Military Interviewing 2012

8/3/2019 Military Interviewing 2012

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InterviewingVeterans Initiative


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Interviewing, Veterans Initiative 4/2011

JPMorgan Chase, Career Services

InterviewingWhat do the

materialscover?

The materials will cover:

The purpose of an interview

Different types of interviews Structure of an interview

How to prepare for an interview

Questions that may be asked

How to sell yourself in an interview Evaluating the fit of a job

What does theinterviewerwant to know?

It is important to note that interviewers want to know thefollowing things listed below. They may ask directly orindirectly. Whats important is that you are prepared, eachtime you interview, to address each of these questions.

Why are you here?

What can you do for us?

What kind of person are you?

What distinguishes you from your competitors?

Can I afford you?


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Definition and PurposeWhat is

interviewing?Interviewing is a strategic discussion between two people todetermine whether there is a mutual fit - strategic because bothof you have an objective. Typically, you interview with aHuman Resources recruiter first, followed by the hiringmanager.

What is thepurpose?

For Me:

To express experience, skills, accomplishments

Relay how my skills from the military are transferable

Learn about the position, department, team, manager

Determine level of interest

Show how I will add value

Decide if there is a mutual fit

For the Recruiter:

Confirm your key skills in relationship to the position

Provide an overview of the position

Decide if you will be passed on to the manager

For the Hiring Manager:

Learn about your experience, skills, accomplishments

Provide more comprehensive information about the position

Determine a personality fit for the position, team,department, company culture

Uncover additional skills

Decide if there is a mutual fit

Look at your ability to transition from the military to thecorporate environment


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Types of InterviewsWhat types of

interviews arethere?

Not all interviews are a traditional, face-to-face encounterbetween you and a hiring manager. Preparation requireslearning how to be effective in a variety of interviewingformats.

How do Iprepare for aphone screen?

Phone Screen Interviews

Typically this is an initial interview with a recruiter todetermine whether you have the skills and experience to

justify bringing you in for a face-to-face interview. Many ofthe questions you will be asked are specific to help therecruiter better understand the depth and breadth of yourknowledge and interest. Be prepared to discuss:

Specifics about your current role

Challenges, likes, dislikes in current role

Knowledge of a specific area of expertise

Examples of how you handled certain situations

Interest in the position

Reason for looking at job opportunities

Current compensation/eligibility for incentive

Tips for the Phone Screen Interview

First impressions matter and being prepared is key. If a

recruiter calls, schedule another time to talk so you can beat your best. Then:

Review the job description and any correspondence

Think through your answers to anticipated questions

Highlight skills and achievements you want to mention

Identify questions you may have to better understandthe role and responsibilities

In addition to being prepared, a recruiter will be relying onyour telephone presence to glean a sense of your

personality. Put a smile in your voice, use inflection toavoid sounding monotone, and speak clearly with energyand enthusiasm. Listen carefully to the question, answerand then ask if you have provided enough detail.


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Types of InterviewsWhat are other

types ofinterviews?

Here are additional types of interviews with ideas on howto prepare and be effective in the meetings.

How do Iprepare formultiplemeetinginterviews?

Multiple meeting interviews

Multiple meeting interviews are a series of consecutiveinterviews all in the same day. You may be meeting withthe recruiter, hiring manager, a senior manager and ateam member and the whole process may last 3 to 4hours.

When the recruiter schedules you for an interview, ask inadvance who you will be meeting with on that day.

Learn job titles and each persons connection to theposition

Think about key points you want to share aboutyourself

Decide what you want to learn from each interviewer

Prepare appropriate questions for each interview

Bring several copies of your resume

How do I

prepare forgroupinterviews?

Group Interviews

A group interview includes you and more than one otherperson at the meeting. In some cases, you may encountera panel of people at a large conference table. It is morechallenging to build relationships with multiple peopleduring this type of interview, so it is important to exudewarmth and personality.

Discern the different roles in the room and create achart of attendees

Identify who is the hiring manager

Give primary eye contact to the person who asked thequestion and secondary to others

Bring questions to ask


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Structure of an InterviewWhat are the

key parts of aninterview?

While each interview will be different, the average is 45minutes in length with 3 key parts: small talk, down tobusiness and next steps. In each part, the interviewer isgetting key information to make a decision about your

skills, experience and interest based on the job. Your goalis to be doing 50-70 percent of the talking.

Small Talk

This phase occurs within the first 5 minutes of aninterview. The interviewer is noting first impressions aboutprofessional presence, likeability, confidence and yourcomfort in building a relationship. Non-verbalcommunications such as a warm smile, handshake, eyecontact and posture are all cues in providing a positiveimpression. Current event topics, weather or navigating tothe location may be discussed.

Down to Business

Once the interviewer shifts topics and begins withsomething like, Ive reviewed your resume and aminterested in learning more about you and talking in detailabout this position you are moving into the meat of theinterview. During this time you will be: Asked questions about your experience and sharing

specific examples Asked questions about personality, style,

accomplishments and initiatives Told about the job responsibilities Asked if you have any questions

At the end of this portion of the interview: Add any information you want to share Summarize your understanding of the position Express interest

Next Steps

Make an impression and demonstrate follow up skills by: Asking about next steps and best way to follow up Asking for a business card Emailing a thank you letter


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Making ImpressionsHow do I make

a goodimpression?

Beginning within the first ten seconds and continuingthroughout the interviewing process, impressions areformed. Those impressions can make or break the selling of

your product - you! - and are based upon observations,interpretations and opinions about you. Careful planning ofthe head to toe details will ensure that you are presentingyourself as credible and professional.

PreparationBefore theinterview

Select professional wardrobe: clothes, shoes,accessories; assess hair and glasses for current style

Consciously understate: jewelry, nails, cologne, make up

Be mindful of food / drink prior to interview

Print extra copies of resumes, directions, organizationchart

Bring a notebook, pen and calendar Research five things about the department / line of

business / company

Review the job posting / prepare answers and examples

Bring prepared questions about the position, team,department, goals, projects

Turn off cell phone

Arrive 10 minutes early

During theInterview

Prepare to shake hands

Smile, make eye contact, sit straight Note and correct nervous habits

Look for ways to be relational

Share three reasons why you want to work for thedepartment / line of business / company

Articulate your value to the role

Listen intently and give relevant answers

Ask pertinent business related questions

Collect business cards

After theInterview

Email a well written and expressive thank you to theinterviewer and copy the recruiter

Subtly stay in touch


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Preparing to InterviewWhat do I need

to know upfront?

What am Iselling?

My skills

Identify your job specific skills

Determine which skills you want to emphasize

Look at how your military skills can be linked to the

corporate environment

My accomplishments

Identify actions youve taken

Link skills to those actions

Determine the positive results

Plan how you will express those accomplishments

My strengths, interests, career values

Develop self awareness

Plan how you will talk about these aspects of yourself

A good salesperson knows their product and the value itoffers. Write down five job skills and attributes thatdescribe what you bring you as a product. Emphasizethe skills you were recognized for in the military, adoptingcorporate terminology.

____________________________________

____________________________________

____________________________________

____________________________________

____________________________________

To create a compelling sales pitch and help set you apart

from other candidates, add one thing that truly motivatesyou or drives you at work and relates to the position.


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Questions to AskWhat

questionsshould I ask?

Interviewers are impressed with candidates who askquestions. This skill demonstrates your interest inunderstanding the roles and responsibilities of the job and inyour field. Asking questions also gives you a broader

picture of what you might expect on the job. Here arequestions you might consider asking.

Questions to Ask HR:

Can you tell me more about the position and the type ofperson you are seeking?

Tell me about an employee in your organization who isconsidered to be an outstanding employee. What makesthat person special?

What type of training does the organization provide tohelp someone new learn their way around?

How does my background compare with the others youhave interviewed for this position?

I feel my background and experience are a good fit for thisposition and I am very interested. What is the next step?

Questions to Ask the Hiring Manager:

What would you consider to be exceptional performancefrom someone in this position in the first 90 days?

What will be a major challenge I would encounter in thisposition?

How are you measured as a manager?

What can I do to make you successful?

Has the department grown or shrunk in the last threeyears? Why is that?

Can you give me an example of your management style?


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Questions to AskMore

questions I canask

Questions to Ask the Hiring Manager:

Can you tell me more about the position and the type ofperson you are seeking?

What are your expectations of the person in thisposition?

When did you come to work here?

Would it be possible to speak with a co-worker/peer?See the work area?

What is the tenure of the team?

What are some of the business issues/challenges or

trends that might impact this team?

Questions to Ask a Co-Worker/Peer:

Why did you decide to join this department?

What were your initial expectations? Were they met?

How have your expectations changed over time?

What do you consider your departments strengths andweaknesses?

What can you tell me about working for your manager?

How would you describe a typical day in this position?


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Prepare to Answer QuestionsHow should I respond to standard questions?

Although every interview is unique, you can anticipate standard questions that willlikely be asked. Spending some time thinking through how youll answer these

questions will ensure a strategic response and help you feel confident in your answers.Interviewers are interested in hearing about specific situations to better understandhow well you demonstrated critical skills on the job.

Start by understanding the interviewers purpose for asking the question. Then, usethe Challenge, Action, Resultformat (what was a challenge or opportunity, whatactions did you take, and what were the results of those actions) to ensure acomprehensive yet concise response.

How does the interview get started?

A typical first question of the interview is Tell me about yourself? Provide a twominute snapshot of who you are professionally, emphasizing your strengths andinterests. Use the format below to prepare an interesting story to help get the interviewstarted.

1. Tell me about yourself?

Introduction: What are the most important things I want this person to know about me?Share a snapshot of who you are professionally, highlighting your top skills and attributes.

Describe your overall experience: Start with most recent and highlight accomplishmentsand skills youve developed. Note some of your most meaningful work experiences.

End with your key strengths and interests: Focus on your motivated skills and interestsand tell how they pertain to the role. Be sure you speak about your skills using transferableterminology.

2. What is your plan for how you will make the transition from the military to the corporatesetting? (Lets the interviewer know you are aware of the differences and that you areprepared for the transition) Note some of the differences in culture and expectations that you anticipate Explain the steps you will take to assimilate to the new culture and describe the support

you have available to you Use corporate terminology to express your transferable skills

Capitalize on areas that were similar and provide evidence on how you will use theskills you developed

3. What accomplishments in your career are you most proud of? (Identifies your motivatedskills and possibly uncover competencies that could be leveraged in this role.) Think of a specific example in the last 3 to 5 years thats relevant to the position. Use as an opportunity for you to share your interests and showcase your enthusiasm


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Prepare to Answer Questions4. What is the greatest strength you will bring to this role? (Shows the hiring manager that

you are self aware and how you see this skill as valuable on the job.) Tell how the strength has contributed to being successful in past roles and how it will

add value in the new role If possible, to prepare refer to your previous performance reviews and read what your

manager said about you

5. What is your weakness?(Think of something authentic, not canned.) Use a real example of something you are developing, enhancing, or improving Share examples of how you compensate for your weakness so it isnt an issue

6. Where do you see yourself in 3-5 years? (Indicates your level of ambition and whetheryou are goal oriented.) Share any education and training goals you are pursuing or plan to pursue

State future career goals, product knowledge or computer skills you plan to gain

7. What skills do you enjoy using? Which of your skills would you rather not use? (Givesinsights on whether this role is a fit based upon your job tasks likes/dislikes.) Talk about skills that you are truly energized by and that are required in the position Think of a skill you disliked in your last job but that you know for sure wont be a

primary part of the new job

8. What adjectives would your references use to describe you? (Provides a sense of yourpersonality and work style in determining how you might fit with team members.) Keep your answer relevant to the job in which you are interviewing

Choose the qualities you most want to be known for

9. Why are you interested in this job? (Shows whether you are really interested in this roleand this department / company.) Emphasize aspects of the job that match your skill set and express these in a way that

convinces of a true passion or strong interest Research!! Find out some facts beyond the standard pieces of information

10. Why should we hire you? (Showcases your ability to summarize your areas of expertisethat would be of value in this role.) Reiterate your qualifications that relate to the position and highlight what makes you

unique Talk about what kind of person you are, how you add value and contribute

11. What is your salary expectation? (Determines whether general salary expectations aremutually congruent to continue a conversation. This is not a negotiation.) Express your desire to know more about the opportunity and requirements first If the questions continue, ask what a typical range is for the position. If reasonable, be

positive and move on. Provide a range based on your research if pushed to reveal


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Behavioral Interviewing QuestionsHow do I

answerbehavioralinterviewquestions?

Managers know that past experience predicts futuresuccess. The interviewer is looking for specific examplesof how you have handled situations not general

statements. These questions are related to the skills youneed to perform the job well.

Think about a brief story that includes:

1) A specific situation that has relevance for the positionyou are interviewing for

2) The actions you took

3) The outcome or result you achieved.

4) Finish with what you learned from that experience.

When preparing for these questions:

Use the job description to identify required skills.

Anticipate what question might be asked regardingeach skill.

Think about your past experiences - most recent job,

past jobs, leadership roles - for situations you canshare.

Begin preparing examples/stories that relate to the skillsnoted in the job description.


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Behavioral Interviewing QuestionsWhat are some

behavioralquestions?

The following are examples of behavioral questions thatmight be used to identify various skills. To prepare forinterviewing, come up with an answer for each of thefollowing questions.

Conflict Management

Give me an example of a situation where you dealt withan angry customer and describe how you resolved thesituation.

Flexible, Adaptable

Describe a time when you had to switch gears quickly.What were the circumstances and how did you do it?

Time Management

Tell me about a time when you had many deadlines tomeet in a short period of time. How did you prepareyourself and organize your time?

Managing Diversity

Give me an example of a situation in a past workexperience where you demonstrated a sensitivity toindividual differences.

Team Decision Making Describe a team or group you have been a part of and

how you dealt with reaching decisions.

Organization skills

Tell me about a project you were responsible for thatyou had to organize start to finish. How did youapproach this and complete it?

Resourcefulness Tell me about a situation when you were given a

complicated assignment with little or no information.How did you complete the assignment?

Prioritization

Tell me about a timewhen you had to juggle manydifferent tasks at once and how you handled it.


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Evaluate FitHow do I

determine ifthe position isright for me?

The interview is over. Now it is time to process theinformation you learned about the position, culture andchallenge to determine an overall fit.

Does it meet your needs:

Is this the right job for me?

Is this a good work environment for me?

Do I see opportunities to grow and learn?

Do my skills truly match this job?

Are these the kind of people I would like to work with ornot?

What are the opportunities for growth at thiscompany:

Can I acquire new skills?

Will I receive new and varying responsibilities?

What is the visibility factor for this job?

Are there career opportunities beyond what is initiallyseen?

Will you be involved in a training and/or orientationprogram:

Who will train me?

What is the length of training or orientation program?

Where will the training take place?


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Evaluate FitIs the location of the position satisfactory:

How convenient is commuting?

What are the accounts and/or territory? (question of

particular importance for sales and marketing positionsand others requiring travel)

What is your familys view of the position:

What effect will this position have on my personal life?

How will this position affect my leisure time?

How will it impact my personal interests andcommitments?

If you are offered the job and accept it without carefulconsideration, you increase the likelihood of changing jobsin the near future. Make a decision based on what is rightfor YOU!


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Thank You LettersAre they

important?Writing a thank you letter or email after a job interview is amust in showing interest and enthusiasm for the position.You will stand out from the competition and demonstratestrong follow up skills. A thank you letter is considered

business correspondence and should be sent out within 24hours sooner is better! Your goal is to keep yourcandidacy fresh in the mind of the hiring manager and tocontinue to impress.

What shouldconsider?

Like any piece of writing, it is best to keep your audience inmind.

Thank the person for their time but only once

Address their issues and concerns, addressing anyweaknesses with confidence.

Keep brief and concise three paragraphs maximum.

Highlight your key selling points and fit. Restate whatyour qualifications are and how you will make asignificant contribution.

Reinforce your interest and enthusiasm in the job andthe company/department.

Carefully proofread; check spelling, grammar and lookfor typos. If in doubt about correct names, spellings, ortitles of your interviewers, call the office to double-check.

Dont forget to sign your name on the letter or type yourname at the conclusion of the email.

What if I suffer

writers block?

Time takes precedence get a simple, appreciative thankyou letter in the mail or email without delay and save yourcreative efforts for another time. If you are not sure what towrite, review examples in books or on the Internet.

What if Iinterview withmore than oneperson?

Send individual messages to each person you interviewedwith. Modify your message so each interviewer gets aunique thank you letter. Ask for a business card at theconclusion of each interview.


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Example Thank You EmailSubject Line: Interested in Marketing Manager Opportunity

Dear John:

I enjoyed speaking with you yesterday about the marketing manager position. I appreciatedyou sharing your vision for the start-up of the new division and I share your passion foridentifying diverse talent to deliver on your objectives.

As I learned in our meeting, the primary role for this position is to build communityrelationships and create a marketing plan to consistently communicate products and servicesto customers in targeted markets. I would like to remind you and emphasize that my militaryexperience in a similar role allowed me to build strong community relationships in manymarkets, which I would be delighted to share. I have successfully created comprehensivemarketing strategies to effectively maintain a strong brand for the military and am excitedabout transferring my abilities to do this for a large corporate firm.

I am very interested in continuing the conversation about this role and where you see mytalents fitting in with your organization. As we discussed in the interview, if I havent heardback by mid-week, I will call you on Thursday. Thank you for your time and I look forward tospeaking with you again.

Sincerely,Your NamePhoneEmail


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Next StepsWhere Do I Go FromHere?

Now its time to get prepared! The following steps aresuggestions to help you get started developing a stronginterviewing presence.

Check box uponcompletion

Steps to Take

Spend some time determining my skills and attributes.

Prepare my interviewing outfit. (Check fit and color of clothes.Check condition of shoes.)

Research information about the company.

Write down specific examples where I have applied my skills.

Determine the questions I want to ask.

Think of examples where I added value in previous positions.

Practice Tell Me About Yourself while looking in a mirror.

Review Prepare to Answer Questions and my responses.

After interviewing, evaluate the job fit against my criteria.

Send a thank you email after each interview and to eachperson within 24 hours.

See the Marketing Your Transferable Skillsmaterials


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Additional Resources


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Competitive Skills forTodays Job Market

The job market is very competitive and requires skills beyond product knowledge. Most

organizations seek candidates that have the competencies outlined below. In preparation fornetworking and interviewing, prepare examples or stories that will help the interviewer orcontact understand that you do have these skills. Find ways to show how you have used andadded value with these critical competencies.

Competency Description Your Interview Story

Big PictureThinker

Provides perspective, future focus,visioning, with a broad view of issues and

challenges. Well read and knowledgeableabout the business, organization, andmarket.

CommunicationSkills

Articulates, writes and speaks succinctly,and listens to understand. Confidentspeaking voice. Able to synthesizeinformation and accurately restate whatothers communicate.

CustomerFocused

Maintains a standard of consistentresponsiveness, information gathering, andfollow through. Builds strong relationships,gaining trust and respect. Handles conflictwell, diffusing difficult situations.

Decision Making Self-driven with the ability to assesssituations and make independent decisions.Determinations based on information,analysis, experience, and wisdom.

Flexible/Adaptable Able to effectively shift directions andpriorities when faced with the unpredictable.Copes with change and ambiguity, stayingengaged while quickly developing a newfocus. Open to new ideas.


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Competitive Skills forTodays Job Market

Competency Description Your Interview Story

Initiative Motivated solution provider that looksbeyond the job description. Uncoversbusiness opportunities to benefit the groupand highlight individual talents. Seen as acontributor that impacts department goals.

Innovative Open to new ideas... Seen as resourcefuland may act as a catalyst to change. Looks

objectively at new ways of doing things.Creative in thought and action.

Self-Awareness Knows strengths, weaknesses, how theyare seen by others, opportunities, andlimits. Seeks feedback, receives inputwithout defensiveness, and gains insightfrom mistakes.

Team Player Relates well, builds rapport, and

consistently contributes to the group.Possesses a diplomatic and tactful style.Known for having a collaborative spirit.

Technical Acumen Skilled in using various software products;Word, Excel, Access, PowerPoint.Proficient in essential technical functions ofthe job. Open to learning and using newtechnologies.

TimeManagement

Uses time effectively, organizing workloads, setting priorities, and meetingdeadlines. Can effectively handle multipleactivities, using resources well toaccomplish a goal.


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Online Tools & ResourcesMilitary Skills Translator Sites

Search military job titles forskills list

http://www.onetonline.org/crosswalk/MOC?s=&g=Go

Military to Civilian OccupationTranslator http://www.acinet.org/acinet/moc/

Military Skills Translator http://www.military.com/skills-translator/mos-translator

Military-to-Civilian SkillsTranslator

http://www.resumeedge.com/military/careercenter/skills.shtml

Career One Stop Skills Profiler http://www.careerinfonet.org/skills/default.aspx?nodeid=20

Additional Military Resources

Military Abbreviations &Terminology

http://www.dtic.mil/doctrine/dod_dictionary/

http://www.militarywords.com/

Military Benefits http://www.military.com/benefits

Military Pay http://www.military.com/benefits/military-pay/military-pay-overview

Military OneSource http://www.militaryonesource.comUS Department of Labor http://www.dol.gov/vets/

Dept of Veterans Affairs http://www.vetsuccess.gov/

Military Connections http://www.militaryconnection.com/virtualfairs.asp

Military Transition Assistance http://www.careeronestop.org/militarytransition/

Quintessential Careers http://www.quintcareers.com/former_military.html

U.S. Office of Personnel Mgmt http://www.fedshirevets.gov/job/tsm.aspx

Virtual Training SessionsOffered by Dept of Defense

http://www.turbotap.org/register.tpp


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JPMorgan Chase Career Ser ices

Interviewing Resources on the WebThe Riley Guide: Interviewinghttp://www.rileyguide.com/interview.html

A wonderful portal to many other resources on the Web

MSN Careers: Interviewing

http://msn.careerbuilder.com/msn/category.aspx?categoryid=IV

Lots of short articles and tips to review right before the bigevent!

Monster.com: Interview Centerhttp://career-advice.monster.com/job-interview/careers.aspxComprehensive! If you cant find it here, it doesnt exist.

About.com: Interview and Networkinghttp://jobsearch.about.com/od/interviewsnetworking/

Interesting content, but loaded with conspicuous,distracting advertising.

Quintessential Careers: Career tools/Career articles

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

Articles on every aspect of careers and job search skills.

IMDiversity.com: What Interviewers Really Want to KnowAbout You

http://www.imdiversity.com/Villages/Careers/articles/prasad_what_interviewers_want_0604.asp

Limited interviewing resources but targeted to minorities.

Military Interviewing 2012

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