INTERVEIWSINTERVEIWS
You never have a second chance to make a good first impression!
Purpose of InterviewsPurpose of Interviews Provides the opportunity for two-
way communication and interaction to determine fit between candidate and employer
11An interview is somewhat like giving a
presentation: 1. If it is to be informative and successful,
the speaker must be prepared. 2. At an interview, you are the speaker and
arriving with a composed, self-confident attitude can help you to show the employer your readiness to do the job.
Qualifications get you the interviewInitial impressions get you the jobThe interview is the last phase in the selection
process
Employers use interviewing styles that assist in revealing those attributes of the candidate that are most essential for the job and most beneficial to the organization.
What Recruiters Look ForWhat Recruiters Look For Recruiters are looking for demonstrated
examples of the following:– Leadership ability– Analytical skills/problem solving
capabilities– Results orientation– Teamwork – Strong communications skills– Creativity– Interest in and awareness of various
issues related to the company– Passion for the product/industry/etc.
Initial ImpressionsInitial Impressions
4 seconds: 1 impression is made 10 seconds: 11 impressions are
made Impressions are based on: personal
appearance, grooming, eye contact, articulation, personality, handshake
You never have a second chance to make a good first impression!
Types & FormatsTypes & Formats
Types:InformationalScreeningSelection
Formats: Telephone/Video Individual Group/Committee Serial Behavioral/Performance Stress
Interview Process – OverviewInterview Process – Overview
Interview process typically consists of 2-3 rounds of interviews
Interviews last between 30-45 minutesMix of questionsSome interviewers (especially in later
rounds) may focus on a particular subject (e.g. case question, situational questions)
Preparing for the InterviewPreparing for the Interview
Identify your strengthsConduct research on position and
employerTailor and review your resumeConduct a practice interview Attend to your grooming and carefully
select your wardrobe
Preparing ….Preparing ….
Interviews can be conducted one on one, in a panel, or as a group. The key to preparing for an interview is to find out before the interview how the interview will be conducted. You can do this by asking the following questions when the interview is being scheduled:
* How many people will be interviewing me?
* Will I be the only person interviewed at one time?
* What kind of questions will be asked?
* How can I best prepare for this interview?
PREPARE & PREPAREPREPARE & PREPARE Never walk into an interview without knowing about the products
and services provided by the company. Find out about its corporate culture and future projects so that you
can demonstrate how you can contribute to the company as it continues to grow. Have a solid understanding about its mission and values so that you can inquire about the company's aims.
You can learn about the company's product lines, major competitors and plans from published materials.
Demonstrate an interest in the specific company and not give the impression that it is merely on a fishing expedition. Know the employer's mission, goals and objectives, and speak about them.
Speak with alumni who are working for the company, and discuss the potential employer with professors and mentors who have first-hand information.
Conduct ResearchConduct Research
Organization (size, products, services, locations, growth prospects, mission, customer base)
Position descriptionIndustry and salary normsInterview scheduleInterviewers or committee membersInterview process and format
Practice, Practice, PracticePractice, Practice, Practice
Find a friend or classmate to play the role of employer, and engage in the kind of dialog you expect to encounter at the interview.
Seeing yourself as others see you will provide invaluable insights into the changes that you need to make in your interviewing technique and style.
Prepare a list of interview questions you can expect to be asked at an interview. Know what you are going to say before the interview. To be best prepared, write down your answers, and go over the information several times the day before the interview.
Practice InterviewsPractice Interviews
95% of graduates stumble through their first 2-3 interviews
Why are practice interviews so valuable?– Receive constructive feedback– See yourself (body language, expression, nervous
habits)– Listen to yourself (catch phrases, speech patterns,
effective communication of message)
Preparation – Company ResearchPreparation – Company Research Know what you’re talking about!
– Main product lines? New vs. mature products?– Who are the principal competitors? What’s happening
in the industry overall?– What are the main distribution channels? What’s driving
revenue growth? Where might future opportunities lie?– Why do I want to go to this company?
Sources of information– Internet/library– Networking with alumni etc.– Relevant channels– Analyst reports (read one or two)– Company’s annual report– Company website (check for press releases)– Business journals/magazines and newspapers
PreparationPreparation Helps you organize key examples from your resume Important for the resume walk and behavioral questions Type it and review it before your interview but DO NOT
refer to it during the interview Organize it by question type
– Resume walk– Why marketing/brand management– Why that specific company– Leadership, Teamwork, Initiative, Analytical Thinking,
Creativity, and any additional behavioral/skill areas the company looks for (available on company website/careers)*
Use bullets Outline your answers according to a framework
*Have 3 examples for each in CAR framework
Dress for Success – Dress for Success – COMFORTABLYCOMFORTABLY
WomenSalwar kameez / sarees
Pantsuits are moreacceptable now, but savethem for after you obtainthe job
Keep accessories andmakeup simple
Men
Two-piece suit -(solid colors vs. prints or patterns)
White/light colored shirt and trousers
Wear polished shoes with
knee-length socks that avoid exposing skin
Tie pattern should be simple
Interviews can be informal or formal, relaxed or Interviews can be informal or formal, relaxed or stressful, directed or undirected.stressful, directed or undirected.
Different types of interviews The Exploratory or Information InterviewThe exploratory or information interview is used as a screening and
fact-finding tool for you, the candidate. This interview is used to * find out about a company as a potential place to work, including
its corporate culture, organizational structure, and future growth, * learn about an occupation, including the educational
requirements, experience needed, and responsibilities involved in doing a job, and
* find out about the hiring trends, positions available, and application procedures.
Carefully select the questions you will ask so that you can obtain practical information. Be prepared to leave your résumé for future reference. As for any interview, be sure to follow up with a thank you letter.
More types…More types… The Directed Interview The directed or directive interview involves the interviewer
using an outline and asking specific questions within a certain time frame. The interviewer works from a checklist and takes notes. This type of interview is impersonal and seeks to reveal facts.
The Undirected Interview The undirected or non-directive interview is unstructured and
allows candidates to discuss their qualifications openly. This interview gives candidates a measure of control over the interview, providing for an opportunity to concentrate on strengths and to show leadership and organizational abilities.
The Panel Interview A panel involves a number of interviewers. The composition of
this panel could include:
* The supervisor
* The manager
* A union representative
* A human resources officer
* An employment equity officer
* Employees from the department that is hiring Typically, members of the panel will ask one question that
represents their area of concern. To succeed at this type of interview, it is best to anticipate and prepare for questions on a variety of issues related to the organization and to the occupation. Thorough company and occupational research will help you to prepare for such interviews.
The Group Interview The group interview is used by some large companies or
organizations for graduate intakes when several graduates are interviewed at one time. This interview can last from two hours to a day or longer and usually includes a group problem-solving exercise.
The interviewers may ask questions in an unstructured manner; therefore, the questions and comments may be unrelated to one another. This type of interview is used to:
* Observe how candidates react under pressure
* Evaluate how individuals interact with people with different personalities
* Test for communication skills
* Assess the "fit" with the group
It is wise to seek the advice of someone who has experienced
this type of interview before engaging in this process.
The Sequential Interview Some interviews are sequenced over a longer period, such as a
half or full day. These interviews are used as an assessment tool. The first stage may begin with a panel interview, followed by a tour around the company (during which the assessment continues). The interview sequence may then conclude with another interview when you may be asked questions that test your creativity or your "fit" within the organization.
Further, you may be invited to more than one interview; for
instance, the first may be an overall screening, followed by some form of assessment, then a post-assessment follow-up.
The Stress Interview The stress interview intentionally creates and promotes
discomfort. The interviewer may have an abrupt or brash attitude. Alternately, the interviewer may stare, be silent, and spend time taking notes. The purpose of this type of interview is to test the candidate's ability to be assertive and handle difficult situations.
Finally…Finally… The Behavioural Interview In behavioral interviews, candidates are asked to
respond to questions that require examples of previous activities undertaken and behaviors performed. To succeed at this type of interview, be prepared to give accounts of how you have dealt with difficulties on the job. The purpose of this type of interview is to predict future performance based on past experiences.
Become familiar with various types of interviews, as you may encounter interviewers who blend styles to suit the interview objectives and to test for employment readiness.
What else…What else…
Dress appropriately
Look in the briefcase you're carrying. There should be a few copies of your resume, as well as a one-page summary you can present upon request. There should be a pen and pad for any last-minute notes, and for writing the names of any interviewers who did not bring business cards.
Leave at HomeLeave at Home
Cell phonesExcessive cologne or jewelryBad manners or negativityFriends and familyInappropriate languageControversial views or offensive topics
Don't be on time be early. Don't be on time be early.
Find out the exact location of the office where you will be interviewed and make plans to arrive at least 15 minutes before the interview. If you must, look up bus schedules or plan alternate routes if you anticipate traffic jams. It is impossible to recover from a late arrival at your interview, so avoid being late altogether.
RELAX !
The InterviewThe Interview
Interview ProcessInterview Process
Greeting and introduction Ice breaker/small talkQuestions (theirs and yours)Summary statementClosingThank you and follow-up
Prove that you have IT !!!!!!Prove that you have IT !!!!!!Prove to the interviewer in a face-to-face meeting that you have the
credentials, personality, experience, and creativity to meet the challenges of the job.
1. Begin with a firm handshake and steady eye contact Display a confident and friendly attitude from the first moment the
interviewer appears. Shake the interviewer’s hand in a friendly greeting, and let the person guide you into the office where the meeting will take place.
2. Maintain eye contactIt is normal for your eyes to wander when you are thinking about an
answer to a difficult question; however, it is expected that you will maintain eye contact with the interviewer when you are speaking or when he or she is asking you a question.
When being interviewed by more than one person, maintain eye contact with the person who asks you a question. When you have finished your answer, you can then look at the other interviewers to get some non-verbal or verbal feedback.
3. Keep answers short and to the point - Some interviewers will pause for an extended period to see if you will fill the time with chatter. Avoid doing so. When asked a question, answer the question directly, add specific detail or an example, then end your answer. If the interviewer would like more information, he or she will ask for it.
4. Sell yourself without being immodest -Don’t hesitate to describe your skills and your achievements. Add anecdotes or "stories" about past experiences to illustrate your points. You need to do so if you are to convince the employer of your strengths. However, it is expected that you will discuss your abilities and knowledge in a factual and objective manner.
5. Demonstrate a positive attitude -Avoid making negative comments about previous employers or about the occupation. When asked about your liabilities, present one or two points sincerely and in such a way as they can be viewed as areas potential strength.
6. Know the contents of your résumé .
Your Thirty Minutes in the SunYour Thirty Minutes in the Sun Your posture Eye Contact No question is irrelevant. Use this time to build rapport, and to
demonstrate the communications skills you have been practicing. Listen attentively with your mind as well as your ears. You may be
absorbing every word the interviewer is saying, but if your eyes are straying from place to place, and your body language says not interested, your interview may end quickly.
Spin is one thing, lying is another. Don't ever lie. You will be caught, sooner or later, and falsifying application information can be cause for termination of your employment.
Some interviewers may give constructive criticism during the interview. This is both to help you improve, and to test your reaction. This, too, can be turned into a positive situation, by asking the interviewer for suggestions for improvement, thus showing your commitment to self-development and your ability to handle adversity.
There are common questions that are asked by interviewers in virtually all industries, for students in any career field. What would you do if questions test your ability to think on your feet about situations likely to occur on the job. What do you see yourself doing in the next five years? If your plans are to be in a different industry or job track, you may not be the long-term investment the company is banking on.
If you had to describe yourself in one word, what would that word be? The word is important, but less so than the spontaneity, the ability to come up with a coherent, well reasoned answer, on the spot.
At some point, negative information may arise. When it does, state the negatives as positively as possible. It's all a matter of presentation. The same is true if asked about your own weak points.
Interview Process – General QuestionsInterview Process – General Questions Many interviews will start with “getting to know
you…” questions– “Tell me about yourself”– “Walk me through your resume”
Answer this question concisely– Focus on key decisions – why you majored in
what you did, what led you to your first job, what skills you developed and why you left, why you decided to come to business school, why …, what your next move is, etc.
Don’t just restate your resume– Talk about a common thread that leads you to a marketing
position now– This is “your story” so make sure you know it inside and
out and be confident when you tell it Anticipate “problems” and know how you’re going
to “steer” around them
Types of Interview QuestionsTypes of Interview Questions
Open-ended: “Tell me about yourself”Qualifications: Summary of academic
and experiential background relevant to the position
Proven successes: GPA, leadership, initiatives taken, projects completed
Hypothetical: What would you do if…
Opinion: “What are your strengths?”– Subjective analysis on your response to scenarios
Offbeat: “If you were an animal, what kind would you be and why?”– Get past pre-programmed responses
Behavioral: “Can you give me an example of when you successfully dealt with a difficult client?”– Anticipate future responses based on past behavior
Behavioral InterviewingBehavioral Interviewing
“Describe a situation in which you were able to use persuasion to successfully convince someone to see things your way.”
“Give me an example of a time when you seta goal and were able to meet or achieve it.”
“What is your typical way of dealing with conflict? Give me an example.”
Prep for Behavior-based InterviewsPrep for Behavior-based Interviews
Identify 5 examples from your past experience where you demonstrated top behaviors and skills that employers typically seek.
– Examples could be totally positive (accomplishments or meeting goals) or situations that started out negatively, but either ended positively or you made the best of the outcome.
Behavioral Questions contd…Behavioral Questions contd… Interviewers look to past demonstrated behavior to predict
future performance Be prepared with multiple examples for key competencies
(e.g. leadership, teamwork, problem-solving, etc.) Listen to the question and then organize your answer
according to a framework Most common is the CAR framework
– Context: Describe the situation– Action: Describe what steps were taken and be specific
about your role– Result: Relate what the result was and when possible
try to quantify the impact Most common mistake: not answering the question posed
by the interviewer– When in doubt, repeat it or write it down!
Personal QuestionsPersonal Questions
* Tell me about yourself.
* Why should I hire you?
* What are your greatest strengths?
* What are your greatest weaknesses?
* Where do you see yourself five years from now?
Work Related QuestionsWork Related Questions * What are some of your short-term goals?
* What are some of your long-term goals? * What motivates you? * If you could change something about your life, what would it be? * What do you think it takes to be successful in a company like this
one? * Tell me about the best boss you ever had. * Tell me about the worst boss you ever had. * How well do you work under pressure? * Tell me about a time when you had to meet a very tight deadline and
were working against obstacles. * How would a former colleague or co-worker describe you? * Do you prefer working with others or by yourself? Why? * Do you consider yourself a leader or a follower? Why? * How much do you want to be earning?
STAR Interviewing TechniqueSTAR Interviewing Technique Situation or Task
– Describe the situation that you were in or the task that you needed to accomplish. You must describe a specific event or situation, giving enough detail for the interviewer to understand.
Action you took– Describe the action you took and be sure to
keep the focus on you.
Results you achieved – What happened? How did the event end? What
did you accomplish? What did you learn?
STAR in PracticeSTAR in Practice Situation (S/T): Advertising revenue was falling off
for my college newspaper and large numbers of long-term advertisers were not renewing contracts.
Action (A): I designed a new promotional packet to go with the rate sheet and compared the benefits of Reporter circulation with other ad media in the area. I also set-up a special training session for the account executives with a School of Business Administration professor who discussed competitive selling strategies.
Result (R): We signed contracts with 15 former advertisers for daily ads and five for special supplements. We increased our new advertisers by 20 percent [quantities are always good] over the same period last year.
Classic Questions – GeneralClassic Questions – General What did you choose …? Why are you interested in marketing/ brand
management/ product management? Why do you think marketing (etc.) is a good fit
for you? Why are you interested in our company? What
do you know about it? What would you contribute to our organization?
Why should we hire you? What personal or professional abilities are you
most proud of?
Classic Questions – GeneralClassic Questions – General
What is your most significant professional accomplishment?
Describe 1-2 of your most important personal accomplishments. Discuss the hurdles that made them challenging.
How do your co-workers/friends/study group members describe you?
Classic Questions – Classic Questions – Communication & PersuasionCommunication & Persuasion
Give an example of a situation where you had to persuade a person of a different point of view to agree with an issue
Describe a time when you had to use several approaches to persuade someone about an issue
Classic Questions – LeadershipClassic Questions – Leadership
Describe a situation in which you had a conflict w/ another person and how you resolved it.
Give an example of when you successfully supervised a diverse group of people towards a difficult goal. What skills did you use? What did you learn?
Describe a situation when you had to give negative feedback to a co-worker or team member.
All of us have been in situations where we assigned work to other people and they didn’t follow through. Tell me about a situation like that, why it happened, how you handled it and what you learned.
Classic Questions – TeamworkClassic Questions – Teamwork
Give an example of how you dealt with a bad team situation.
Describe a situation when you were able to build team spirit in a time of low morale.
Tell me about the toughest group you ever had to work with. What made the group so tough? What did you do?
Classic Questions – Decision Classic Questions – Decision MakingMaking
What’s the most difficult decision you’ve ever made? What were the consequences? What did you learn?
Describe a situation when you had to make a decision without all the information at hand.
Classic Questions – IntegrityClassic Questions – Integrity
Describe an ethical dilemma which you’ve had to face during your career. How did you resolve the issue?
Describe your character.
Have you ever been asked to do something that wasn’t right? What did you do?
Classic Questions – The CompanyClassic Questions – The Company
What are our brands? What is your favorite product in our line and why?
What have you learned about our organization?
What questions do you have about our company?
What is the most important thing you would look for in an employer?
Classic Questions – CreativityClassic Questions – Creativity
Give me an example of a time when you had to use creativity to solve a problem.
Describe a situation in which you developed a unique solution to a problem.
Give me an example of some new ideas you’ve had recently.
Describe yourself as a brand.
Classic Questions – Analytical Classic Questions – Analytical ThinkingThinking
Walk me through a situation in which you had to research and analyze the results for one of your projects.
Tell me about a project where you had to do a lot of numerical or financial analysis.
Tell me about a project that best demonstrates your analytical skills.
Classic Questions – MarketingClassic Questions – Marketing
What’s the best commercial you’ve seen in the last few months and why? Do you believe it’s effective? Tell me about an ineffective commercial. Why is it ineffective?
Name some of the most recent new products launched by a consumer products company in the last six months. Which one impressed you? Why? Do you believe it will be successful in the marketplace?
How would you describe the personality of Brand X? What is a brand to you? Why does it matter? Here is a print ad. Please evaluate it for me.
Yet More QuestionsYet More Questions
What are the attributes of a successful marketing campaign?
Give me a specific example of a time you solved a problem creatively?
How do you motivate others, particularly those over whom you have no direct authority?
Give an example of an innovative solution to a business problem.
Pretend today is your first day at work as a brand manager for Brand X. What are the ten most important questions you would ask.
Give me a 30-second commercial about yourself.
Despite all the practice, however, always anticipate questions you did not expect to be asked. Such questions help to demonstrate your adaptability and ability to think on the spot.
Uncomfortable QuestionsUncomfortable Questions
Age/date of birth/Marital status
Parental status Religion Mental health issues Race/ethnicity Impairments or
disabilities irrelevant to the position
What is the Proper Response for What is the Proper Response for questions that are uncomfortable ones..questions that are uncomfortable ones..
AnswerRefuse to answerExamine the interviewer’s intent:
– Ignorance/Innocence: answer in brief or ignore the question altogether and redirect the discussion to a new topic
– Blatant discrimination: you have every right to terminate the interview
Prepare two or three questions to ask the interviewer. The questions should seek some specific information about the responsibilities of the job, future projects, and organizational structure.
Questions to AskQuestions to Ask “What are the three most important attributes for
success in this position?” “What are the opportunities for growth and
advancement for this position?” “How is your company responding to competition in
the _____ area?” “What is the anticipated company growth rate over the
next three years?” “What do you like most about working for this
company?” “When can I expect to hear from you regarding your
hiring decision?”
Last Impression Closing Last Impression Closing Comments and QuestionsComments and Questions
Any information you need to make an informed decision should be solicited at the end of the interview. An applicant without questions is an applicant without interest in the firm. What are the opportunities for training and advancement? What is the next step in the process, and when should you expect to hear from the company? Information flow is two-way, and you are assessing the company while they are assessing you.
This is not the time to talk about compensation or benefits; that discussion should be saved for the personnel representatives at the hiring facility. General information in this area should be sufficient for now, and is probably on file in the company's campus binder.
Here are some key questions you can ask during an interview:
* What are the day-to-day responsibilities of the person in this position?
* Why is this position open?
* What is the career path for this position in this company?
* Where does this position fit into the overall organizational structure of the company?
* Are there important changes such as expansion of products or services, which will affect my position?
* Are the procedures of the position completely developed or is a person encouraged to contribute innovative new ideas?
Closing the InterviewClosing the Interview
Closing– Reiterate why you are the best candidate– Re-assert interest– Recovery
Thank each interviewer by nameRequest business cards or contact
information of all interviewers
Last, Last Impression The Thank-You Letter
Considering the OfferConsidering the Offer
Personal/environmental fit?Financial compensation?Job responsibilities?Time considerations?Organizational culture?Location and amenities?Additional considerations?
NegotiatingNegotiating
Research (i.e., your worth, the industry, the market, opportunity for increase)
Calculate the worth of the entire package (benefits & perks)
Calculate cost-of-living factors (i.e., commute, housing)
Be realistic about expectations!
If You Don’t Get the Offer…If You Don’t Get the Offer…
Analyze your interview performanceAsk for feedback from interviewerContinue to enhance your interviewing
skillsDo not burn bridges (express
appreciation and continued interest in future positions)
Stay positive!
Get Ready for the Next Interview, the Next Challenge
