Download - Ace the interview 2012
Successful Interview Strategies
Ace the Interview
Career and Student Employment CounselorsKaren Steeno van Staveren
Chris Augustine
Our Ace Advisors…
Content
Audience Participation
Well Before/Just Before/Day of/ During/After the Interview
Rap Up
Neighbor Nudge
Hi, my name is…What is your favorite flavor of ice cream?What are two things you are good at?What is one people skill you have?
Neighbor Nudge
Hi, my name is…What is your favorite class?What are two things you are good at?What is one people skill you have?
Neighbor Nudge
Hi, my name is…What is your favorite flavor of ice cream?What are two things you are good at?What is one people skill you have?
Well Before the Interview
Employers want you to know how you will contribute to their organization.
Well Before the Interview:It Takes Work to Get Work
Job searches can take time
Know yourself: key skills, values, organizational fit
RESEARCH the companyBe purposeful: Why do you want this job? How
and when will you contribute? What does the organization care about? Who(m) do they serve?
There may be: an application; a pre-test; a phone interview
1. Verbal Communication 2. Problem-solving ability 3. Ability to obtain/process information 4. Can plan, organize and prioritize work 5. Analyzes data 6. Possess technical knowledge related to job 7. Computer software proficiency 8. Ability to create/edit written reports 9. Can sell or influence others
Source: NACE Research: Job Outlook 2012 Spring Update
Well Before the InterviewKey Skills for New Hires
Skills Employers Want
Why send a resume? What resume style is best? No templates REMEMBER THE JOB POSTING Use a proofreader Do I need a cover letter? Do I need references? If so, when?
Well Before the InterviewWritten CommunicationCater to the Employer
Well Before the Interview:
Make lists of who you know Act “as if” in the classroom every day Get involved and expand your world Job fairs, internships, informational interviews The 30-second commercial can help http://www.careerspots.com/vidplay_links_ext.as
px?aid=505&apass=3BjDw0e+18Cf09hoUHQZeA==&vidnum=1
Networking
Debrief
Post and friend wisely; information is out there Employers are using LinkedIN.com, FB, Twitter
and GOOGLE Use your security settings and/or “The Grandma
Rule”
Well Before the InterviewSocial Networking
Start with a clear subject Include a formal greeting: “Good Afternoon Mr. Smith,” Be mindful of tone – avoid sarcasm and humor “THX 4 teh interview ” is for casual text messages only Explain attachments (resume/cover letter) Use spell check, watch grammar Choose a professional address: [email protected] or
Well Before the InterviewProfessional Email Etiquette
Voicemail Clear, professional message including your name Eliminate music and other voices
Leaving messages Identify yourself and the purpose of your call Use a friendly closing and leave your phone number Speak slowly Smile; it will come through in your voice
Well Before the InterviewOther Professional Phone Use
Clothes Fit, wash, press Tailor to the job
Write down questions for the interviewer Get organized
Portfolio: paper, pen, questions Extra resumes and references
Do a dry run Time it; go there; account for traffic
Practice Answers Nonverbals
Just Before the Interview
When should I expect to hear about this position? What is your preferred method of contact? What would be a typical day’s assignment? What do you like about your job? What is the training schedule like for this job? How much money can I expect to make in a year? NO!!! What are the skills and attributes most needed to
advance in this company?
Just Before the InterviewQuestions for the Interviewer
Clothes Fit, wash, press Tailor to the job
Write down questions for the interviewer Get organized
Portfolio: paper, pen, questions Extra resumes and references
Do a dry run Time it; go there; account for traffic
Practice Answers Nonverbals
Just Before the Interview
Just Before the InterviewVerbal Communication
Speak clearly Use proper grammar Avoid filler words and phrases Inflection Volume Concise
Slouching
Just Before the InterviewDistracting Interacting
Twisting hair
t a p p i n gswinging legs
*rocking*
fussing w
ith pens
accessories
Crossing ARMS
Fin
ger-
poin
ting
Expressionless
looking around
Tell me about yourself. What do you know about our company/this position? What are your hobbies, interests? Future plans? Why should I hire you? Prepare what, how and proof stories:
Tell me about a time when: You solved a conflict with a coworker? You made some one laugh at work? Persuaded a team member to do things your way? You failed and how you handled it?
Just Before the InterviewPractice Interview Questions
Day of the Interview
Sleep well and eat a healthy breakfast Bathe, shampoo hair, deodorize Avoid cologne/perfume Brush or comb your hair Brush/floss teeth and use mouthwash But NO gum!!! Hands and lips moisturized Check for cigarette smell or other odors
Day of the InterviewPersonal Hygiene
Professional Dress
Prepare ahead of time Ask a trusted friend to help Professional/appropriate clothing for the job Shoes – clean & polished Make sure your clothes fit Cover tattoos, if possible (no duct tape) Take out body piercing – brow, tongue, lip
Day of the InterviewPersonal Appearance
Men
Trim facial hair Consider nose and ear hair Neat and clean fingernails Take out earrings or put in small studs Crisp white or blue Oxford shirt with neutral tie Suits and the button rule Pants must fit, use a belt (no sagging) No hats or sunglasses
Men
Women
Hair should be brushed and styled away from your face; check your color
Make-up should be minimal, blended Fingernail polish - light not chipped Wear neutral or dark colors Shirts should not be revealing Skirts should be at or below knees Shoes – heels less than 3” Jewelry, not distracting – minimal
Women
Arrive to the lot early (30 minutes or so) Walk to location 10 minutes beforehand Check yourself Breathe Think about the organization Use specific examples but answers should
be concise
During the Interview
Hair Handshake Eye Contact Smile Posture Attitude
During the InterviewPeople will remember
Prepare
Speak clearly, smile
Stay focused
Eliminate distractions
Dress for it
During the Interview The Phone Interview
Quick Demonstration
• Greeting• Handshake• Resume ready• First question: “Tell me about yourself”• Have a question or two at the end• Ask for preferred method of contact• Get a business card• Thank the employer for their time
Debrief
Hand-written or email? Reinforce contributions you will make Include any additional information or thoughts
you have had since the interview Thank the interviewer by name and express your
desire to get the job
Follow Up After the Interview
Chris Augustine, Career and Student Employment Advisor AKA Rev. Aug
Rappin it UP
Thank you for attending our workshop!
For an appointment with a Career and Employment Counselor, call: 488-4123
RESOURCES, SURVEYS AND PRIZES
Take 20 minutes and invest in your future by practicing some common interview questions…
Speed Interviewing
Go to the Career Fair website: http://kalamazoocareerfair.com/ Make a list of the organizations attending that interest you Prioritize that list Research their websites for: size, location, products or services,
partnerships, and industry ranking Create a plan of action for the career fair (first, others, first) Do a mock interview Check your attire Create/review your elevator speech
Career Fair Preparation: Before the Career Fair
Find the companies on your prioritized list Smile, handshake, elevator speech with each recruiter Take freebies, do not be greedy Ask them questions and share your knowledge Find out recruiting process (timeline, next steps) Be mindful of recruiter’s time and thank them Get a business card Network with others
Career Fair Preparation:During the Career Fair
Send thank-you notes to each recruiter Thank them for their time, interest, and help in your job-search
Evaluate your plan of action What worked? What could be improved?
Plan to follow up with each recruiter after 2 weeks Emphasize your interest and how you would contribute
Create a system for organizing job leads Company Name:
Hiring Manager Name: Phone/E-mail: Position Applied for: Date Applied: Position Requirements:
Career Fair Preparation: After the Career Fair