Speed InterviewingMaking First and Lasting

Impressions

Cindy Edwards &

Michelle SteenSeptember 2009

Prayer

There are all different kinds of voices calling you to all different kinds of work . . . (and) the place God calls you to is the place where your deep gladness and the world’s deep hunger meet. — Frederick Buechner

Opening…

Stand Up Find a Partner next to you Write partners name on rate card Pick which person will talk first That person will ask a question (to be shown) When the bell rings – switch Silence please

TELL ME ABOUT YOURSELF?

When the bell rings – switch

Have the other person ask the question

RATING …

Rate YourselfRate Your Partner

“You had me at Hello!”

First, and lasting, impressions are formed in the first 2-5 minutes of a conversation….including interviews.

Anticipate: Be prepared Set the stage : What's your opening line? Take control: Exhibit confidence from “go”

What Impacts First Impressions

Facial expressions – do you smile or frown? Voice, tone and expression – are you sincere or sarcastic? Eye contact – do you look directly at others when speaking to

them? Handshake – is it firm or like a cold fish? Body position and posture – do you stand straight, with your

shoulders back and head up or slouch? Clothing and grooming – do you convey a sense of style –

neatly pressed and clean?

What is the Interviewer Thinking/Reacting to?

Halo Effect Horn Effect Generalizations Stereotypes Central tendencies

Bottom Line? First impression is a lasting impression. Your role?

– Differentiation – what makes you special? – Need to know and be comfortable with you…your “Brand”.

What do you think of when you see… what do you feel…..

A Red Bull's-eye Golden Arches Swoosh on a pair of tennis shoes

What does Brand represent?

Clear statement– Recognizable– Differentiates

Goodness– Implies quality, reliability, value

Builds loyalty– Meet or exceed expectations

What’s your brand?

The personal qualities that make you distinctive from your competitors or peers.

What you are known for. What you do that adds remarkable, measurable,

distinctive value (this goes beyond your job description). What you do that you are most proud of. What you have done that you can brag about. What you do with your boss, peers, team members, your

guests and others that benefits them.

Defining Your Personal Brand

1.Jot down some words that describe you 2.How would others describe you? 3,What does the above say about your brand? 4.Write your personal brand statement

Example: 1. Funny, responsible, industrious, hard working, reliable, smart. 2. Easy to work with, follows through on commitments, flexible, willing to try new things. 3. Overall, hard working and good to work with. 4. I am hard working, do what it takes to get the job down and have fun at the same time.

Next Step? Translate your brand into your Elevator Speech/Commercial. (HANDOUT)

Elevator Speech – Personal Commercial

A 30 second elevator talk is a metaphor for a self introduction that can be used in when connecting with others.

Instructions: Write an elevator speech. You can use the scripts below or write your own. Be prepared to share.

Sample outlines: Hi, my name is . I’m currently a (fill in with specifics of what you do).

I’m looking for a new opportunity in ____ _______ (fill in your vision). I enjoy___________ (gifts, strengths, interests) and feel I can bring _______________ (knowledge, skills. abilities) to any situation because I _________________ (Unique Selling Position or Accomplishment).

OR

Hi, I’m_________________ I’m currently looking for a job change. I’d like to learn more about new opportunities in _______________ (fill in your vision). I enjoy _________________ (gifts, strengths, interests) and feel I can bring ________________ (knowledge, skills. abilities) to any situation. because I _________________ (Unique Selling Position or Accomplishment).

 

Case

Phone Interviewing

Traditional

Behavioral (Situational)

Types of Interviews

THE INTERVIEW…

Case Interviewing

A Case Interview is where you are introduced to a business dilemma facing a particular company.

Case interviews present a specific case or problem for you to solve.

Case interviews are broad, two-way discussions, rather than one-way tests and there is no perfect answer.

You will be assessed more on how you go about dealing with the problem, rather than on the specific answers you come up with.

http://www.quintcareers.com/case_interview_resources.html

Phone Interviewing/Screening

Used for identifying and screening candidates

Used to create the foundation for an interactive meeting

A way to cut down on expenses involved in face to face interviewing (reduces time)

Help employer discern your verbal communication and listening skills

Traditional Interview

Is a casual interview where you are asked a series of straight forward questions

Top 5:– What are your strengths?– What are your weaknesses?– Where do you see yourself in 1year, 5 years?– Why should we hire you?– Why are you looking for work?

Behavioral/Situational Interview

Asks ‘how did you behave’ Examples

– Tell me about yourself…– Describe a Describe a situation where you had to

handle a difficult client or member of your team?– Give an example of an occasion when you used

logic to solve a problem– What do you do when…

Control your Destination – Interview Preparation

Be ready to:

Discuss your strengths (accomplishments) efficiently and effectively

Discuss key business issues Discuss your problem solving process Discuss your weaknesses Discuss how you would get results that would impact all

audiences (manager, HR, and team) Answer the Salary question Be prepared to answer questions from a from a variety of

stakeholders to the position (other departments in the company)

Ask strategic questions that get results

Before the interview:

Think about who your interview audience is (HR, Hiring Manager, Team and more)

Write out your answers to as many interview questions as possible

– Extensive Interview Question Database: http://www.quintcareers.com/interview_questions.htm

l Write down key questions to ask (think about your audience) Research the company Research the people you are interviewing with (LinkedIn) Practice with a friend – role play – talk out loud Get Ready to Dress for Success

Become a STAR

STAR is an interview response technique that helps you answer the interview question:

Tell the… Situation

Provide … Task Share… Action

Report … Result

Handout example

GET READY for Round 2…

Take a minute to review your materials…

Speed Interviewing

Find a New Partner Write partners name on rate card Pick which person will talk first That person will ask a “different” question When the bell rings – switch Silence please

WHY SHOULD WE HIRE YOU?

When the bell rings – switch

Have the other person ask the question

RATING …

Rate YourselfRate Your Partner

GROUP DEBRIEF

1. How would you compare round 1 to round 2

2. What was your ah-ha?

3. How do you feel?

4. What will you change?

5. How much time will you take to prep next time?

Asking Key Questions

Making a lasting impression

How to Ask Smart Interview Questions

Define what it is important for you to discover– Work Fit (skills, abilities, knowledge of the job)– Organizational Fit (values, management

practices)– Team Fit (values of the team, styles, behaviors)– Personal Needs Fit (Salary, Benefits, Rewards,

Continued Education)

“I ‘strength’ ”+ Question

Begin your question with a personal strength or value

Begin your question with data you’ve discovered about the organization

Practice asking the tough questions before the interview

Ask the right person the right question.i.e. personal needs ask HR

Samples “I ‘strength’ ”

I am very good at anticipating the immediate needs of others and I enjoy jumping in to help; can you tell me about how the team works together?

I enjoy problem solving, what are the short term challenges you are hoping to accomplish?

The Interview

Arrive early Stay calm and in control of your situation Be an active participant: show energy, smile,

listen, build rapport Have your questions written down and ask

them Close with your strengths Get contact information Write a thank you note

What Not to Bring to the Interview

Gum/Food/Coffee or soda Turn off Cell phone Technology that will distract you

(ipod) Bad Attitude (it’s better to re-

schedule)

Above All…Remember

Preparation is Power Tell your story with outcomes Be yourself and be honest God has given you gifts and has a plan for

you. Trust in him.