Interviewing Like a
Professional
Karla Miller
Program Coordinator
Career Services
What is an Interview?
• Important component of the job
search!
• Opportunity for candidates to
verbally communicate skills,
education, experience.
• Employers evaluate
qualifications and goals – are
they a “match?”
• Two-way process
Types of Interviews
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Pre-Screen Interview
Follow-Up or Second Interview
Phone Interview
Group Interview
Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner
Interview
Approaches to
Interviews
• Directive vs.
Non-Directive
• Behavioral (STAR)
• Stress
Stages of the Interview
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Introductions
Breaking the Ice
General Information Sharing
Probing of Key Characteristics
Solicit Questions
Closing
Follow-Up (Thank you!)
Preparing for Your
Interview
• Physical Preparation
– Professional and Effective Resume,
Cover Letter, Portfolio
– Completed Application Materials
– Attire and Grooming
Preparing for Your
Interview
• Mental Preparation
– Know Yourself:
• What are my goals?
• Related skills, education, experience?
• How can I best market these to an
employer?
– Research the Employer
– Review the Position Description
Preparing for Your
Interview
Lastly,
PRACTICE…
PRACTICE…
PRACTICE
The Interview
• Introductions
– Strong handshake
• Present yourself professionally:
– Confident and Poised
– Good eye contact, speech
• Answer questions completely and
concisely – be direct
–
–
–
–
Listen
Replay
Decide
Respond
The Interview,
continued
• Give SPECIFIC examples
• Be honest & be yourself!
What are Employers
Seeking?
Qualities Desired by Employers
• Communication
• Teamwork
• Leadership
• Flexibility
• Problem Solving
• Interpersonal
They will ask a variety of questions to
learn about you!
Questions Often Asked
By an Interviewer
• Tell me about
yourself
• Strengths
• Weaknesses
• Education
• Related
Experience
• Career Goals
• How you deal
with stress,
multiple
priorities,
conflict
• What do you
know about the
company and
position
How You Will Be
Evaluated
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Appearance
Preparation
Qualifications
Direction
Expression
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Sincerity
Personality
Maturity
Overall
Evaluation
Questions to Ask an
Interviewer
• Position
description or
specific duties
• Company
information
(additional)
• Supervision
• How are
employees
evaluated?
• Orientation and
Training
• Criteria for
hiring
Conclusion
• Prepare to be the BEST
candidate
• Be Yourself!
Questions?