Unit 7

Emotional Responses

How do you feel about interviewing?

How can you overcome any fears or apprehensions you have?

Confidence Building

Do your homework.

Practice interviewing.

Confidence Building Step 1:

Do Your Homework Learn as much as you can prior to the

interview.About the companyAbout the positionAbout the people you will be meeting with

Information on the Organization Interview question: “what do you know

about our company?” Facts, figures, company information will

impress! Never make the mistake of not being

able to tell them something.

What should I know about the company? Products and/or services Industry ranking Number of employees Location(s) - number of offices Competitors Training programs Current news items Future plans History of the organization Name of corporate officers Subsidiaries/parent companies

Information on the Position Interview question “What qualifies you

for this position?” The more you know about the job the

better you can answer this question!

Confidence Building Step 2: Practice Interviewing Interviewing is a skill.

Knowledge of self + knowledge of the organization + preparation = interview success!

How do I practice?

Make a list of potential questions. Prepare an answer for each question. Outline the points you want to make. Have someone do a mock interview and

consider video taping.

What questions might an employer ask in an interview?

Sample Questions

What are your strengths? What are your weaknesses? Why did you choose your major/career? What are your short term goals? What are your long term goals? What motivates you? What 2 or 3 accomplishments have

given you the most satisfaction?

More Sample Questions Are you willing to travel? Are you willing to relocate? Describe a major problem you have

encountered and how you dealt with it. How has your college experience

prepared you for this career? How do you determine success? What do you know about the

organization?

More Sample Questions What factors are most important to you in

your job? Why should I hire you over someone else? What have you done that shows initiative? What did you like about your previous job? What did you dislike about your previous

job? How well do you work under pressure?

The one most people hate…

Tell me about yourself

Questions for the interviewer Avoid asking about salary and benefits

on a first interview. Come prepared with questions. Questions demonstrate your interest. What should you ask?

Sample Questions to Ask What are the duties of the job? What are the opportunities for

advancement? To whom would I report? On what criteria would I be evaluated? How much responsibility would I have as a

new employee? Why is this position open now? What are some of the problems people in

this position encounter?

More Sample Questions to Ask How will the first weeks on the job be

spent? Is it your policy to promote from within? What characteristics do you believe are

needed to be successful in this position? Does the organization support continued

education? What kind of training is provided? What happened to the person previously in

this position?

Interview Styles

Guided Interview Unstructured Interview Stress Interview

Interview Day Essentials

Several copies of your resume Printed list of references Pen or pencil and notebook List of questions to ask Transcripts Positive attitude!