Odds and Ends
 Body language – be aware
 Eye contact
 Silence can be o.k.
 If needed, ask for clarification or to repeat
 Be positive!
After the interview
 Shake hands
 Ask for business cards
 ALWAYS Write a “Thank You” note or e-mail
 Follow-up as appropriate
 Learn from the experience (practice makes perfect)