Interviewing

Purpose

Gives the employer an opportunity to get to know you and determine if your skills and experiences match the department’s needs

Gives you a chance to meet key people and to determine if you want the position

2-way street

Candidate

Sell Yourself

Demonstrate your Communication Skills

Determine if this is

a “Good Fit”

InterviewerEvaluate Candidates

Make Decisions/ Recommendations

“Sell” the Company or Organization

Determine if this is a “Good Fit”

Types of interviews

Telephone (Screening Interview) Traditional (One-on-One) Panel/Board (Two or More Interviewers) Group (Several Candidates Together)

Interviewing video

http://www.careerspots.com/newplayer/default.aspx?key=g_rWXYoiCM1JOwC9PzE0hw2&pref=https://www.myinterfase.com/uwstout/Student/&src=VLI&

Before the Interview - Practice

Research the employer and the position Highlight important keywords

Review your knowledge skills and abilities Write down examples Practice, practice, practice!

Figure out where you’re going Print out extra copies of your resume

Before the Interview - Appearance

Little or no cologne/perfume

No smoking beforehand – use mouthwash

Jewelry – conservative

CAUTION: Piercings and tattoos

No gum

Dress

Be conservative

Clean, unwrinkled clothes

Know your audience

During the Interview

Arrive 10 minutes early Plan for parking and traffic, etc. Turn off you phone

Or better yet, leave it in your car Remember: you are interviewing with

everyone

Types of Interview Questions

Behavioral Open ended, majority of interview questions

Tell me about a time; Give me an example of; Describe or Recall

Situational Sets the scene or scenario based

Challenging, because “what if” you have never done it

Traditional Strengths/Weakness question

STAR Technique

S = Situation (Background)

T = Task (Challenge)

A = Action (Your actions)

R = Results (Outcome and Lessons Learned)

Always try to answer your questions by providing examples

Don’t blame or point fingers

Questions for them

Have 3-5 questions prepared

Shows interest

Avoid asking about salary, benefits, perks

Be sure to ask: “What are the next steps in the process?”

Odds and Ends

Body language – be aware

Eye contact

Silence can be o.k.

If needed, ask for clarification or to repeat

Be positive!

After the interview

Shake hands

Ask for business cards

ALWAYS Write a “Thank You” note or e-mail

Follow-up as appropriate

Learn from the experience (practice makes perfect)