Interviewing_Skills.ppt

7/27/2019 Interviewing_Skills.ppt

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Saint Louis UniversityCareer Services

The Ins and Outs ofInterviewing




Interviewing-What is it?

- A structuredmeeting between

you and anemployer

- Interviewing is askill- like riding your bike

- PRACTICE makesPERFECT




Interviewing is a two-way street

- Employers areattempting to

determine if youare an appropriatefit for the job andtheir culture

- You decide if theenvironment isright for you.




Types of Interviews

Phone: used as an initial screen of candidates or tonarrow the pool of applicantsOne-on-One: most common interview style andincorporates you with the potential employerPanel or Group: allows many individuals to interview

you at onceMeal: used to see how you interact or function in a

social settingSecond or On-site Interview: this allows one toget a tour of the facility, meet the staff, andadditional questioning from different employeesand/or administration




Pre-Interview Preparation

Research position, company, & industry

Know yourself and be able to articulate

skills, strengths, accomplishments, andcareer goals

Prepare necessary materials (Copies of

resume, references, portfolio/pen, palmpilot or organizer, breath mints)

Ask for directions and where to park




Arriving

Be sure to allow yourself plenty oftime to arrive at your destination

(you may want to conduct a dry runprior to your interview day)

Try to arrive 10-15 minutes early at

the site to allow you to park, walk tothe interview, use the restroom, or

just gather yourself




Greeting & Introduction

Only 1 chance to make agood 1st impression

Dress appropriatelySmile

Maintain eye contact

Firm handshake

Remain poised andconfident




Body Language:What signals are you sending?

Positive SignalsLeaning forward =

interestSmiling = friendly

Nodding = attentiveand alert

Eye contact = curiousand focused

Negative SignalsCrossed arms =

defensiveFidgeting hands ortapping feet = nervousor bored

Lack of eye contact =untrustworthy

Leaning back=discomfort




Types of Interview Questions

Standard ortraditional-

targeting youreducation, workexperiences, and

career goals

Sample Questions Tell me about yourself?

What is your greateststrength? Weakness?

Why did you choose tointerview with us?

What did you like most

about your last job? Least?What are your short andlong term career goals?





Behavioral Questions

-These focus on your

actions and/orbehaviors in aprevious setting.

- Past behaviorprovides clues tofuture behavior

Sample QuestionsDescribe a time you hadto make a difficult

decision?Tell me about a time youworked under a deadline?

What do you do when ateam member is notpulling his/her weight?

Think about a time youmade a mistake. What

did you learn from it?





Inappropriate orunethical questions

- Questions which probeinto your private life orpersonal background

- Questions about yourethnicity, religion,sexual orientation,disabilities, maritalstatus

Sample Questions

How old are you?

Do you havechildren?

Do you have a

disability?What religion do you practice?





Questions asked bythe interviewee

To determine if youare an appropriatefit for the companyand position,prepare a list ofquestions for theinterviewer

Sample QuestionsWhat type of assignmentscan I expect within the

first year?What do you like mostabout this company?What is the biggestchallenge facing thisdepartment right now?What skills are you lookingfor in this position?What is the next course ofaction?




General Interview Strategies

-Be prepared to talk about yourself and yourexperiences

-Master the art of storytelling-Provide specific and concrete examples of

your results/accomplishments

-Remain positive, enthusiastic, poised, andconfident throughout the interview process





Remember an interview is a formalconversation--avoid filler words like “Um”,

“Ah”, & “You know” Avoid indecisive phrases like: “I think,” “Iguess,” “probably,” or “pretty good” Think before speaking

Avoid long verbose answers--limit yourresponse to 1-2 minutesIf you do not hear or understand aquestion, ask them to repeat or clarify it

for you





Remain calm,relaxed, and be

yourselfTry to focus on themessage you aretrying to convey--NOT how well youare doing!




Dressing for Success-Men

Suit-Single or doublebreasted

Polished shoesSolid white shirt

Conservative tie

Neatly groomed hair,

beard, and mustacheAvoid strong colognes,earrings, and bodypiercing




Dressing for Success-Women

Pant or skirt suit

Pumps with small to

medium heelsLight makeup,perfume, and

jewelryWear neutral colorhosiery




FOLLOW-UP

Ask good questions

Thank the interviewer

Request a business card

Inquire about next steps in the process




FOLLOW-UP CONT

Send a thank younote within 24

hoursLetter may behandwritten ortyped; e-mail isalso acceptableTailor each one tothe individual.




Final Thoughts

Remember that only 15% of thesuccess of an interview is out of your

controlTake some time to reflect- Overall, how well did I do?

- What went well?- What steps can I take next time to

improve?




Suggestions

Conduct a test run the day before the interviewPractice! Practice! Practice!•Obtain a list of practice interview questions and

jot down short answers• Stand in front of a mirror and rehearse youranswers•Schedule an appointment for a mock interview

with Career ServicesGet a good night’s sleep-be well rested and alertfor the interviewBe relaxed and be yourself!




Need additional help?

Call (314) 977-2828 oremail [email protected] toschedule a mock

interviewStop by during our walk-in hours to meet with apeer advisor if you have aquick questionSchedule an appointmentwith a career counselor if

you have a concern about your career or job search

Interviewing_Skills.ppt

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