OCN 750 Class #13: April 10Interviewing
Interviewing 101
Mock interviewing
Upcoming assignments/classes
Questions? Announcements? Michele?
Assignment due today Job ad of interest to you
Cover letter specific to that job ad
Congratulations!!!!You Got an Interview.
Interviewing 101
Pre-interview preparationHow to dress The interview Follow-up
References: Brent Fujinaka, Manoa Career Center http://career-advice.monster.com/job-interview/careers.aspx
Pre-Interview:Responding to the Interview Invitation
Respond promptly and professionallyBe flexible and cooperativeFollow all instructions carefully
Goal: To make a positive first impression.Tip: Keep a job application summary sheet
(and keep it handy).
Aloha! Thank you for your application to the C-MORE Scholars Program. To further explore whether you will be a "good fit" to the program, we would like to schedule a Skype interview with you. If you're not already on Skype, you can join free of charge.
The interview will last about 20-30 minutes. Interviews will be held on 5/14, 5/15 and 5/16 at the following times: 10 am, 10:30 am, 11 am, 11:30 am, 12 pm, 12:30 pm, 1:00 pm, 1:30 pm.
Please let us know1) your Skype name2) your top 3 choices of interview times
Aloha,Jessica Ayau and Barbara BrunoC-MORE Scholars Program
Aloha Jessica and Barbara,
Could I please interview:5/15 @ 11:00am?
My skype name is xx
Mahalo,xx
Pre-Interview: Reflection How does this opportunity fit with yourQualificationsCurrent position/statusCareer goalsLifestyle
What questions do you have? (write them down!) Consider keeping a job application journal
Pre-Interview: Research
Review organization’s websites and publicationsGoogle the organizationGet salary information Research your interviewers
Goal: Come to interview prepared; Convey strong interest to interviewers
Plan what you will wear
Neat, clean, pressedClassic and conservative Proper fitClosed shoesAvoid perfume/cologne
Goal: Give a professional appearance.
Women Pants or knee-
length skirt/dressJacket (or at least
covered shoulders)Avoid loud, low-cut
or frilly blouses Minimal jewelry &
make-upNeutral hosiery
MenPressed Pants Local: Aloha shirts for
academic/non-profitMainland/downtown:
Jacket and tieAvoid leather jacketsMatch belt and socks
to shoes
On the DayBring job ad, application materials and several CVs
Bring pen and note paperArrive 10 minutes earlyBe courteous and professional to everybodyShut off cell phoneWatch your body languageObserve other people’s body language
Interview Goals
Your GoalsTo advance to next step in the recruiting processTo determine whether this job is right for you
Employer GoalsTo find the right person for the jobTo sell the company’s strengths
What do employers generally look for in prospective employees?
Pair upTake 2 minutes to come up with at least 5
transferable skills or personality characteristics
A Typical Interview
Warm-upEmployer(s) questionsApplicant questionsWrap-up
Warm-Up
Introductions Handshake(s)Small TalkTransition to Employer Questions
Message: I am courteous, socially skilled and enthusiastic about the position
How To Answer Questions
Take notes during questionsThink before answeringBe clear and conciseUse specific examplesAvoid cliches or canned answers
Message: I am articulate, confident and stand out from other applicants
Skills and Accomplishments questions
Describe how you meet the job qualifications.What is your research specialization? What is your greatest ….? How would you rate your skills in ….? Have you ever.…?
Message: I am highly qualified and competent (and can be trained)
“Right Fit” questions
Why are you interested in this position?Why do you want to work for our ……?What can you bring to our ….?How are you hoping to grow in this position?What is your ideal work environment?Why should we hire you?
Message: I am the right person for the job.
Behavioral questions
Tell me about a time when you …impressed your bossdisagreed with your bosswere creative in solving a problemworked effectively with a difficult individualworked with people whose backgrounds differed
from your own background
Message: I am high value, low maintenance
STARS – situationT – task/roleA – action R – results
Applicant Questions
Bring at least 2 appropriate questions Don’t ask dumb questions
Questions NOT to ask
What is the salary?When can I expect a raise or promotion?How many others are you interviewing?Is there an inside candidate?What is your flextime policy?
Illegal and Inappropriate Questions*
Marital status/SpouseChildren/PregnancyAgeRace/NationalityCitizenship/Birth PlaceGender-specific
*unless you volunteer the information
ReligionPoliticsHeight/WeightArrestsHealthMilitary discharge
At the end of the interview
Ask if you answered all of their questionsRestate your interest in the position (if
true)Thank your interviewers for their timeShake everyone’s hand
Post-interview Follow Up
Send a thank you note promptlyUpdate your job summary spreadsheetConsider keeping a journal
Reflect on how it wentWrite down tough questions they askedInclude names of interviewers
Remember…… Always be honest
Focus on your strengthsYou’ll get better with practice & reflectionIt’s fine to (gently) ask for feedbackInterviews over lunch or dinners are not
social occasions.
Questions?
Then Break
Next: Mock Interviewing
Mock interviewsPair up with a partner & discuss job applications
Review interview questions (handout):As interviewer: select 4 questions (include 1 behavioral)As interviewee: plan 1 question to ask about your job
10 min. per interview, then switch (2:15; 2:25)“Warm-up” (hand shake, etc), then questionsTake notes
If interviewer: feedback for partner (handout) If interviewee: make notes of what you said
2:35 pm: discuss with each other, then whole class
Upcoming assignments & classes Next week (4/17):Teaching PhilosophyUpload online profile; email us the link
Looking ahead (4/24 & 5/1): Class projects:
Presentation (8 minutes max, plus time for questions)Reflection #4 (TBA; due on day you don’t present)
Course evaluation:4/24 departmental eval5/1 our eval