Interview Techniques

Career & Advising ServicesLewis-Clark State College

www.lcsc.edu/cas

Overview of This Session

Pre-Interview Preparation: Know yourself and your resumeKnow the EmployerPractice techniques

Participation in the Interview:What to takeClothing, make-up, and accessory choicesDo’s and Don’ts

Post-Interview Follow-Up: How to thank the employer

Practical Points in the Job Search Process

The Seven P’s:

1 - Prioritize Your Goals and Values

2 - Prepare to Promote Yourself

3 - Package Your Professional Appearance

4 - Practice, Practice, Practice5 - Profile The Employer6 - Present Yourself at the Interview7 - Perform Proper Post-Interview Follow-Up

P #1 : Prioritize Your Goals and

Values

1) Self-assessment

2) Application of Results

P#2:Prepare to Promote

YourselfKnow Your Resume

Work Accomplishments Private Life Accomplishments Extracurricular/Volunteer Experiences Anecdotes Your Career Goals Strengths/Weaknesses Qualifying Details

P#3:Package Your Professional

AppearanceThe Three Goals:

Looking appropriate and “fitting in” with the setting

Demonstrating confidence

Feeling comfortable with yourself

Package Your Professional Appearance…

Let’s start from the beginning:

Shower. Shave. Brush. You’ll feel better and you’ll look fresh.

Do not wear cologne or perfume. You never know who will be allergic to, sensitive to or reminded of someone by what you are wearing.

Do wear antiperspirant! The best scent is fresh (a high quality bath soap should do the trick).

Make-Up Choices:

Cheery Cherry Smoky Serious Pretty Peach –

Best for the interview!

According to a survey done in fall 2004 of human resources professionals, by a communications consulting firm, Employers admit they are more likely to employ a woman who wears make-up than one who doesn’t.

Jewelry Less is more. Wear nothing that makes noise or dangles. Men should avoid wearing any jewelry unless

it is a wedding ring, class ring or metal watch. Women: No more than one earring in each

ear, one necklace, one ring on each finger, and one item on each wrist. Then…remove at least one item.

Generally unacceptable: facial piercings, tongue jewelry or visible tattoos.

Which one would you pick…

Which one would you pick…

How About These?

Suiting Examples for Women

■ Be sure waist isn’t too low…bend over and look behind you in the mirror to check!

■■ Full shoes (not Full shoes (not sandals) with hosiery sandals) with hosiery are recommended for are recommended for the interview.the interview.

■ ■ Skirts should be Skirts should be no more than 2” no more than 2” above and 2” below above and 2” below the knee.the knee.

Men’s Suiting

Inappropriate Interview Shoes

Women’s & Men’s Dress Shoes

P#4: Practice, Practice, Practice

Interviewing is a learned skill:

The PIE Concept:

P ractice to prepare

I nformation Interview

E mployment Interview

P#5: Profile the Employer

How should you conduct the necessary research?

What should you know about the employer?

P#6: Present Yourself at the Interview

When you are invited to the interview, ask some questions...

Types of Interviews:

Long

Short

Telephone

Formal

Informal

Panel

Test

Individual

Group

Presentation

INTERVIEW INFORMATION SHEET Employer/Organization: Date of Contact/Interview: ________ / ________ Location and Directions to Interview site: Description/Type of Interview: Contact Person & Phone Number: Names/Titles of Those Met: Thank You Sent: ____________________________________ _______ ____________________________________ _______ ____________________________________ _______ ____________________________________ _______ ____________________________________ _______ ____________________________________ _______ Job Offer __________ _______ Decline __________ Rejection __________ _______ Notes About Employer: (Notes From Interview on Reverse)

What should you take with you to the Interview

Extra copies of your resume Reference list Transcripts Writing utensil/paper Social Security Number (Card) List of questions to ask Other supporting materials Spending money

The most Important Way to Begin (and end) the

Interview

Four Point First Impression

Four Point Final Impression

Do’s in The Interview… Points to remember

Get a good night's sleep before the interview. Use the restroom before the interview begins. Arrive Early - 10 minutes is appropriate. Maintain good eye-contact with each individual that you meet. Use each person's name that you meet, to help you remember . Let the interviewer direct the conversation. Listen to each question carefully, without interrupting. Take time to think through your answers - pauses are OK. Keep your answers between 20 seconds and 2 minutes, which is

statistically the optimum time period for answering a question. Speak positively about previous employers and co-workers. Be constantly aware of your body language and that of the

interviewer. Let the employer lead into discussion about salary & benefits. Ask at the end of the interview when you will hear from the

interviewer again, If the information is not offered. Be sure that everything you say in the interview is verifiable.

Don’ts in the Interview Points to remember…

DON’T chew gum, tobacco, or candy during the interview.

DON'T touch, lean on, or pick up anything on the interviewers desk.

DON'T address the interviewer by first name,unless first invited to do so.

DON'T touch your hair, adjust your clothing, bite your fingernails or anything else that may be distracting to the interviewer.

DON'T use slang or profanity, even if the employer does.

DON'T be a comedian. Be pleasant, but remember that the interview is serious.

DON'T answer questions with just one word. DON'T be overly negative about anything or anyone.

P#7 – Perform Post Interview Follow-Up

Five Reasons why you should sendthank-you notes after an interview:

1 - They prove you are courteous and good with people2 - They help the employer remember you.3 - They can be used to reiterate your interest in the job.4 - They can provide you with opportunities to reinforce certain points

made in the interview5 - A thank you note may be the one factor that positively sets you apart

from others interviewed!

(The 10 Minute Rule)

Interview TechniquesYour chance to let your personality shine…Make it

count !

Career & Advising Services has additional interview, job search, and career resources in the office at Reid Centennial Hall, 110

Trained staff can assist you with your interview questions

CAS has three computers available for your job search needs

Visit LCSC Career & Advising Services ~ Reid Hall 110

Debra Lybyer, DirectorDebi Mundell, Associate DirectorSusan Lawson, Career CounselorAndrea Masom, Career AdvisorGreen Baggett, Staff Volunteer

Denise Harris, Administrative Assistant

Monday – Friday 8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.

7:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. summer hours