OutstandingInterviews

Agenda

Purpose of an InterviewTypes of InterviewsPrepare for the InterviewTypes of Interview QuestionsChoose ReferencesAfter the InterviewInterview TipsSummary

Job interviews come in all different forms

but one fundamental goal remains the same -

you need to convince an interviewer

that you are the one.-Davide Crisante

Purpose - Employers

Learn more about youSee your interpersonal/communication skills in actionEvaluate your suitability for the jobSee your motivation/commitment

Interviewers have 3 underlying questions…Can you do it? Will you do it? Will you fit in?

Purpose - ApplicantHighlight skills, qualifications, accomplishmentsMinimize potential negativesDemonstrate good interpersonal/communication skillsLearn more about position/employer

You never have a second chanceTo make a first impression

~ Author unknown

Types of Interviews

ScreeningOne-on-OnePanel or CommitteeGroupTelephoneInformal Lunch/Coffee

Prepare for the InterviewResearch position/organizationCreate 30-second elevator statementWrite down high-impact stories to share Prepare to answer any “difficult questions”Decide how to handle illegal questionsCreate list of questions to ask in the interviewInformational interviewsPractice! Practice! Practice!

Research the Position/Organization

Try to identify Goals, mission, vision, customer base, core businessActivities, tasks, working conditions

Information sourcesJob posting/advertisementCompany website/annual reportsHuman resources departmentJob descriptions

30-Second Elevator Statement

Provides a quick way of sharing information about yourselfInclude

Relevant information about youWhy the position interests youWhy you’re a good fit for the position/organization

What’s Your Statement?

Use the worksheet providedDevelop 30-second elevator statement for interesting job

Work in groups of 2 or 3Practice elevator statements Provide feedback - What worked? What didn’t?

Revise elevator statement

High-Impact Stories

Brainstorm high-impact examplesThink of your accomplishments and innovative solutions

Create high-impact stories that answerWhat was the issue?What did you do about it?What was the outcome?

Consider ways to share stories in an interview

ILLEGAL QUESTIONS

Illegal to discriminate if ability to do job not impactedAge, race, gender, ethnicity, sexual preference, disability

OptionsAnswer questionPolitely refuse to respondAnswer underlying question

Difficult QuestionsUncomfortable questions could be related to

–Employment gaps –Inconsistent job history–Job loss–Personal characteristics

Identify and prepare for tough questionsIdentify questions that might be difficult to answer Practice responding effectively

Questions to Ask at the Interview

What qualities are you looking for in an ideal candidate?What would a typical day/week look like for this job?Why is this position vacant?What kinds of projects can I expect to work on?

Types of Interview Questions General

Learn about you and assess “fit” with job/organizationBehavioural

Focus on past behaviour as a predictor of future behaviourSituational

Focus on problem-solving skillsStress

Focus on how you handle stressful situations

Tips for Answering Interview Questions

Listen carefullyAsk for questions to be repeated if necessaryAnswer honestly and completelyRemember to link answer to job/organizationUse relevant examplesStay calm

What to Expect in the Interview

Interviewers willShake your handExpect you to make eye contact Write down your answers or make notesWant you to look interested and engagedExpect you to come alone to interview

Choose References

Always ask permissionChoose appropriate referencesKeep your references informed of your job searchAvoid obviously political or religious referencesDon’t choose friends/family as referencesMake sure reference can speak positively about you

After the Interview

Say thank youFollow-up 1 – 2 days after the interview

Inform your network and referencesThank them for supportKeep them informed

Job Offers

Prepare to accept, decline, or negotiate job offerKnow job’s worthKnow your worth

4 “P’s” of successful negotiationCreate a positive environment (think win-win)Prepare Prioritize possibilities to consider Be patient

Interview TipsPrepare for your interviewArrive 10 minutes earlyBring your resume and targeted portfolioSmile and look interestedMake eye contactBe aware of your body languageThink before you answerAnswer questions honestlyTurn off your cell phone Keep answers positive

SummaryTake time to prepare for every interviewResearch position and organizationDevelop and practice 30-second elevator statementBe prepared to handle difficult/illegal questionsPractice answering common interview questionsDevelop a list of questions to askChoose references wiselyFollow up after the interview