INTERVIEWING SKILLS

Prepared & Presented by: Loay Qabajeh.

It is not always my Day : 2

Interviewing-What is it?

A structured meeting between

you and an employer.

Interviewing is a skill that can

be enhanced by training.

PRACTICE makes PERFECT

3

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 work

environment is right for

you.

4

Types of Interviews 5

Screening One

2 One

Panel

Types of Interviews 6

Group Series Tele

Conferencing

What Makes a Successful Interview 7

What Makes a Successful Interview 8

Be on time Bring your

résumé

Dress appropriately

Be clean

Look and sound friendly

• Ensure you have a high level of hygiene

• Answer all the questions the best way you can

Speak

clearly

and show

that you

have

prepared

yourself

for the

interview

Pre-Interview Preparations 9

Before the Interview… 10

Do Your Home Work

Know Your Self

Prepare Necessary Material

Do Your Home Work

Research position, company and industry.

Know who you will be interviewing with.

Be ready for a variety of interviewer styles.

Be ready to discuss your strengths and weaknesses

Know How to reach the location.

11

Know Your Self

Be able to articulate skills, strengths, accomplishments, and

career goals

Familiarize yourself with your resume

Make a list of five accomplishments that you enjoyed.

Make a list of five things you have done with proud.

Make a list of how your colleagues, staff, and supervisors

describe you. Include the positive and negative

feedback.

12

What To Take To The Interview

Copies of your resume.

Copies of letters of recommendation, and a typed

reference sheet to be given to the interviewer;

Other material relevant to the interview;

Pen and paper, so that you can note the name of

the interviewer, time for future interviews and other

pertinent information.

13

During The Interview 14

Typical Interview 15

Component Time

Introduction/Greeting 2 minutes

Employer questioning 15-20 minutes

Applicant questions 5 minutes

Closing 3 minutes

The Interviewer evaluates

40%

25%

25%

10%

Attitude

Image & Appearance

Communication

Job Qualifications

16

Ways you can Exhibit a Good Attitude

• Concentrate on being likable and friendly

• Positive language and non-verbal cues

• Demonstrate enthusiasm

• Demonstrate interest

• Excellent Listener

• Be Professional

17

What do Employers seek for : 18

Time Management

Communicating Effectively

Working Well in a Team

Problem Solving

Using Initiative

Creativity

Being Well Organized

Being Adaptable

Leadership Customer/

Client Relations

Types of Questions

Experience

Behavioral/Competency

Opinion questions

Credential questions

19

Interview Questions : Initial Tips

Tough Questions

Questions can vary and may be categorized under

Personal Assessment, Education and Experience, Career

ambition and Plans, Company or Organization.

Expect the unexpected

Turning a Negative into a Positive

20

The Balance of Listening and Talking

21

• Do not be afraid to ask clarifying questions about the interviewer’s questions.

• Listen well so that you can identify opportunities to link your skills and qualifications to what the interviewer is looking for.

• It is acceptable to take notes. • Do not interrupt the interviewer. • Take time to formulate your thoughts before

answering a tough question and balance talking with listening.

• Be as clear and concise as you can in your answers.

Questions To Ask

What are the responsibilities of this position?

What are the reputations, academic training and

tenures of the employees in this department?

Do you support professional development? How?

What do you see as the biggest challenge that

someone would face during the first month on the

job?

………….

22

Arriving Early

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

23

Greeting & Introduction

Smile

Maintain eye contact

Firm handshake

Remain poised and confident

24

Body Language: Hand Gestures

25

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

26

Interview Questions … How to Answer 27

How to win the Interview 28

General Interview Strategies

-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

30

General Interview Strategies

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

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

Reasons Why Candidates Receive Rejection Replies

33

Lack of proper career planning – purposes and goals

Lack of knowledge in field of specialization

Inability to express thoughts clearly and concisely.

Insufficient evidence of achievement.

Not prepared for the interview.

No real interest in the organization

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

34

Dressing for Success-Women

Pant or skirt suit

Pumps with small to

medium heels

Light makeup, perfume,

and jewelry

Wear neutral color

hosiery

35

FOLLOW-UP

Ask good questions

Thank the interviewer

Request a business card

Inquire about next steps in the process

36

FOLLOW-UP CONT

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.

37

Suggestions

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

Get a good night’s sleep-be well rested and alert for the interview

Be relaxed and be yourself!

38

39