Interviewing
Are you ready?
Purpose of an
Interview
An interview is a twotwo-way process
The primary concern for each party should be to
determine if they are willing to invest in the other
based on the return they can expect on their
investment.
Employer: investment = salary, benefits, training, and other resources
they provide
Employee: investment = type of work they do and atmosphere of the
organization
Types of Interviews
Screening
OnOn-Campus
OneOne-OnOn-One
Panel
OnOn-Site
Group
Teleconference
Types of Interviewers
The Pro
The Intellectual
The Amateur
The Pal
The Power Player
Typical Stages of an
Interview
The Warm Up
First Impressions
Building Rapport
The Information Exchange
The Overview
The Interviewer Has The Floor
Your Turn To Ask Questions
The Wrap Up
Summarize
Final Impressions
Types of Questioning
Styles
Directed
NonNon-Directed
Traditional Interview Questions
Behavioral Interview Questions
Scenario/Case Questions
Ethical Dilemma Questions
Stress Questions
General Tips on
Interviewing
Before the Interview
Identify the “return” you expect on your “investment” What do you want to get out of the position?
Employer research - Use organization’s printed literature
or websites to prepare yourself.
Prepare for questions in advance - Identify experiences,
skills and characteristics.
Compile relevant information - resume, transcripts, etc.
Practice - Rehearse prior to interview; set up Perfect
Interview and/or Mock Interview in the Career Center.
PRACTICE…PRACTICE…PRACTICE…PRACTICE
General Tips on
Interviewing
At the Interview
Physical Appearance/Appropriate
dress
Making the first impression
Nonverbal communication
Verbal communication
Be attentive - focus
Your past - be cautious
Your attitude
Illegal Questions
Negotiating Salary
General Tips on
Interviewing
After the Interview
Thank interviewer(s) for their time and shake hands
firmly with a smile.
Indicate that you look forward to hearing from them
soon.
Promptly send a thank-you note (within 24 hours) and
reiterate your interest in the position.
Follow up appropriately by providing any credentials,
references, transcripts or samples of work.
Perfect Interview
Demonstration
The Right Reasons to Negotiate
your Salary…
When you know your skills, experience and
education are worth more than offered
amount.
When you know the pay range for the
position is less than the average.
When you know the cost of living is higher
where the job is and the salary does not
reflect that.
When you have been made multiple offers
with similar salary and benefits packages.
Know your value – do your
homework!
How much do you need to earn?
Research what your skills and level of experience are
worth.
Research career fields and salary averages.
Investigate cost of living based on employment location.
Develop a salary range with a high, low and middle range.
Examine the company’s hiring history to find out what
they have advertised for this position.
When should I negotiate?
Ideally, AFTER AN OFFER IS MADE by the employer.
When asked what your salary requirements are by a
potential employer during an interview, INDICATE A
RANGE, not a dollar amount.
Occasionally there will be circumstances where
salary will be discussed prior to an offer and it is
important to handle it with confidence.
When responding to an ad- Indicate “open” or
“negotiable” under salary requirements. Under
salary history, indicate “competitive” unless it asks
for specific salary dollars.
Try not to negotiate over the phone.
How do I negotiate?
Let the employer go first with the offer
Keep an honest yet non-emotional response.
First, restate the offer - then “digest” it.
Your body language should demonstrate thought, not
emotion.
Then counter with your research response and range.
They will respond with what they are able or not able to offer.
Know that employers will not usually rescind an offer as a
result of your counter offer.
The employer should return with a response which, hopefully,
meets your needs; otherwise they will discuss why they are
unwilling to negotiate and state that the offer stands.
Salary is not the only area
to negotiate
Bonuses
Salary reviews (consider timing, basis and percentage)
Health, dental, life and disability insurance
Retirement or pension plans
Overtime policies
Profit sharing plans, Stock options
Vacation and sick days
Tuition reimbursement
Employee discounts
Company car/expense accounts
Professional memberships, certifications
Relocation/moving expenses and Sign on bonuses
Overcoming Objections
You may hear the following objections. Here
are some methods for overcoming these:
“Not within the budget…
“Others in the organization with similar
qualifications and experience aren’t paid that
much…
“Your salary history does not justify such an
increase…
Know when to say when.
THE FINAL OFFER
Take time to evaluate the offer.
Get the offer in writing.
Additional Handouts
Additional Tip Sheets on Interviewing are available on the
Career Center web page:
www.sc.edu/career/tipsheets.html
Questions Employers Ask
Illegal or Impermissible Questions
Interviewee Questions
Why Should I Hire You?
Company/Organization Information
Negotiating Salary
Work Values
Career Center Resources
Visit the Career Center Website: www.sc.edu/career
click on “Web Resources”, go to “Research Employers &
Job Search Strategies ” and refer to (Job Search,
Interviewing, Resumes & Letter Writing).
Visit our comprehensive library filled with resource books,
videos and free material. View available resources at our
onon-line directory: http://www.sc.edu/career/shelflist.html
Sign up for Perfect Interview and a “live” Mock Interview.
Discuss interviewing techniques with your college liaison
counselor.
Any Questions?
Thanks for
your attention!