Interviewing
Skills SESSION ONE
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Uo0KjdDJr1c
Content/Language
Purpose
Objectives
Session One +Two Content Objectives:
❑ Cadets will understand different types of interviews and their
purposes (e.g., screening, one-on-one, panel).
❑ Cadets will learn how to create a strong resume and prepare a
30-second personal introduction ("commercial").
❑ Cadets will learn the strategies and skills for a face-to-face interview
❑ Cadets will identify key strategies for making a positive first
impression, including attire, body language, and preparation
techniques.
Session One Language Objectives:
❑ Cadets will use appropriate language to introduce themselves
confidently in a professional setting.
❑ Cadets will engage in discussions and practice role-plays using
job-related vocabulary.
Interview
or
Job Fair
Know yourself
◼
Be able to articulate YOUR
▪Skills (how to translate them)
▪Values (how to express them in words)
▪Interests
▪Abilities
▪Long term plans (have them ready_
◼ Be able to give examples of them
◼ Think on your feet
▪outside the box
◼ Use common sense
30 SECOND COMMERCIAL
❑ "Hello, I'm Chris Fears, a Senior Operations Officer over three
decades in the United States Marine Corps. I have had extensive
experience in leadership, operations, project management, and
training.
❑ I have a proven track record in developing and implementing
strategies across various functional areas, including special
operations and civil-military operations.
❑ My expertise in capability integration and budget management is
complemented by my active Top Secret/SCI Clearance. I hold a
Master's degree in Military Science and History, showcasing my
commitment to continuous learning and excellence.
❑
My leadership and innovation have been recognized multiple times
throughout my career, reflecting my dedication to superior
30 SECOND COMMERCIAL
EXAMPLE FOR YOU
❑
❑
❑
"Hi, I'm [Your Name], a recent business graduate with a passion for
management and leadership. My journey began in high school
JROTC, where I served as a Platoon Commander, honing my
leadership skills and demonstrating the importance of setting the
example for over 100 cadets. I also led the Model UN club, utilizing
my initiative and communication skills in three different
languages to coordinate events and debates.
As a captain of the cross-country team, I embodied the trait of
endurance, guiding my team through challenging competitions.
Additionally, I completed over 2,000 hours of community service,
practicing the principle of knowing my subordinates and looking
out for their welfare, as I worked to support local organizations.
With my business degree, I bring a fresh perspective, strong
analytical skills, and a demonstrated commitment to excellence. I’m
eager to leverage my diverse experiences and leadership
background to contribute innovative ideas to your management
team."
30 SECOND COMMERCIAL HOW
TO CREATE?
1. Introduction (5-7 seconds)
•Sentence: "Hi, I'm [Your Name], a recent business graduate with a passion for management and leadership."
•Tie-in: Demonstrates the trait of bearing, showing confidence and poise.
2. Background (10-12 seconds)
•Sentence: "My journey began in high school JROTC, where I served as a Platoon Commander, leading over 100
cadets, and honed my leadership skills by setting the example.“
•Tie-in: Highlights the principle of setting the example and the trait of dependability, emphasizing a leadership
role in a structured program.
3. Key Achievements (10-15 seconds)
•Sentence: "I also led the Model UN club, where I utilized my multilingual skills in three languages, coordinated
events, and demonstrated initiative. As captain of the cross-country team, I practiced endurance and teamwork,
leading my peers through rigorous training and competitions. Additionally, I completed over 2,000 hours of
community service."
•Tie-in: Showcases the traits of initiative, endurance, and the principle of train your subordinates as a team,
reflecting diverse and impactful leadership experiences.
4. Conclusion (5-7 seconds)
•Sentence: "With my business degree, I bring a fresh perspective, strong analytical skills, and a commitment to
excellence. I’m eager to leverage my diverse experiences and leadership background to contribute innovative
ideas to your management team."
•Tie-in: Demonstrates the traits of enthusiasm and initiative, ending with a forward-looking, confident statement.
DO
NOW
Purpose
GOOGLE CLASSROOM: fill out your 30 second
commercial: 10 minutes:
https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdLK
kTC9k2Hc4q9mXO3PXt3lCc0KRd4R8QM-ETOFE
T3-3_HEw/viewform?usp=sf_link
THEN YOU WILL PRACTICE IT WITH A PARTNER IN
ROTATION
Interviewing
Skills SESSION TWO
QUESTIONS
LE1-C1S3T2pg 31-39 The Leadership Traits
QUESTIONS
LE1-C1S3T2pg 31-39 The Leadership Traits
Rehearse
◼
Practice
▪tape recorder
▪mirror
▪video camera
▪friends, family
◼ Notecards
◼ No memorized answers
▪ just concepts and key
“buzz words”
Preparing for the interview
Familiarity with business location
Copy of resume updated & in folder
References included
Few questions prepared for interviewer at end of
interview
Visualize setting, positive interview
Anticipate stressors
What to wear
First impressions
Me
Suit (Doesn’t
have
to
be
n
expensive!)
Jacket
Pressed shirt
Women
Suit
Plain jewelry
No perfume
Hair
groomed
TURN OFF CELL PHONE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Rules of Thumb
◼ No sleeveless shirts
◼ Have your clothes pressed
◼ No open toe shoes
◼ Pantyhose for women, socks for men
◼ Clothes should be comfortable
▪ avoid too tight, too short
Accessories
◼ Shoes
▪ Polished, comfortable
◼ Socks/Hose
▪ Do not go without socks/hose
◼ Belts
▪ If have belt loops, wear a belt
◼ Jewelry
▪ Minimal
◼ Purse/Attache Case
Hints
◼ Dress for the position you want, not the
position you have
◼ Men
▪ Wear a white t-shirt under dress shirt
▪Helps with perspiration
▪ Have someone help you tie your tie
◼ Women
▪ Pull hair back
▪ Go easy on make up
▪ One ring per hand
Different clothing types
◼ Professional Dress
▪ Interview outfit
▪ Daily clothing for professional office setting
◼ Business Casual Dress
▪ Dress down Fridays or casual office environment
▪ Career Fair
◼ Casual Dress
▪ Company picnic
▪ Traveling for work
Women’s Professional
Women’s Business Casual
Women’s Casual
Men’s Professional
Men’s Business Casual
Men’s Casual
Day of the interview
◼
◼
Fresh shower, well groomed
Leave plenty of time for mishaps
◼ Eat prior to the interview
▪ Avoid too much caffeine and sugar
◼ Arrive early
▪ Park early in morning…wait in car..WATCH TIME!
▪ 15 minutes ample time (Drive it day prior)
▪too early makes interviewers nervous
◼ When arriving a business, be courteous to all employees
The interview process
◼
Casual conversation
▪“How was the traffic?, did you find us O.K.?”
◼ Down to business
▪ Actual interview begins
▪Listen, buzzwords, new info.
▪ Employer will discuss company/position
▪Proceed to ask questions about skills, etc.
▪Behavioral questions (situation)
▪ End by asking if you have questions
The interview process
◼ Closing the interview
▪ Employer initiates
▪ Standing up, shaking hands
▪ “Thank-you for interviewing”
▪ Let employer know you are interested
▪ Prepare closing statement
▪ “Thank you for taking the time to interview me, I’m
very interested in this position...”
•Give me an example of a problem & how you handled it?
•Give me an example of a time when you faced a lot of
Behavioral
Interview
obstacles
to achieving
a goal… Questions
•Talk about a stressful situation you’ve experienced…
•Tell me about a time when you’ve been a team player..
•Tell me about a project or role that you’ve taken on that
is outside your job description….
•Tell me about a situation when “took the ball & ran with
it.”
•How have you handled situations in which you had to
deal with something that you're not totally comfortable
with?
•How do you build your confidence?
Follow-up
● Sending a thank-you note
– within 24 hours
– hand written
– computer generated
● Expect to hear within 7-10 work days
The verdict
● Job is offered to you
• “Thank you for
calling, I’ll get back
to you with my
decision by the
end of the day..”
● Job is not offered
• “Thank you for
taking the time to
interview me..”
● Professional/polite
Comments / Questions
● Remember to be yourself…
● Everyone is nervous…
● Be prepared
Questions