Interviewing Techniques updated version.ppt
- 2. A farmer has 17 sheep and all but 9 die. How many are left? How many animals of each sex did Moses take on the ark? If there are 3 apples and you take away 2 how many do you have?
- 3. A rooster lays an egg at the very top of a slanted roof. Which side is the egg going to roll off on? ICE-BREAKER
- 4. What seven-letter word has hundreds of letters in it? If you had a ton of feathers and a ton of stones which would be heavier? Tom's mother has three children. One is named April, one is named May. What is the third one named? ICE-BREAKER
- 5. Would you rather have a life time supply of your favorite snacks or be able to travel for free? Would you rather have a million dollars or the ability to make a wish? If you could switch lives with someone for a day, who would it be? END.
- 6. Interviewing-What is it? A structured meeting between you and an employer - Interviewing is a skill- like riding your bike - PRACTICE makes PERFECT
- 7. Interviewing is a two-way street - Employers are attempting to determine if you are an appropriate fit for the job and their culture. - You decide if the environment is right for you.
- 8. Phone: used as an initial screen of candidates or to narrow the pool of applicants One-on-One: most common interview style and incorporates you with the potential employer Panel or Group: allows many individuals to interview you at once Types of Interviews
- 9. Meal: used to see how you interact or function in a social setting Second or On-site Interview: this allows one to get a tour of the facility, meet the staff, and additional questioning from different employees and/or administration Types of Interviews
- 10. How to prepare Think of specific examples that demonstrate your competence in core behaviors such as teamwork, problem-solving, communication, creativity, flexibility and organizational skills. Tell your story and structure it by stating your answers in terms of the situation, the task, what action you took, and what was the result or outcome. Types of Interviews
- 11. Task Oriented or Testing Interview This is a problem-solving interview where you will be given some exercises to demonstrate your creative and analytical abilities. A company may ask you to take a short test to evaluate your technical knowledge and skills. Sometimes a presentation to a group is necessary to determine your communication skills. Try to relax as much as possible. Types of Interviews
- 12. 8. Stress Interview During this rare type, the interviewer tries to bait you, to see how you will respond. The objective is to find your weaknesses and test how you hold up to pressure. Such tactics as weird silences, constant interruptions and challenging interrogation with antagonistic questions are designed to push your boundaries. The question you have to ask yourself is: Do I want to work for a company that treats me this way even before the offer is made? Rethink the corporate culture. Types of Interviews
- 13. Research position, company, & industry Know yourself and be able to articulate skills, strengths, accomplishments, and career goals Prepare necessary materials (Copies of resume, references, portfolio/pen, palm pilot or organizer, breath mints) Ask for directions and where to park Pre-Interview Preparation
- 14. Dress for the Job or Company It is important to know what to wear to an interview and to be well- groomed. Whether you wear a suit or something less formal depends on the company culture and the position you are seeking. If possible, call to find out about the company dress code before the interview Interview Grooming and Attire
- 15. Interview Grooming and Attire
- 16. Dressing for Success-Men Suit-Single or double breasted Polished shoes Solid white shirt Conservative tie Neatly groomed hair, beard, and mustache Avoid strong colognes, earrings, and body piercing
- 17. Interview Grooming and Attire
- 18. Dressing for Success-Women Pant or skirt suit Pumps with small to medium heels Light makeup, perfume, and jewelry Wear neutral color hosiery
- 20. You should avoid... Low-cut necklines Mini-skirts Loud prints and patterns Open-toed shoes and spike heels Dramatic makeup Fragrance of any kind Excessive or flashy jewelry Baseball or any other kind of hat Low-cut necklines Sleeveless tops and sheer fabrics Mini-skirts Loud prints and patterns Open-toed shoes Dramatic makeup Excessive or flashy jewelry Gum, mints or other objects Flaunting designer labels too much Interview Grooming and Attire
- 21. Be sure to allow yourself plenty of time to arrive at your destination (you may want to conduct a dry run prior to your interview day) Try to arrive 10-15 minutes early at the site to allow you to park, walk to the interview, use the restroom, or just gather yourself Arriving
- 22. Greeting & Introduction You have only 1 chance to make a good 1st impression Dress appropriately Smile Maintain eye contact Firm handshake Remain poised and confident
- 23. The Handshake Before and or after Should be firm and demonstrate your confidence Hold the handshake for 2 to 3 seconds making a slight up and down pumping motion Refer to the interviewer by name when you are saying goodbye Know the culture of interviewers
- 24. Body Language: What signals are you sending? Positive Signals Leaning forward = interest Smiling = friendly Nodding = attentive and alert Eye contact = curious and focused Negative Signals Crossed arms = defensive Fidgeting hands or tapping feet = nervous or bored Lack of eye contact = untrustworthy Leaning back= discomfort
- 25. Types of Interview Questions Standard or traditional- targeting your education, work experiences, and career goals Sample Questions Tell me about yourself? What is your greatest strength? Weakness? Why did you choose to interview with us? What did you like most about your last job? Least? What are your short and long term career goals?
- 26. Types of Interview Questions Behavioral Questions -These focus on your actions and/or behaviors in a previous setting. - Past behavior provides clues to future behavior Sample Questions Describe a time you had to make a difficult decision? Tell me about a time you worked under a deadline? What do you do when a team member is not pulling his/her weight? Think about a time you made a mistake. What did you learn from it?
- 27. Types of Interview Questions Inappropriate or unethical questions - Questions which probe into your private life or personal background - Questions about your ethnicity, religion, sexual orientation, disabilities, marital status Sample Questions How old are you? Do you have children? Do you have a disability? What religion do you practice?
- 28. Types of Interview Questions Questions asked by the interviewee To determine if you are an appropriate fit for the company and position, prepare a list of questions for the interviewer Sample Questions What type of assignments can I expect within the first year? What do you like most about this company? What is the biggest challenge facing this department right now? What skills are you looking for in this position
- 29. Be prepared to talk about yourself and your experiences -Master the art of storytelling -Provide specific and concrete examples of your results/accomplishments -Remain positive, enthusiastic, poised, and confident throughout the interview process General Interview Strategies
- 30. Remember an interview is a formal conversation-- avoid filler words like “Um”, “Ah”, & “You know” Avoid indecisive phrases like: “I think,” “I guess,” “probably,” or “pretty good” Think before speaking Avoid long verbose answers--limit your response to 1-2 minutes If you do not hear or understand a question, ask them to repeat or clarify it for you General Interview Strategies
- 31. General Interview Strategies Remain calm, relaxed, and be yourself Try to focus on the message you are trying to convey--NOT how well you are doing!
- 32. General Interview Strategies Avoid using your cell phone Place all technological devices on hold
- 33. Ask good questions Thank the interviewer Request a business card Inquire about next steps in the process FOLLOW-UP
- 34. FOLLOW-UP CONT’D. Send a thank you note within 24 hours Letter may be handwritten or typed; e- mail is also acceptable Tailor each one to the individual.
- 35. Remember that only 15% of the success of an interview is out of your control Take some time to reflect - Overall, how well did I do? - What went well? - What steps can I take next time to improve? Final Thoughts
- 36. Conduct a test run the day before the interview Practice! Practice! Practice! •Obtain a list of practice interview questions and jot down short answers • Stand in front of a mirror and rehearse your answers •Schedule an appointment for a mock interview with Career Services Get a good night’s sleep - be well rested and alert for the interview Be relaxed and be yourself! Suggestions
- 37. The outcome of the interview is totally dependent on you the interviewee, not the interviewer(s). CONCLUSION