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Guide to a Winning Interview
brought to you by
Bruce A. Bennett
Career Coach Corner
December 11, 2023
Introduction & Notes for Workshop
Introduction
MCWN Volunteer since 2010 & Contractor from 2018
Career Coach Corner Blogger & Presenter
B² Discuss LinkedIn Podcaster
General Notes for Today
My contact info is on the last slide
Presentation file is on SlideShare
Workshop is interactive, Q/A & Parking lot
Follow-up email will include a link to deck and survey
Social Media Revolution
2
Outline for Workshop Today
Interviewing
Preparing by researching a company & position
Review the interview process
Q & A examples
Five toughest question videos
Closing the interview
General Do’s and Don’ts
3
Goals for Workshop
Goals
Recognize and understand the interviewing situations
Repeat skills or strengths as STARs for interviewing
Learn how to respond to Tell Me About Yourself
Discover how to research employers & companies
4
Resources Available On-line
http://www.illinoisworknet.com/
5
Resources Available On-line
6
Guide to a Winning Interview
Self-awareness
Inventory your skills
Strength Finder 34 by Clifton Strengths or High 5 Test
SWOT analysis
Preparation
Select 3 to 5 of your key strengths
Use a STAR to illustrate the skill to the interviewer
Research individuals and companies
Practice
Scripted or bulleted answers
Mirror or camera
Family, friends or pets
7
Strength Finder Report
https://www.gallup.com/cliftonstrengths/en/home.aspx
8
Strength Finder Report
9
Strength Finder Report
10
SWOT Analysis
11
Key Strengths - STARs or CARs
Customer Service
“Are you calling me a liar” story.
Decision Making
Our equipment in the garage appeared to be the source
of the fire.
Computer Software Adaptability
Became the beta tester for new rollouts of proprietary
programs for regional managers.
Training Staff
Coached and developed 22 direct reports into
supervisory role positions.
12
Key Strengths - STAR Approach
Stories in the Job Interview
 Crafting stories
 Key Story Elements
 Where to Find Stories
 Practice, Improve, Practice, Improve
 Sample Stories as Interview Answers
Stories in the Job Interview.PDF
13
Research Company and Position
Research the company
Google the company
Company website, news, management team, etc.
Mission statement and/or core values
Check them on LinkedIn
Research the position
Search Indeed and other job boards for similar positions for
keywords or skills not covered in their posting
Check salary.com to get a range of compensation
LinkedIn Research
Search for interviewer(s) and company
14
Research Company Concepts
7 Fundamental Things You MUST Research
15
Interviewing Situations
Prescreen Phone Interview
Spur of the moment
Prearranged for a scheduled time
Determines your next step in the process
Follow up with a F2F interview
Keep your resume on file
F2F Interview
Company location
Job Fairs
On campus recruiting
Video Interviews
16
Phone Screen Interview Preparation
Schedule the time rather than spur of the moment
Locate to a distraction-free environment
No pets, no TV, no Radio, no computer
Have your cell phone fully charged
Take note of the interviewer’s name
Have work history and job description handy
Relate the job and your key skills
17
Phone Screen Interview Preparation
Stand during the phone interview
Smile while on the call
Have a few questions ready for the interviewer
Is it a new position? Is the position replacing someone?
Is it budgeted? What is the salary range for the position?
What growth is the company expecting?
Next steps in the application process
Avoid rambling and/or really long answers
8 Mistakes to Avoid in the Prescreen Call
18
F2F Interviewing Preparation
Prepare STAR stories that relate skills & capabilities
Interview practice with family, friends, etc.
Have work history and reference details
ABCs of references
Take several copies of your resume
Dress for the interview
Research the company and position
Google, LinkedIn and/or Company’s webpage
19
F2F Interviewing Process
Know the corporate culture
Turn on positives, creative, am quick learner,
relationship builder, etc.
Eye contact
Self on shoulder alter ego (good/bad angel)
Personal branding - Portfolio
Humor ok!?!?
Ideal or dream job
20
Video Interviewing
Video Interviewing
Background & Environment
Practice recording on laptop or tablet
https://www.myinterviewpractice.com/
21
Video Interviewing
Riveter Works video interviewing practice
https://riveterworks.com/
22
Video Interviewing
HireVue
Online interviewing application
https://www.hirevue.com/blog/how-to-take-a-hirevue-interview/
23
Video Interviewing
Zoom, Teams, Skype, Facetime, etc.
Andrew LaCivita talks about Online interviewing
24
Standard Questions
What would former coworkers or managers say?
What did you learn at your last job?
What level of education did you achieve?
What is your greatest strength?
What have you been doing since being laid off?
Why did you leave your last job or were you fired?
25
Behavioral/Situational Type Questions
Give me an example of how you set goals and achieve
them.
Teamwork is important to the position. Give me an
example of your working with a team.
Tell me about how you worked effectively under
pressure.
How did you handle a difficult situation with a
supervisor?
Relate when you had to enforce a company policy that
you did not agree with personally.
Pamela Skilling Discusses Behavioral Questions
26
F2F Interviewing Process
27
Oddball Questions
How much does the earth weigh?
What would you expect to pay for the empty
lot next to our company?
How far away is Alpha Centauri?
What animal or tree would you like to be?
What kind of cookie would you like to be?
What is your spirit animal?
Who is your hero?
28
Five Toughest Questions Videos
“Tell me about yourself!”
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zhWq1Q8uGg4&t=2s by John Heaney
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MmFuWmzeiDs by Pamela Skillings
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hCoqmcyHedA by Don Georgevich
“What are your greatest weaknesses?”
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XhTbeeUtWKs&t=3s by John Heaney
“Why should we hire you?”
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yx1_CZTdKAc&t=8s by John Heaney
“Why do you want to work here?”
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=g619eeLPSi0&t=81s by John Heaney
“Where do you see yourself in 5 years?”
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gRURxgW4eBE&t=3s by John Heaney
29
LinkedIn Offers Interviewing Resource
LinkedIn offers Interview Prep on the Jobs tab
More features Skills Assessments & Resume Builder
30
Interview Prep provides sample Q & A with video & tips
LinkedIn Offers Interviewing Resource
31
LinkedIn Offers Interviewing Resource
Free accounts provide an answer framework
32
Categories button offers additional questions
LinkedIn Offers Interviewing Resource
33
Lack of preparation, not knowing about company
Getting name of company wrong
Inappropriate language during the interview
“Beating around the bush” regarding compensation
expectations
Needing to pull responses from candidate
Candidate talking too much, long winded
Not flexible with scheduling
Ghosting during the process
Source: C. Schroeder, Talent Acquisition Manager
Interviewer Pet Peeves
34
Do You Have Any Questions For Me?
You better!
Be prepared with questions to ask the interviewer
Interview Questions Hallmark Data Systems
A printed list demonstrates your preparation and
interest in the company and position
Questions can range from evaluations to management
style
Is corporate culture another potential topic?
35
Interviewing Closing Suggestions
John Heaney suggests not ask these questions
10 Questions to Never Ask on a Job Interview
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FNW8u1yC4Bg 7 minutes
Don Georgevich advises never to ask these questions
Never Ask These Questions in a Job Interview
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WPRG7_fXe_E 8 minutes
36
Interviewing Closing Suggestions
Closing statement?
Elevator speech repeated with knowledge gained
through the interview
Express interest in the job, “I want the job!”
Next steps in the candidate selection process
“May I have your business card?”
Handshake, elbow or fist bump?
37
Interview Do’s
Bring a notebook to take notes
Press your clothes and shine shoes
Be aware of your body posture
Turn off your phone
Be friendly with everyone you meet
Smile
38
Interview Don’ts
Do not be too early or late
Do not answer cell phones or texts
Do not wear perfume or cologne
Do not disparage previous employer/boss
Do not leave your notebook at home
Do not cross your arms
Do not answer with simple yes or no
Do not fidget
39
Post Interview Suggestions
Debrief yourself
Keep a journal of interview questions & answers
Rate your answers to learn from interview to interview
Thank you letter
Personal thank you card is best and/or email is acceptable
Follow up with a phone call
Send a post-rejection thank you note
Lastly, remember the Challenging interview
https://www.dailymotion.com/video/x2xhxte
40
Simple Thank You Letter Template
Hallmark Data Systems
Attn: Julie Jones, HR Manager
Phone: 847-999-9999
Web: http://www.halldata.com/
Dear Ms. Jones,
I wanted to thank you for your time and consideration for the Senior Client
Relationship Manager position. Our discussion about my experience and
the position clarified how much this job matches my background. My
extensive management, operations, client service, and relationship building
experience would benefit Hallmark Data Systems. I look forward to
progressing to the next step in the candidate selection process.
Thank you,
Bruce
41
High Performance Interviewing
by David King and Jim Starkey
Another Interviewing Resource
42
Presentation Video Resources
Social Media Revolution - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6k_G_h41ZaQ
Paul Cameron - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AvAHjpKR9rg
Andy LaCivita - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=05WWE0Afz1k
Pamela Skillings - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mH3DaeJSwy4
Bill Burnett -
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1G3aixm2C6LHzub6wNNHy7QwbUEgrj9Rz/view?us
p=sharing
43
Additional Video Resources
Madeline Mann
When is your job interview - Timing is Everything!
Andrew LaCivita
The Best Answer to "What's Your Expected Salary?"
Madeline Mann - Self Made Millennial
How to Answer Behavioral Interview Questions Sample Answers
Professor Heather Austin
7 Job Interview Red Flags
LinkedIn Learning
https://opportunity.linkedin.com/prepare-for-interview
44
McHenry County Workforce Facebook
45
McHenry County Workforce Facebook
46
Success Stories
Mark H. – Operations
Mandi S. - Sales
Karl K. – Marketing
Raj S. - Financial Industry
Rich K. - Sales
Patti P. - Executive Assistant
Jackie L. - Financial Industry
I want to add your name to the list!
47
McHenry County Workforce Network
December Calendar of Events & Services
Free Personalized Job Search Assistance Services
To sign up, request the professional directly by email
Mock Interviews
60 minute virtual session
December 4 & 18
Kraig Roberts
9:30 - 10:30
Email: mcwnkraig@gmail.com
48
Mock Interviews
In-person sessions
December 6 & 12
Bob Lueders
10:00 - 11:00
Email: luedersbob@gmail.com
Upcoming Webinar Events
Network to Success Job Club
Learnings from Successful Job Searchers
Wednesday December 13, 2023 from 1:00pm to 3:00pm
LinkedIn for Your Job Search
Monday December 13, 2023 from 10:00am to 12:00pm
LinkedIn Strategic Guidelines
Wednesday December 15, 2023 from 10:00am to 12:00pm
Network to Success Job Club
Making Lemonade Out of Lemons Or how to cope with job loss
Wednesday January 10, 2024 from 1:00pm to 3:00pm
49
Feel free to connect with me on LinkedIn
Bruce A. Bennett
Mobile: 815-302-9552
Email: BABennett73@gmail.com
LinkedIn: http://www.linkedin.com/in/bruceabennett
Career Coach Corner Blog: http://bruce73.wordpress.com/
https://bruce73.wordpress.com/upcoming-presentations/
Podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/show/b-squared-linkedin

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Guide for a Winning Interview Presentation

  • 1. Guide to a Winning Interview brought to you by Bruce A. Bennett Career Coach Corner December 11, 2023
  • 2. Introduction & Notes for Workshop Introduction MCWN Volunteer since 2010 & Contractor from 2018 Career Coach Corner Blogger & Presenter B² Discuss LinkedIn Podcaster General Notes for Today My contact info is on the last slide Presentation file is on SlideShare Workshop is interactive, Q/A & Parking lot Follow-up email will include a link to deck and survey Social Media Revolution 2
  • 3. Outline for Workshop Today Interviewing Preparing by researching a company & position Review the interview process Q & A examples Five toughest question videos Closing the interview General Do’s and Don’ts 3
  • 4. Goals for Workshop Goals Recognize and understand the interviewing situations Repeat skills or strengths as STARs for interviewing Learn how to respond to Tell Me About Yourself Discover how to research employers & companies 4
  • 7. Guide to a Winning Interview Self-awareness Inventory your skills Strength Finder 34 by Clifton Strengths or High 5 Test SWOT analysis Preparation Select 3 to 5 of your key strengths Use a STAR to illustrate the skill to the interviewer Research individuals and companies Practice Scripted or bulleted answers Mirror or camera Family, friends or pets 7
  • 12. Key Strengths - STARs or CARs Customer Service “Are you calling me a liar” story. Decision Making Our equipment in the garage appeared to be the source of the fire. Computer Software Adaptability Became the beta tester for new rollouts of proprietary programs for regional managers. Training Staff Coached and developed 22 direct reports into supervisory role positions. 12
  • 13. Key Strengths - STAR Approach Stories in the Job Interview  Crafting stories  Key Story Elements  Where to Find Stories  Practice, Improve, Practice, Improve  Sample Stories as Interview Answers Stories in the Job Interview.PDF 13
  • 14. Research Company and Position Research the company Google the company Company website, news, management team, etc. Mission statement and/or core values Check them on LinkedIn Research the position Search Indeed and other job boards for similar positions for keywords or skills not covered in their posting Check salary.com to get a range of compensation LinkedIn Research Search for interviewer(s) and company 14
  • 15. Research Company Concepts 7 Fundamental Things You MUST Research 15
  • 16. Interviewing Situations Prescreen Phone Interview Spur of the moment Prearranged for a scheduled time Determines your next step in the process Follow up with a F2F interview Keep your resume on file F2F Interview Company location Job Fairs On campus recruiting Video Interviews 16
  • 17. Phone Screen Interview Preparation Schedule the time rather than spur of the moment Locate to a distraction-free environment No pets, no TV, no Radio, no computer Have your cell phone fully charged Take note of the interviewer’s name Have work history and job description handy Relate the job and your key skills 17
  • 18. Phone Screen Interview Preparation Stand during the phone interview Smile while on the call Have a few questions ready for the interviewer Is it a new position? Is the position replacing someone? Is it budgeted? What is the salary range for the position? What growth is the company expecting? Next steps in the application process Avoid rambling and/or really long answers 8 Mistakes to Avoid in the Prescreen Call 18
  • 19. F2F Interviewing Preparation Prepare STAR stories that relate skills & capabilities Interview practice with family, friends, etc. Have work history and reference details ABCs of references Take several copies of your resume Dress for the interview Research the company and position Google, LinkedIn and/or Company’s webpage 19
  • 20. F2F Interviewing Process Know the corporate culture Turn on positives, creative, am quick learner, relationship builder, etc. Eye contact Self on shoulder alter ego (good/bad angel) Personal branding - Portfolio Humor ok!?!? Ideal or dream job 20
  • 21. Video Interviewing Video Interviewing Background & Environment Practice recording on laptop or tablet https://www.myinterviewpractice.com/ 21
  • 22. Video Interviewing Riveter Works video interviewing practice https://riveterworks.com/ 22
  • 23. Video Interviewing HireVue Online interviewing application https://www.hirevue.com/blog/how-to-take-a-hirevue-interview/ 23
  • 24. Video Interviewing Zoom, Teams, Skype, Facetime, etc. Andrew LaCivita talks about Online interviewing 24
  • 25. Standard Questions What would former coworkers or managers say? What did you learn at your last job? What level of education did you achieve? What is your greatest strength? What have you been doing since being laid off? Why did you leave your last job or were you fired? 25
  • 26. Behavioral/Situational Type Questions Give me an example of how you set goals and achieve them. Teamwork is important to the position. Give me an example of your working with a team. Tell me about how you worked effectively under pressure. How did you handle a difficult situation with a supervisor? Relate when you had to enforce a company policy that you did not agree with personally. Pamela Skilling Discusses Behavioral Questions 26
  • 28. Oddball Questions How much does the earth weigh? What would you expect to pay for the empty lot next to our company? How far away is Alpha Centauri? What animal or tree would you like to be? What kind of cookie would you like to be? What is your spirit animal? Who is your hero? 28
  • 29. Five Toughest Questions Videos “Tell me about yourself!” https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zhWq1Q8uGg4&t=2s by John Heaney https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MmFuWmzeiDs by Pamela Skillings https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hCoqmcyHedA by Don Georgevich “What are your greatest weaknesses?” https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XhTbeeUtWKs&t=3s by John Heaney “Why should we hire you?” https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yx1_CZTdKAc&t=8s by John Heaney “Why do you want to work here?” https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=g619eeLPSi0&t=81s by John Heaney “Where do you see yourself in 5 years?” https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gRURxgW4eBE&t=3s by John Heaney 29
  • 30. LinkedIn Offers Interviewing Resource LinkedIn offers Interview Prep on the Jobs tab More features Skills Assessments & Resume Builder 30
  • 31. Interview Prep provides sample Q & A with video & tips LinkedIn Offers Interviewing Resource 31
  • 32. LinkedIn Offers Interviewing Resource Free accounts provide an answer framework 32
  • 33. Categories button offers additional questions LinkedIn Offers Interviewing Resource 33
  • 34. Lack of preparation, not knowing about company Getting name of company wrong Inappropriate language during the interview “Beating around the bush” regarding compensation expectations Needing to pull responses from candidate Candidate talking too much, long winded Not flexible with scheduling Ghosting during the process Source: C. Schroeder, Talent Acquisition Manager Interviewer Pet Peeves 34
  • 35. Do You Have Any Questions For Me? You better! Be prepared with questions to ask the interviewer Interview Questions Hallmark Data Systems A printed list demonstrates your preparation and interest in the company and position Questions can range from evaluations to management style Is corporate culture another potential topic? 35
  • 36. Interviewing Closing Suggestions John Heaney suggests not ask these questions 10 Questions to Never Ask on a Job Interview https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FNW8u1yC4Bg 7 minutes Don Georgevich advises never to ask these questions Never Ask These Questions in a Job Interview https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WPRG7_fXe_E 8 minutes 36
  • 37. Interviewing Closing Suggestions Closing statement? Elevator speech repeated with knowledge gained through the interview Express interest in the job, “I want the job!” Next steps in the candidate selection process “May I have your business card?” Handshake, elbow or fist bump? 37
  • 38. Interview Do’s Bring a notebook to take notes Press your clothes and shine shoes Be aware of your body posture Turn off your phone Be friendly with everyone you meet Smile 38
  • 39. Interview Don’ts Do not be too early or late Do not answer cell phones or texts Do not wear perfume or cologne Do not disparage previous employer/boss Do not leave your notebook at home Do not cross your arms Do not answer with simple yes or no Do not fidget 39
  • 40. Post Interview Suggestions Debrief yourself Keep a journal of interview questions & answers Rate your answers to learn from interview to interview Thank you letter Personal thank you card is best and/or email is acceptable Follow up with a phone call Send a post-rejection thank you note Lastly, remember the Challenging interview https://www.dailymotion.com/video/x2xhxte 40
  • 41. Simple Thank You Letter Template Hallmark Data Systems Attn: Julie Jones, HR Manager Phone: 847-999-9999 Web: http://www.halldata.com/ Dear Ms. Jones, I wanted to thank you for your time and consideration for the Senior Client Relationship Manager position. Our discussion about my experience and the position clarified how much this job matches my background. My extensive management, operations, client service, and relationship building experience would benefit Hallmark Data Systems. I look forward to progressing to the next step in the candidate selection process. Thank you, Bruce 41
  • 42. High Performance Interviewing by David King and Jim Starkey Another Interviewing Resource 42
  • 43. Presentation Video Resources Social Media Revolution - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6k_G_h41ZaQ Paul Cameron - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AvAHjpKR9rg Andy LaCivita - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=05WWE0Afz1k Pamela Skillings - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mH3DaeJSwy4 Bill Burnett - https://drive.google.com/file/d/1G3aixm2C6LHzub6wNNHy7QwbUEgrj9Rz/view?us p=sharing 43
  • 44. Additional Video Resources Madeline Mann When is your job interview - Timing is Everything! Andrew LaCivita The Best Answer to "What's Your Expected Salary?" Madeline Mann - Self Made Millennial How to Answer Behavioral Interview Questions Sample Answers Professor Heather Austin 7 Job Interview Red Flags LinkedIn Learning https://opportunity.linkedin.com/prepare-for-interview 44
  • 47. Success Stories Mark H. – Operations Mandi S. - Sales Karl K. – Marketing Raj S. - Financial Industry Rich K. - Sales Patti P. - Executive Assistant Jackie L. - Financial Industry I want to add your name to the list! 47
  • 48. McHenry County Workforce Network December Calendar of Events & Services Free Personalized Job Search Assistance Services To sign up, request the professional directly by email Mock Interviews 60 minute virtual session December 4 & 18 Kraig Roberts 9:30 - 10:30 Email: [email protected] 48 Mock Interviews In-person sessions December 6 & 12 Bob Lueders 10:00 - 11:00 Email: [email protected]
  • 49. Upcoming Webinar Events Network to Success Job Club Learnings from Successful Job Searchers Wednesday December 13, 2023 from 1:00pm to 3:00pm LinkedIn for Your Job Search Monday December 13, 2023 from 10:00am to 12:00pm LinkedIn Strategic Guidelines Wednesday December 15, 2023 from 10:00am to 12:00pm Network to Success Job Club Making Lemonade Out of Lemons Or how to cope with job loss Wednesday January 10, 2024 from 1:00pm to 3:00pm 49
  • 50. Feel free to connect with me on LinkedIn Bruce A. Bennett Mobile: 815-302-9552 Email: [email protected] LinkedIn: http://www.linkedin.com/in/bruceabennett Career Coach Corner Blog: http://bruce73.wordpress.com/ https://bruce73.wordpress.com/upcoming-presentations/ Podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/show/b-squared-linkedin