What to Expect in a What to Expect in a Job InterviewJob Interview

Do’s and Don’t of a Job InterviewDo’s and Don’t of a Job Interview

www.thesocialtrex.comwww.thesocialtrex.com

Get Their AttentionGet Their Attention

A young student wanted to get into a University that had very A young student wanted to get into a University that had very stringent standards and was known for its 'creative' students.stringent standards and was known for its 'creative' students.

He was taken into the interview room and met by a gentleman sitting He was taken into the interview room and met by a gentleman sitting behind a large newspaper. With no eye-contact whatsoever the behind a large newspaper. With no eye-contact whatsoever the interviewer said "You have exactly 30 seconds to get my attention" interviewer said "You have exactly 30 seconds to get my attention" and continued to read his outstretched paper.and continued to read his outstretched paper.

!!

...he passed the interview...he passed the interview

7 Second Impression7 Second Impression

Confidence! Confidence! Firm Handshake Firm Handshake Eye Contact – look them directly in the Eye Contact – look them directly in the

eye eye Direct and simple introduction:Direct and simple introduction:

““Hello, my name is ____, it is great to meet Hello, my name is ____, it is great to meet you!you!

29 Minute 53 Seconds29 Minute 53 Seconds Knowledgeable:  Do your homework and know more about the Knowledgeable:  Do your homework and know more about the

person and company than what is on their website.person and company than what is on their website. 3 degrees:  reach out to somebody that knows somebody and 3 degrees:  reach out to somebody that knows somebody and

pick their brain!  Do more than visit a static website! pick their brain!  Do more than visit a static website!

Honest & Transparent:  Tell the truth about your resume, don’t Honest & Transparent:  Tell the truth about your resume, don’t make excuses for shortcomings, but offer solutions.make excuses for shortcomings, but offer solutions.

Don’t Be a Bad Date:  Be interesting, offer stories that are short, Don’t Be a Bad Date:  Be interesting, offer stories that are short,

to the point and highlight successes and mistakes you learned to the point and highlight successes and mistakes you learned from.from.

Engage in the conversation:  Just like above, it is a two-way Engage in the conversation:  Just like above, it is a two-way

conversation.  Don’t just ask questions about sales volume, conversation.  Don’t just ask questions about sales volume, benefits etc.  Instead, discuss how your long-term goals match benefits etc.  Instead, discuss how your long-term goals match with the company’s strategy.with the company’s strategy.

Key CategoriesKey Categories

PersonalityPersonality ExperienceExperience RelationshipRelationship CommunicationCommunication Long Term OutlookLong Term Outlook

PersonalityPersonality

AttitudeAttitude AppearanceAppearance ConfidenceConfidence ApproachabilityApproachability ProfessionalismProfessionalism

AttitudeAttitude

Always be honest Always be honest Enthusiasm & Passion. Enthusiasm & Passion. Expressing your passion = interest. Expressing your passion = interest. Don’t be nervous – you already have a Don’t be nervous – you already have a

good chance since your in the interview!good chance since your in the interview!

AppearanceAppearance Maintain positive body languageMaintain positive body language

Be on the lookout for certain gestures that communicate Be on the lookout for certain gestures that communicate negative messages, such as poor eye contact, hurried negative messages, such as poor eye contact, hurried nodding or crossing your arms. nodding or crossing your arms.

Posture and body language, and manners are still at Posture and body language, and manners are still at the top of the list. the top of the list.

Differentiate yourself from others, find a way to make Differentiate yourself from others, find a way to make an immediate impact (this does not mean wear a an immediate impact (this does not mean wear a crazy tie) crazy tie)

Social network clean-up (Facebook, Twitter, MySpace Social network clean-up (Facebook, Twitter, MySpace etc…). etc…).

““Go Search Yourself” Google yourself and see what Go Search Yourself” Google yourself and see what employers will find, trust me they are doing the same employers will find, trust me they are doing the same thing. thing.

AppearanceAppearance Basic presentation issues: Basic presentation issues:

no heavy cologne/perfume/powder odor no heavy cologne/perfume/powder odor no ornate jewelry no ornate jewelry no chewing gum/mints/cough drop no chewing gum/mints/cough drop turn off (not to vibrate) your cell phone turn off (not to vibrate) your cell phone don’t bring water bottle to interview don’t bring water bottle to interview have a professional email (nothing like have a professional email (nothing like

partytillidrop@url.com) partytillidrop@url.com) Bring a notebook/portfolio & penBring a notebook/portfolio & pen

Image is a paramount consideration for any interview. Image is a paramount consideration for any interview. no visible piercing along with the usual; clean hair cut no visible piercing along with the usual; clean hair cut

(do), clean teeth, fresh breath, nails, nose(do), clean teeth, fresh breath, nails, nose

ConfidenceConfidence

Be a listener and engage in a two-way conversation Eye contact Sit up straight, lean slightly forward with hands on table Firm handshake, if you miss the shake, ok to say “hey,

let’s try that again” Never take a defensive stance on a question (honest

answers) Don’t complain about workloads, hours worked, your

boss etc… Do not speak negatively about anyone. DO NOT compare yourself to other people, be your own

person.

ApproachabilityApproachability

Smile for 5 seconds when you enter a room & say “nice to meet you”

Make eye contact for two extra seconds when being introduced (and saying goodbye) to someone new. One-one-thousand…two-one-thousand…

Develop an unforgettable answer to a few common questions. Sit with toes pointed AT the speaker (away signifies

resistance) Discover the CPI, or Common Point of Interest, between you

and any new friend as soon as possible. Ask creative, unique, interesting, thought-provoking and challenging questions like, “Can you describe the best day you had at work last year?”

Keep your hands away from your nose or mouth while talking, it is a display of dishonesty.

ProfessionalismProfessionalism

Arrive 15 minutes early Arrive 15 minutes early Make sure you understand the employer’s next Make sure you understand the employer’s next

step in the hiring process; know when and from step in the hiring process; know when and from whom you should expect to hear next. whom you should expect to hear next.

Know what the next actions/steps are: and DO Know what the next actions/steps are: and DO IT! IT!

Back everything up by solid, detailed scenarios Back everything up by solid, detailed scenarios or experience. or experience.

Personal thank you’s and not just an email. Personal thank you’s and not just an email. LinkedIn profiles need to match up with their LinkedIn profiles need to match up with their

current resume.current resume.

ExperienceExperience

JobsJobs InitiativeInitiative EducationEducation

Story: Experience is in the Eye of Story: Experience is in the Eye of the Beholderthe Beholder

Several years ago, I was hiring a talent acquisition Several years ago, I was hiring a talent acquisition assistant and interviewed 20+ people but could not find assistant and interviewed 20+ people but could not find the organizational skills and personality I was seeking.  I the organizational skills and personality I was seeking.  I then interviewed a young lady, right out of school with a then interviewed a young lady, right out of school with a great personality.  She had me in the first 7 seconds great personality.  She had me in the first 7 seconds (personality, confidence, solid handshake)!  Then we (personality, confidence, solid handshake)!  Then we discussed her upcoming wedding and HOW she was discussed her upcoming wedding and HOW she was planning for her nuptial bliss.  I invited her in for an planning for her nuptial bliss.  I invited her in for an interview and requested she bring her wedding planner interview and requested she bring her wedding planner (folder) that she poured months into!  It was (folder) that she poured months into!  It was phenomenal, I hired her and today she is a Human phenomenal, I hired her and today she is a Human Resource Manager for a major global organization!Resource Manager for a major global organization!

The JobThe Job

Know the job role and be able to address how/why you fit the Know the job role and be able to address how/why you fit the role. role.

Be honest about your skillsBe honest about your skills Communicate how your skills transfer into the job role Communicate how your skills transfer into the job role Have a prepared list of references from previous employers Have a prepared list of references from previous employers

(co-op’s, internships, professors and managers) that will (co-op’s, internships, professors and managers) that will address your skills (e.g.  she is highly organized because address your skills (e.g.  she is highly organized because ____) ____)

Describe what you like most about previous positions and Describe what you like most about previous positions and also be prepared to describe what you like least also be prepared to describe what you like least

Know your resume; you should never need to “refer” to it Know your resume; you should never need to “refer” to it during the interview (you wrote it and did it, right?) during the interview (you wrote it and did it, right?)

Be prepared to discuss Be prepared to discuss your planyour plan to achieve career goals. to achieve career goals. Be realistic; many skills transfer, however I am a marketing Be realistic; many skills transfer, however I am a marketing

major involved in Talent Acquisition –  I AM NOT AN major involved in Talent Acquisition –  I AM NOT AN ENGINEER, some skills will not transfer.ENGINEER, some skills will not transfer.

InitiativeInitiative

Interviews: always have tangible information prepared for the interview (portfolio, www.visualcv.com website print-outs with annotations highlights etc…) this WILL set you apart.

Ask for a business card and respect the card. Discuss projects or work assignments where you

identified issues and suggested a solution that was implemented.

Define what motivates you professionally and personally.

Definition of initiative is: an introductory act or step; leading action!  Take some initiative!!

EducationEducation

Clearly show all education, continuous learning Clearly show all education, continuous learning and trainingand training

Education, continuous learning and training Education, continuous learning and training should match your goals, highlight how they should match your goals, highlight how they match your goals (even if your degree is not in match your goals (even if your degree is not in line with your field, find a connection). line with your field, find a connection).

Address GPA concerns directly; explain low Address GPA concerns directly; explain low GPA’s and never shy away from the discussion.  GPA’s and never shy away from the discussion. 

Bottom-line; be honest and address these Bottom-line; be honest and address these concerns up front.concerns up front.

RelationshipRelationship

KnowledgeKnowledge Real World ExperienceReal World Experience Business AcumenBusiness Acumen

Make a ConnectionMake a Connection I look for 3 keys items; I look for 3 keys items;

knowledge (what do we know about each other)knowledge (what do we know about each other) experiences (relating “real world" experience to each experiences (relating “real world" experience to each

other)other) business acumen (understanding the mutual business business acumen (understanding the mutual business

insights of each other).insights of each other). MKS Story:MKS Story:

Knowledge of our industryKnowledge of our industry Related her experiences to some of my personal experiences Related her experiences to some of my personal experiences

when I was in that role.when I was in that role. Her insight into business was clearly expressed.  Her insight into business was clearly expressed.  She did her research on me & I was blown away by how much She did her research on me & I was blown away by how much

she knew about me professionally, our company and the she knew about me professionally, our company and the position we were hiring.  position we were hiring. 

She got the job! She got the job!

KnowledgeKnowledge

Static ResearchStatic Research: know what they do, company size, : know what they do, company size, locations, a little about their operational methodology! locations, a little about their operational methodology!

Dynamic ResearchDynamic Research: : LinkedIn, , Google, , Facebook, , Glassdoor.com

Know about the role for which they’re being interviewed: Know about the role for which they’re being interviewed: regular tasks regular tasks typical goals typical goals key accountabilities key accountabilities expected deliverables (week 1, month 1, 6 months, 1 year) expected deliverables (week 1, month 1, 6 months, 1 year) Be able to demonstrate how you can perform these initiative and Be able to demonstrate how you can perform these initiative and

provide clear examples from your past.  provide clear examples from your past. 

Past actions predict future behavior! Past actions predict future behavior!

Real World ExperienceReal World Experience Relate your professional experiences to the Relate your professional experiences to the

goals and objectives of the company.  goals and objectives of the company.  What can you do for them vs. what can they do for What can you do for them vs. what can they do for

me! me! Chances are the hiring manager has performed Chances are the hiring manager has performed

your role, the more you know about them, the your role, the more you know about them, the better you can relate your experiences to some better you can relate your experiences to some of their past experiences. of their past experiences.

Discuss your career transitions and how you Discuss your career transitions and how you handled them; handled them; i.e.  When you left home for college is a great i.e.  When you left home for college is a great

example.example.

Business AcumenBusiness Acumen

All employers want to know that you understand All employers want to know that you understand how business in general works:how business in general works: Metrics driven resume = metrics driven employee Metrics driven resume = metrics driven employee See the big picture, it is about the company not See the big picture, it is about the company not

youyou

Be able to talk to your interviewer about recent Be able to talk to your interviewer about recent company results, products, projects, mergers, company results, products, projects, mergers, acquisitions and share performance.  acquisitions and share performance.  Be prepared to share an opinion on these itemsBe prepared to share an opinion on these items

Answer questions with specifics and numbers (“Data Answer questions with specifics and numbers (“Data entry made up 60% of my summer internship” or “I entry made up 60% of my summer internship” or “I input 2500 client files into our database”)input 2500 client files into our database”)

CommunicationCommunication

WrittenWritten VerbalVerbal Body LanguageBody Language Q&AQ&A Ability to listenAbility to listen

Communication: First ImpressionCommunication: First Impression

Interviewers will judge your communication on more than Interviewers will judge your communication on more than just verbal (how well you translate your thoughts), they just verbal (how well you translate your thoughts), they will also rank:will also rank:

Written (your resume, application, paperwork etc…) Written (your resume, application, paperwork etc…) Body Language (what are you really thinking vs what you say) Body Language (what are you really thinking vs what you say) Questions & Answers (how well thought out, relevancy to the Questions & Answers (how well thought out, relevancy to the

interview – i.e. not canned) interview – i.e. not canned) Ability to Listen (indicates how you will take direction)Ability to Listen (indicates how you will take direction)

Let’s pick these apart….Let’s pick these apart….

WrittenWritten

All paperwork (resume, application, forms) must All paperwork (resume, application, forms) must be well written, neat, clean and complete.  be well written, neat, clean and complete.  Employers relate this to what type of employee you Employers relate this to what type of employee you

will be. will be. Writers are readers, how many blogs, books, Writers are readers, how many blogs, books,

articles have you read about interviewing? articles have you read about interviewing? Size matters; when you write something go back Size matters; when you write something go back

and try to make it shorter with the same or more and try to make it shorter with the same or more impact impact

Read your resume / thank you notes out loud, Read your resume / thank you notes out loud, make sure they flow and sound memorable.make sure they flow and sound memorable.

VerbalVerbal Leave a lasting impression; make sure the interviewer Leave a lasting impression; make sure the interviewer

knows what they need to about you. knows what they need to about you. Don’t start your conversation with Don’t start your conversation with

““I was just going to say…” I was just going to say…” ““I’m not sure if I’m right, but…” I’m not sure if I’m right, but…” ““I don’t know if…” I don’t know if…” ““This is probably a stupid question…”This is probably a stupid question…”

Use self-disclosure openings as conversation starters, Use self-disclosure openings as conversation starters, they ease communication apprehension. they ease communication apprehension.

Be ready to offer insight into you and appeal to the Be ready to offer insight into you and appeal to the inherent helpful nature of other people. Examples inherent helpful nature of other people. Examples include: include:

This is my first interview (if it is) This is my first interview (if it is) I am really excited to learn I am really excited to learn moremore about your company (this will about your company (this will

open them up to state, “well what do you know”), then tell them!open them up to state, “well what do you know”), then tell them!

Body LanguageBody Language

Interviewing is like dating, be engaged in the Interviewing is like dating, be engaged in the conversation and the person! conversation and the person!

Connect with the interviewer, they should feel as if you Connect with the interviewer, they should feel as if you are an old friend and you’re catching up! are an old friend and you’re catching up!

Research positive body language for interviews, a few Research positive body language for interviews, a few tips include; tips include;

smile when entering the room smile when entering the room firm handshake (if you miss simply state “hey, let’s try that firm handshake (if you miss simply state “hey, let’s try that

again), this shows confidence. again), this shows confidence. DO NOT fold your arms DO NOT fold your arms MEN:  Never, ever, ever CROSS YOUR LEGS. MEN:  Never, ever, ever CROSS YOUR LEGS. DO NOT put your elbows on the table DO NOT put your elbows on the table DO NOT clench your fist (indicates anger) DO NOT clench your fist (indicates anger) Sit down Sit down afterafter the interviewer the interviewer

Questions & AnswersQuestions & Answers

Always ask GOOD questions about the Always ask GOOD questions about the company AND the person(s) conducting the company AND the person(s) conducting the interview. interview.

Start with an introduction, followed by a question Start with an introduction, followed by a question like:  “What else can I tell you about myself?” like:  “What else can I tell you about myself?”

Ask questions throughout, be conversational, but Ask questions throughout, be conversational, but precise. precise.

End with a good question:  “Was there anything End with a good question:  “Was there anything you were looking for that we haven’t discuss?”you were looking for that we haven’t discuss?”

Ability to ListenAbility to Listen

Don’t talk yourself out of a job, relax, be Don’t talk yourself out of a job, relax, be confident and professional. confident and professional.

Pay attention to verbal and non verbal cues. Pay attention to verbal and non verbal cues. Prepare responses to “standard” questions with Prepare responses to “standard” questions with

30 – 120 second responses that drive home a 30 – 120 second responses that drive home a point.  point. 

Repeat back key points from the interview and Repeat back key points from the interview and address them in your response. address them in your response.

Above all LISTEN!!!Above all LISTEN!!!

Long Term OutlookLong Term Outlook

LeadershipLeadership GoalsGoals

LeadershipLeadership You must communicate to employers that you have the ability to You must communicate to employers that you have the ability to

lead in some capacity! lead in some capacity! Discuss your involvement as a leader, no matter the roles (no role is Discuss your involvement as a leader, no matter the roles (no role is

too small); too small); sorority/fraternity sorority/fraternity charities charities intramural sports intramural sports church activities church activities clubs/organizations clubs/organizations projectsprojects

Leadership and management are two completely different thingsLeadership and management are two completely different things Leadership:  to go before or with to show the way, to conduct by Leadership:  to go before or with to show the way, to conduct by

holding and guiding, to influence or induce, to guide in direction, holding and guiding, to influence or induce, to guide in direction, course, action, opinion, etc course, action, opinion, etc

Management: The act, manner, or practice of supervision.Management: The act, manner, or practice of supervision. How do you influence outcomes that are in the best interest of How do you influence outcomes that are in the best interest of

employers?employers?

GoalsGoals Discuss your short and long-term goals; be ready to Discuss your short and long-term goals; be ready to

explain your explain your planplan of achievement. of achievement. If your goal is management (common response), then discuss If your goal is management (common response), then discuss

the steps you are taking; i.e. reading books (give title of book), the steps you are taking; i.e. reading books (give title of book), taking classes, volunteering to manage projects etc…taking classes, volunteering to manage projects etc…

Clearly communicate your professional and personal Clearly communicate your professional and personal goals goals

Professional first; discuss your previous career path and key Professional first; discuss your previous career path and key milestones. milestones.

Discuss why you chose previous employers or positions that tied Discuss why you chose previous employers or positions that tied in to your professional road map. in to your professional road map.

Have a professional road map!Have a professional road map! Achievements Achievements

Discuss recent goals you have achieved and how you achieved. Discuss recent goals you have achieved and how you achieved. Don’t be shy, you are in an interview to sell yourself, but don’t be Don’t be shy, you are in an interview to sell yourself, but don’t be

arrogant/blow hard!arrogant/blow hard!

GeneralGeneral

Do’sDo’s Don’tsDon’ts AlwaysAlways

Common QuestionsCommon Questions

Tell me about yourself?Tell me about yourself? What is your greatest accomplishment?What is your greatest accomplishment? What is your greatest strength?What is your greatest strength? What is your weakness?What is your weakness? How do you handle stress?How do you handle stress? What is the toughest problem you have faced What is the toughest problem you have faced

and how did you overcome?and how did you overcome? Why do you want this position?Why do you want this position? Why are you the best person for this job?Why are you the best person for this job?

Any Last Questions?Any Last Questions?

Often the interviewer's last question Often the interviewer's last question is, "Do you have any questions for is, "Do you have any questions for me?" me?"

Not having questions indicates a lack Not having questions indicates a lack of initiative. It also gives the of initiative. It also gives the impression that you have minimal impression that you have minimal interest in the position.interest in the position.

Prepare Your QuestionsPrepare Your Questions

Prepare your questions in advance. Prepare your questions in advance.

Relate them to the company or its Relate them to the company or its accomplishments/challenges (your accomplishments/challenges (your research of the company will show research of the company will show and further impress the interviewer).and further impress the interviewer).

Don't ask any question that indicate Don't ask any question that indicate a lack of research about the company. a lack of research about the company.

Ask The InterviewerAsk The Interviewer

What do you enjoy most about working What do you enjoy most about working here?here?

Is there anything I've mentioned that Is there anything I've mentioned that makes you think I'm not the best makes you think I'm not the best candidate for this job?candidate for this job?

When do you expect to make your final When do you expect to make your final decision?decision?

Phone Screen TipsPhone Screen Tips

NNever be caught unprepared. ever be caught unprepared.  AAlways prepare like it is an in person lways prepare like it is an in person

interview. interview.  IInterview in a quiet place with limitednterview in a quiet place with limited NO NO

distractions! distractions!  LLand line.  and line.  IInitiate request for in person interview nitiate request for in person interview

and open the door for more information and open the door for more information about yourself.  about yourself. 

TTalk with confidence. alk with confidence. 

Alex PutmanAlex Putman

www.thesocialtrex.comwww.thesocialtrex.com

Twitter: Twitter:

@alexputman@alexputman

Facebook Page:Facebook Page: www.www.facebook.com/thesocialTrexfacebook.com/thesocialTrex

Go to blog and search “interview” for Go to blog and search “interview” for applicable articles on interview, questions applicable articles on interview, questions

employers ask and topics covered in employers ask and topics covered in more detailmore detail