And Interview BLOOPERS For Fun

InterviewinInterviewingg

what is what is interviewing?interviewing?

A formal meeting in which one or more persons

question, consult, or evaluate

another person..

Someone brought in their high school yearbook to show the

employer that they were voted “Most Popular”

by the senior class.

Applicant Blooper

The Directed Interview Impersonal, seeks to reveal facts Interviewer takes notes using an outline and checklist Compares you to others

The Undirected / Meandering Interview

Unstructured, an open discussion of your qualifications

“Tell me about yourself…” The Stress Interview “Hazing” in a sense; creates discomfort How do you deal with stress? Remain calm and tactful

Types of InterviewsTypes of Interviews

The Second/Follow-Up Interview Serious candidates; confirmation Difficulty deciding on a candidate Other decision makers want to

gain a sense of you Be prepared to negotiate compensation More in-depth questions

The Telephone Interview Have copy of resume nearby Speak a bit slower than usual and don’t worry about

pauses Make sure roommates or family are quiet

Types of InterviewsTypes of Interviews (Continued…)(Continued…)

The Behavioral Interview Interested in past behaviors, “Describe a time that required problem-solving skills, adaptability, leadership, conflict resolution,…”and “How did you deal with

this? Be prepared to have stories to demonstrate

The Audition A simulation or brief exercise to evaluate your skills Inquire specifically about the instruction Take ownership of your work

Types of InterviewsTypes of Interviews ((Continued…)Continued…)

The Group Interview Several applicants at one time Provides a sense of your leadership

potential and style How do you interact with peers? Keep an eye on the interviewer

The Panel/Board Interview Several interviewers are present Positions are usually with gov’t agencies or large

organizations Maintain eye contact when answering questions: questioner,

each group member, back to questioner

Types of Interviews

(Continued…)Continued…)

The Mealtime Interview

Jobs that require interpersonal acuity How you handle a fork, how you treat

your host, other guests and the serving staff May be structured, informal,

or socially situated; allow theinterviewer to lead conversation

Take cues from the interviewer Food: order quickly, non-messy foods

Your opportunity to shine Your abilities, talents,

interests, personality, work experience, education, and motivation

Informs you about the employer

Employer needs, history, work environment, business activities, and future plans

Requires skill and preparation

Purpose of the InterviewPurpose of the Interview

Purpose of the InterviewPurpose of the Interview

(continued…)(continued…)

The Interviewer wants to determine:

Can the candidate do the job? Will the candidate fit in? Is this the best candidate for the position?

The Interviewee wants to determine:

Do I want this job? Can I do this job? Does this job offer me the opportunities I want for

advancement or experience?

Interviewing for a job is often filled with anxiety and fear but it doesn’t have to be that way.

There are things we can do to prepare ourselves and become more self-confident and relaxed.

(Being prepared is the best way to reduce anxiety and help ensure a successful

job interview.)

Dealing with Interview Dealing with Interview AnxietyAnxiety

Gather work samples, copies of resume, references and place in a nice case or folder

Remember to bring a pen Rehearse your answers Write down your questions

about the job or organization

Review your work history Practice your answers to

common interview questions

Sleep tight. Be prepared for surprises

Preparing for the Preparing for the InterviewInterview

BeforeBefore the interview the interview

Research the company Read about the job/occupation. Practice interviewing Dress for success Have an agenda, know what you want the

interviewer to learn about you Anticipate what questions will be asked Know your Knowledge, Skills, Abilities and

Accomplishments Relate your KSAs to the position for which you are

applying Know who is interviewing you Prepare and practice answers to typical questions

Before the interviewBefore the interview

Ask Some QuestionsAsk Some Questions

How many people will be interviewing me? Will I be the only one interviewed during this time? What kind of questions will be asked? How can I best prepare for the interview? What are the names of my interviewers?

Beginning the InterviewBeginning the Interview

Firmly shake hands Greet all involved in theinterview process and tryto remember names.The first words you speak count ,

““It is a pleasure meeting with you ,

Thank you for scheduling this time to meet”

Be friendly to everyone Follow the interviewer’s lead

(direction, selecting a seat, drink, etc.)

Walk with vigor and show confidence

“People who walk 10% faster than they normally do are perceived as getting more done”

A balding applicant abruptly excused himself and returned to the office a few

minutes later wearing a hairpiece!

Applicant BlooperApplicant Blooper

Be on time Be friendly Show your

enthusiasm Be positive

and honest Maintain eye

contact Express

yourself Don’t

criticize previous employers

Be aware of body language

Be a good listener

Emphasize your strengths

Be yourself Avoid

personal issues

Be confident Discuss

ways you can contribute

During the InterviewDuring the Interview

During this applicant’s interview, an alarm went off in his briefcase. He took it out,

shut it off, apologized and said he had to leave for another

interview!

Applicant BlooperApplicant Blooper

ASK when you can expect a decision and if you should call

Express thanks for their time

FOLLOW UP the interview with a thank-you note or letter

DO NOT GET DISCOURAGED! Learn from the process

and be patient

When the Interview is When the Interview is FinishedFinished

▸ Be Realistic▸ Don’t undersell

yourself▸ Negotiate

▸ Don’t raise the topic of salary in first meeting

▸ Research the average salary

▸ Know what you wantKNOW WHAT YOU’RE GETTING !KNOW WHAT YOU’RE GETTING !

Concerning SalaryConcerning Salary

An applicant said, “I’ve already accepted another position but I thought I would show up for this

interview just in case the pay was better!”

Applicant BlooperApplicant Blooper

““Focusing Too Much On Focusing Too Much On Salary”Salary”

Evaluate the interview What questions were asked? What did you say that seemed to

interest the interviewer? Did you present your Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

well? Did you learn what you need to know about this job? What did you forget to say? Did you get a commitment from the interviewer? Do you know what the next step is in the hiring

process? Write a thank you note to the interviewer Follow up Contact the interviewer for feedback Express your interest in the position even after the

position is filled

▸ The Equal Employment Opportunity Act outlaws questions about age, national origin, marital status, sexuality, and religion

▸ Be prepared for the possibility

▸ If it happens, … don’t over react.

▸ If you are uncomfortable, kindly respond that you would rather not answer the question.

Possible Interview Possible Interview Questions Questions

Central themes of Central themes of questionsquestions

Suitability Credibility Capability Compatibility Affordability

An applicant was asked, “If you were an animal, what kind of animal would you be?” She said that she would be a cat

because they are lazy and lie around all day!

Applicant Blooper #5Applicant Blooper #5

Possible interview Possible interview questionsquestions

Tell me about yourself Why did you leave your previous job? What appeals to you about this job? Why should I hire you? What are your strengths? What are your weaknesses? Tell me something negative you’ve heard about

our company? Would you accept this job if it were offered to

you? If you take this job, how long would you stay? How much salary do you want?

Tell me about yourselfTell me about yourself

Tell your academic record Your skills Your qualification Time: 3 minutes Prepare written answer for this

question and rehearse

Too much information…

Applicant Blooper #15Applicant Blooper #15

Why did you leave your Why did you leave your previous job?previous job?

Never lie about having been fired

(if not fired ) Best reasons would be more money Opportunity responsibility growth.

Applicant’s Blooper Applicant’s Blooper

Why Did You Leave Your Previous Employment?

“My boss was stupid and would always argue with me about how

to do my job”

What appeals to you What appeals to you about this job?about this job?

To achieve through heights work hard learn and quench my thirst of

knowledge To be unique in decision making

skills

Why should I hire you?Why should I hire you?

I understand your needs I know the right contacts I know the methods I know the Principles I know successful techniques

Applicant’s Blooper Applicant’s Blooper

Q. Why should I hire you?

A. Because they say you should always hire people who are better than you.

What are your What are your strengths ?strengths ?

subject knowledge Good communication skills. problem –solving skills, ability to work under pressure, ability to focus on projects, professional expertise, leadership skills and positive attitude.

Applicant’s BlooperApplicant’s Blooper

This applicant was asked to show his strength

What are your weaknessWhat are your weakness ?

“Disguise your weakness As strength”

Tell me something Tell me something negative you’ve heard negative you’ve heard

about our companyabout our company

Just remember the rule “ never be negative “

Applicant’s BlooperApplicant’s Blooper

Q. What five or six adjectives best describe you?

A. Really, really, really, really, really COOL.

Would you accept this Would you accept this job, if were offered to job, if were offered to

you ?you ?

Yes/No (give reasons)

If you take this job , how If you take this job , how long would you stay ?long would you stay ?

Do not commit yourself to a specific time

Ask how long they would expect you to stay with them.

Applicant’s Blooper Applicant’s Blooper

Q. Describe your management style.

A. Don't do anything you can make someone else do for you.

How much salary do you How much salary do you wantwant

“I am sure that company has already established range for this position”

Test your ability to operate under pressure

Demonstrate your problem-solving skills

Opportunity for you to think quickly, questionand communicate

The Purpose of Off-the-The Purpose of Off-the-Wall QuestionsWall Questions

Don’t find the “right answer” -show them you know the right way to come up with the answer

Usually no right or wrong answers

RememberRemember

What are the organization's/company's strengths and weaknesses compared to its competition?

What would my responsibilities and duties be?

How would my performance be evaluated?

How would I be supervised?

What opportunities for advancement exist?

Questions You May Want Questions You May Want to Askto Ask

Questions You May Want Questions You May Want to Askto Ask

Is there a training program? Who would I be working with? Where will I be working? What percentage of routine, detailed

work will I encounter?

Tip : “Your questions must show

your own thought process”

Dress for SuccessDress for Success

From head to toe should reflect impeccable grooming.

Suite, tie , shoes and other accessories should be reflection of quality person you are.

It is a fact of life that we do “judge books by their covers.”

Image Tips for MenImage Tips for Men

SuitsSuits Invest in a conservative color (black, navy or

gray).

Shirts Long sleeve white shirt is the best option A light blue is an alternative Shirts in 100% cotton are a good investment Have it professionally ironed for the interview

Other accessoriesOther accessories

Belts and Shoes Leather belts in black and dark color to match your

shoes are best

TiesTies Fiber of tie should be silk Use a bright colors. The tip of the tie should barely touch the top of your

belt buckle The knot should be small

Image Tips for WomenImage Tips for Women

Dark or conservative colors are best option Avoid excessive jewelry Keep make up conservative Shoes should be leather or fabric Purse should be small and coordinate with

your dress

Enter into the room confidently

Firmly shake hand Wait for an offer to sit Sit straight Body should be in line

while sitting Make eye contact with

interviewer

Posture / Body language During the Interview

Speak with confidence clearly Project your voice so that you are

heard Adjust your voice according to

situation

Voice Image

Nervousness is normal

Take a deep breath and try to be “RELAX”

Don’t be panic

Remember…Remember…

Avoid bad habitsAvoid bad habits

Nail biting Pen clicking Playing with paper weight Tapping your fingers Don’t chew gum or smoke Don’t bring family or friends to the interview Don’t use slang language Don’t just say “yes” or “no” in your answer give some brief if necessary

Be Prepared!

The Key to a SuccessfulThe Key to a SuccessfulJob Interview?Job Interview?