impressive interviewing

Interesting Interviewing!Sarah Rach-Sovich

Preparation…• It is not as easy as…• Every interview is different• Each interviewer has their own style• You can never be certain…

The more prepared you are…• …the better off you are!• It may be a sloooow process…• It may take more than one• Assessments• Outgoing phone messages

You are creating impressions…• The way you present yourself makes a

statement about how you feel about yourself• 85% of communication is nonverbal• What is the first thing that people notice

about you?

What to wear? • Expected over unexpected• Usual over the unusual• Dress at least one level above the norm at the

office • Don’t worry about being overdressed• Most traditional• This is important even after you get the job!

Other influences• Handshake• Hair color/style• Tattoos• Body piercings• Facial hair• Make-up• Fragrance

• Accessories• Shoes• Socks• Clothing Fit• Cleanliness• Grooming• Hands/Fingernails

Do your homework!

Know the company• Start with the company website – Company literature– Online searches– Public library– Articles

• Magazines, newspapers, trade journals

– Talk with employees– Google– Chamber of commerce– Linked in– Schedule an observation – meet the receptionist

Key info you should know• Company goals and mission• Products and/or services offered• Recent changes• Company history• Mission statement

Today is the day!

What to bring…

• Copies of your resume

• Copy of your cover letter

• Letters of recommendation

• Highlights of your research

• List of questions to ask

• Pre-filled application

• Carrying case (folder or briefcase)

• Portfolio

When you arrive• Arrive early… but not too early• Be polite and professional with everyone you

meet• Make eye contact• Firm handshake

Creating a positive impression• 80% of hiring decisions are based on

whether they like you and think you will fit– High energy– Enthusiasm– Good eye contact– Attentiveness and interest– Listening skills– Composure– Well modulated speech– Promptness – Professionalism

Positive Body Language +

Positive Words =

Positive Impression

Body Language to Avoid• Crossed arms• Biting nails• Looking off into space• Fidgeting– Dishonest– Disinterested– Lacking in confidence

**Typically people aren’t even aware…• Get feedback and practice

Helpful Body Language• Good posture• Sit attentively• Lean a bit forward• Maintain eye contact• Appear open

interested and confident

• Feet flat on floor, hands in your lap

• Tone of voice• Choice of words• Rate of speech• Enunciation• Volume of speech• Attitude

• Gestures• Posture• Hands• Expression• Eye Contact

Weasel Words

• I think• I might• Maybe• Possibly

• I can• I will • I know• I have• Definitely• Yes

WOW WORDS

Maximize every minute• Approximate number of minutes to determine

whether or not a candidate is a good fit for the job

• Have an idea how you will answer questions• Respond as naturally and conversationally as

possible• Emphasize what you CAN do & what you

CAN offer• Focus on what you have learned and how

you overcome challenges• Prove it!• Speak the truth• Expect the unexpected

Which would you rather…?

What they are really trying to figure out!

Do you care about this job??

These are basic interview questions. If you have not prepared an answer it will be assumed that

you do not, in fact, care about the job!

Tell me about yourself…• Provide a brief introduction• Provide a career summary• Tie your response to the needs of the

organization

What do you know about our company?

Why this job?

Why did you leave your last job?

Why did you leave your last job?

• Focus on the positives• “I finished my mission there successfully and

felt I need to move further in my career.”• “It was a good job and I had nice colleagues

there, but I know that I could not fully use my potential in that company. That’s why I came to this interview with your company, because I really believe this is the right place to utilize my skills and abilities.”

What are your strengths?

Difficult co-worker?

What was your biggest mistake?

What are your weaknesses?

• Different takes…• A weakness that could

be a strength• Real weakness

– Be honest, focus on work related abilities and never forget to mention that you are trying your best to improve every day!

Do you care about this company??

www.thecompany.com

STUDY IT!

Why should we choose you?

• “I am sure that I will contribute strongly to the achievement of your company goals. In addition, the role is very appealing to me.”

Seriously?! Don’t let this happen to you!

Prove it!

Where do you see yourself in five years?

Where do you see yourself in five years?

• To really impress: Connect your answer with the role you are applying for

• “I hope to be working in your company as a senior manager, achieve great results in my department in five years time.”

• Don’t say…

Questions that you can ask

• Should come from your natural curiosity• Don’t ask questions the website can answer• Use this opportunity to share more!

Never Say in a Job Interview• What sort of perks do you offer? • What does your company do? • My last boss was a real %$#*!• My feet are killing me!• I got fired from my last position. • I just want a job -- any job! • I don't know.

Set yourself apart!

Final Tips• Be yourself!!– Humor, warmth and personality

• Show interest and enthusiasm• Be flexible/adaptable• Lifelong learning• Ask for the job

Rememberto THANKthem!!!