Interviewing Skills

Presented by

Ben HansenSt. Cloud State University

Objectives

Why people don’t get offers How to prepare Common questions Sample videos Practice Q&A

Why people don’t get offers Inability to express self clearly Failure to research organization Lack of goals or focus Unwillingness to relocate Poor impression Failure to follow-up after the

interview

How to Prepare

Know the position Know the organization Know yourself

Know the Position

What are the qualifications?– Skills– Knowledge– Experience – Characteristics

How to Identify Them

Job listings (okay) Job descriptions (better) Informational interviews (best)

Know the Organization

Who they are and what they do? What is their mission or values? What is the industry like? Current

trends? Culture?

Finding Information

Use the Internet– Company websites– ProQuest Newspapers– WetFeet– Google it

Journals, publications & associations Talk to people familiar with the

organization Informational Interviews

Know Yourself

How do your skills, interests, goals, values and experiences RELATE to the position and organization?

Use this Knowledge to Answer:– Why are you interested in this position?– Why are you interested in this organization?– How are you the best fit for them?

Putting it Together

Prepare for behavioral interviewing Develop 5-8 short stories (examples)

for key job specific skills Have a variety of stories to tell:

– Leadership - Conflict resolution– Communication - Teamwork

Provide: Situation, Action and Outcome

Proving It - SAO

Provide specific examples Talk about what YOU did Describe outcomes Make sure you answered the

question

Common Questions

How would you answer these? Tell me about yourself. What are your strengths/weaknesses? Why interested in position?

Organization? Tell me about a time when…

Practice your answers

Sample Videos

Tell Me About Yourself. What is Your Greatest Weakness?

Let’s Practice

Get into groups of 2-3 Practice answering these questions:

– Tell me about yourself.– What is your greatest strength?– What is your greatest weakness?

What Else?

Prepare questions for them Dress appropriately Arrive 10-15 minutes early Be polite to everyone Follow-up

Remember, you’re always being evaluated

Summary

Why people don’t get offers How to prepare

– Research position & company– Dress appropriately– Provide specific answers and questions– Practice

Common questions Follow-up

Questions???

Your Employment Connection