S

Interview Techniques

Objectives

Preparation Interview Techniques Post Interview Follow Up

Interviewing is a two way street!

Interviewing is a two way street!

Employers are attempting to determine if you are fit for their job

YOU decide if the job and environment is the right fit for you

Preparation

Create a professional portfolio which includes: Extra copies of your resumes References Samples of relevant papers/projects Notepad and pen

Preparation - ResumeContent:

Name Address/Telephone Objective Education Experience Achievement Skills References

Preparation – Resume

Resume should have a clean, professional format. Fonts matter!

Avoid going more than 1-2 pages Identify accomplishments, not just job descriptions –

what did you do? Quantify Accomplishments Create a career summary to give a brief overview of

who you are and what you do Personalize your resume for the job

Preparation – LinkedIn Profile

LinkedIn is your professional identity, utilize it!

Fill out your profile completely (courses, volunteering, etc.)

Preparation – Dress for success

Preparation – Dress for Success!

Check for company dress code Less is more Neutral/Conservative Colors are

always safe

Preparation – Research

Preparation

Do homework on the company and the position (Careers Page)

Who do you know at this company? Be your best self! – Review your background

according to the job description, be prepared with examples from your resume

Interview Techniques

Types of Interviews• Phone• Panel/Group• Meal• Onsite Interview

Interview Questions

Standard/Traditional: Targeting your education, work experience, and career goals

Behavioral Questions: These focus on your actions and behaviors in a previous setting

Interview Questions

Standard/Traditional: Targeting your education, work experience, and career goals What makes you qualified for this job? What are your short term and long term

goals? Why are you interested in this role?

Interview Questions

Behavioral Questions: These focus on your actions and behaviors in a previous setting What is your greatest failure and how did you

learn from it? Tell me about a time you were a team player Give me an example when you took initiative

and took the lead

Interview Do’s

DO answer the question directly DO take deep breathes DO ask for clarification DO display positive body language (eye contact,

firm handshake, smile, be attentive) DO come prepared with questions DO arrive early

Interview Don’t’s

DON’T have your cell phone on DON’T chew gum in your interview DON’T make negative comments about previous

employers or experience DON’T lie DON’T answer questions with just yes or no.

Explain when possible

Post Interview

Thank each interviewer for the time Send a post-interview thank you letter

(email or hand written or LinkedIn) Ask for post-interview timelines

You ready to interview?

Mock Interview Questions

What makes you qualified for this job? What are your short term and long term goals? What is your greatest failure and how did you

learn from it? Give me an example when you took initiative

and took the lead