Ace Your First Professional InterviewMichael Eliasmelias@depaul.edu

Appointments 312.362.84371Why do employers conduct interviews?

What are they hoping to assess from you in an interview?The Importance of the InterviewAsk the group to answer the questions listed.2Employers Need to KnowIf youve recently gone through the exercise of revising a resume, youre probably familiar with transferable skills, accomplishments, and strengths as the main components that should be included in your descriptions of your work, leadership, or volunteer experience on your resume. Keeping that in mind, the interview is an opportunity for you to share more information about those skills, accomplishments, and strengths as they relate to the specific position you are interviewing for. 3Interview Planning and ExecutionConsider these steps when preparing for your interview:

1) Conduct a self-assessment2) Research the company and employees/manager3) Prepare questions for the interviewer4) Practice interviewing5) Know what you are worth

1. Conduct a Self-Assessment

Click on View, Headers and Footer to change text footer.1. Evaluate and make a list of your current strengths and transferable skills

2. Compare these transferable skills to the job description if it is available

3. Review your resume and prepare a detailed example or short story describing each important aspect listed

1) Have the group write down their top 3 skills and ask for volunteers from the group to share some.2) Show a job description to demonstrate where to look for skills and how it compares to you own. Discuss how you would prepare for an interview based on that job description.

5Transferable SkillsClick on View, Headers and Footer to change text footer.Communication/Interpersonal Skills Team Orientation/TeamworkCustomer FocusTechnical Knowledge/Related ExperienceFlexibility/AdaptabilityProblem Solving/Decision MakingResultsLeadershipConflict Management

2. Research Prospective Companies and Employees

Use the company website to research about:Industry, Trends, History, Business services, Size, Culture, Achievements and Competitors

Be aware of any major developments within the organization and recent news

Other sources to use:www.Linkedin.com Research company and employeesChicago Crains website - www.chicagobusiness.com

Prepare and Practice3. Prepare questions Pull questions from your most recent researchDraw up a list of 5 or 6 questions to ask the employer about their company or position

4. Practice interviewing Review your resume and practice talking about your experiences you listed on itScript out some specific examples that demonstrate your transferable skills and outline some of your key accomplishmentsSet up an appointment with a Career Advisor or an ASK volunteer for a practice interview

5. Know What You are WorthClick on View, Headers and Footer to change text footer.Research salary statistics -- know average starting salary for the position youre applying forwww.glassdoor.comwww.collegegrad.comwww.payscale.comwww.salary.comwww.cbsalary.comwww.jobstar.org

Research what your degree is worth in the current marketTalk to your career advisor or go directly to:http://careercenter.depaul.edu/results/salary.aspx

If an employer asks about salary requirements give a range of what you are looking for (i.e. $3540,000). Never state a bottom line

Mention Negotiation Skills workshop during this slide for more information on handling job offers and salary negotiation. 9Different Types of InterviewsClick on View, Headers and Footer to change text footer.Phone InterviewsFace-to-face InterviewsPanel InterviewsGroup InterviewsSkype InterviewsTips for Successful InterviewingBEFORE the Interview:

Preparation: Review directions or test out the route for timing and confirming location. Also make time to plan your attire and have it ready

Clarification: Find out names and title(s) of interviewers and perhaps review profiles on company website.

Review: Review your resume and identify talking points of accomplishments

Process: Be prepared to fill out additional applications or screenings

Steps to Follow on Interview DayMaking 1st Impressions Count!ArrivalArrive ten minutes early to observe company setting and complete any paperworkDo not text/use phone while waiting, fidget, exhibit bad posture, or chew gumBring copies of your resume, a list of references and any portfolio materials to the interviewSetting the Tone Beginning of InterviewGreet the interviewer with a firm handshake and create rapport with employerDont slouch in chair, use positive body language (eye contact, gestures), and verbal feedbackMaintain Flow Middle and Close of InterviewDisplay enthusiasm for position and interview by introducing your personality in interviewFocus on questions asked and clarify questions you are unsure aboutDo not bring up benefits or salary the interviewer should initiate conversationsGive example of story of 1st impression lobby, elevator, front desk attendantDemo handshake activity. Stand up and introduce self. Examine what happened and then demo correct way and then practice.Give example of rapport building with the interviewer. (walking to the office and in the office, etc.)

12During the InterviewWait until you are asked to be seatedMaintain steady eye contact with all the interviewersListen carefully ClarifyConvey confidence, not arrogance.Control nervous ticks or distractive behaviorProject an open, straightforward impressionGive complete information with examples

Types of Interview QuestionsTraditional Interview Questions:

Interviewers are looking to gauge your responses to commonly asked interview questions surrounding your personality, work ethic, academics and experiences.

Answers should be concise and well thought-out based upon your knowledge and experience

Types of Interview QuestionsClick on View, Headers and Footer to change text footer.Behavioral Interview Questions:

The basic premise behind behavioral interviewing: past performance will predict future behavior in same situation

Many organizations determine whether a potential employee has the transferable skills to successfully perform the job

Behavioral questions require specific examples of past experiences which demonstrate the skills an employer is seeking

Behavioral Interviewing QuestionExample Question: Give me an example of a time when you had to address an angry customer.

Answer this question by stating specifics about the situation, details about how you handled it and the outcome situation, action and result

Prepare for these types of interviews by developing descriptive examples for certain skills and competencies

Reference STAR Interviewing handout. Walk through STAR method of answering this question with group. Ask group if they have ever experienced these types of questions now that they are familiar with behavioral interviewing. Stress importance of providing a detailed answer, but not giving too much detail so the interviewer loses track of their answer. Importance of saying I and not we when answering group/teamwork questions. Reference Sample Interview Questions/Questions for the Interviewer handout for more samples of traditional and behavioral questions, also on CC website. 16Situation or TaskDescribe the situation that you were in or the task that you needed to accomplish. You must describe a specific event or situation, not a generalized description of what you have done in the past. Be sure to give enough detail for the interviewer to understand. This situation can be from a previous job, from a volunteer experience, or any relevant event.Action you tookDescribe the action you took and be sure to keep the focus on you. Even if you are discussing a group project or effort, describe what you did -- not the efforts of the team. Don't tell what you might do, tell what you did.Results you achievedWhat happened? How did the event end? What did you accomplish? What did you learn?STAR Interviewing Response Technique for Success in Behavioral Job InterviewsOther Types of Interview QuestionsClick on View, Headers and Footer to change text footer.You might also encounter these during an interview: Situational QuestionsTechnical QuestionsCase QuestionsBrain TeasersClosing the Interview the whole timeABCs (Always Be Closing) At the end of your interview, ask the interviewer the next steps in the interview process

Reiterate your interest in the organization. Tell them you want to work for them!

Ask the interviewer(s) for a business card, so that you can send them a thank you letter

After the InterviewStrengthen Final ImpressionsSend a thank-you letter no later than 24 to 48 hours after the interviewCall or e-mail to inquire about the position status if you have not heard backCall your references to share that they may be contacted soon

ReflectionThink of questions answered well and those you might answer differently in futureConsider your salary and benefits expectationsBe sure you know the competitive salary range for the position before you begin to engage in this process

Career Center Interview Preparation Resources Practice what youve learned learn more about interviewing by attending the second workshop in this series, Polish Your Professional Interviewing Skills Practice online with Interview Stream: depaul.interviewstream.comSchedule a practice interview with Alumni Sharing Knowledge (ASK) Program via DePaul.Experience.com

See sample interview questions and other interview preparation resources on theCareer Center Website: careercenter.depaul.edu 21