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Effective Tips for Interviewing Miriam Lamb Human Resources Foothill-De Anza CCD 1

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Page 1: Effective Interviewing Opening Day 09 16 10

Effective Tips for Interviewing

Miriam LambHuman Resources

Foothill-De Anza CCD

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Purpose of an Interview

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For The Candidate, The Interview Is Used To…

• Demonstrate strong communication and interpersonal skills.

• Expand upon relevant information in one’s resume.

• Gather additional information about the organization.

• Get a feel for whether or not this employment opportunity is a good match.

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The Employer Uses the Interview To…

• Evaluate your ability to express yourself.

• Share additional information about the organization.

• Gain further information about your skills, related experience or knowledge.

• Learn about your interest in the organization and the position.

• Determine if you are a good match – Do you fit?

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Interview Preparation

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Learn As Much As You Can About the Employer

• Approximate number of employees• Products and/or services• Types of clients• Growth and financial stability• Competition• Mission/values/vision statements• Typical career path

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General Preparation

• Research the job and company.• Review the job requirements.• Know your résumé.• Know where you are going.• Be prepared to give behavioral based examples.• Anticipate questions.• Be prepared to sell yourself!

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Types of Interviews

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Different Types Of InterviewsCampus Campus Interviews Interviews (FHDA)(FHDA)

Informational or Informational or NetworkingNetworkingA technique used to gather A technique used to gather information about a job, a information about a job, a career field or industry. Not career field or industry. Not for the purpose of asking for for the purpose of asking for a job. a job.

PhonePhoneUsed to determine if you Used to determine if you meet the minimum meet the minimum qualifications for the job. Can qualifications for the job. Can be conducted by an individual be conducted by an individual or a group, by phone and or a group, by phone and sometimes by video. sometimes by video.

ScreeningScreeningA first round interview typical A first round interview typical of those one might have at a of those one might have at a job fair. Usually 30 – 45 job fair. Usually 30 – 45 minutes, the same questions minutes, the same questions are asked of each candidate. are asked of each candidate.

Selection Selection (Second)(Second)You’ve made the initial cut You’ve made the initial cut and are invited onsite to see and are invited onsite to see the setting and meet the setting and meet potential coworkers. Often a potential coworkers. Often a half or full day. Travel may half or full day. Travel may be involved.be involved.

BehavioralBehavioralA technique based on the A technique based on the premise that one’s future premise that one’s future performance can be predicted performance can be predicted by exploring past by exploring past performance in similar performance in similar situations. situations.

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Interviewing at FHDA

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Interview Format

• All interviews at FHDA are conducted by a panel interview for all permanent positions.

• An EO rep will be present at all interviews and for unionized positions, a union rep will be present.

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Types of Questions Asked

• In general, committees at FHDA ask a variety of interview questions such as:

• General• Hypothetical• Diversity• “How to”• Behavioral• You may also be asked to conduct a presentation

or do a written exercise.

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The Diversity Question• Determine how you can contribute to FHDA’s mission to diversity.• What leadership style would you exhibit which is indicative of your

commitment to diversity?• Have you altered your work style in diverse situations?• How have you fostered diversity?• How have you furthered your knowledge about diversity?• Think of how your experiences with diversity (gender, race, ethnicity,

socioeconomic, religious, sexual orientation, disability) are related to the core competencies of the position.

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Etiquette

• Answer the “tell me about yourself” question as if you don’t know the committee.

• Research the department and job for which you are applying.

• You can send a thank you note, but not any extraneous application materials.

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Informational Interviews

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Tips for Informational Interviews• Gain first handed information on a career field.

• Identify people doing jobs you might like to do.• Call and request 20 – 30 minutes of their time.• Prepare questions ahead of time.• Only take the amount of time that was agreed to

upfront.• Don’t ask for employment.• Ask if you can include them in your network and contact

them again when you are ready to start a search. • Write a thank you note!

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Suggested Informational Interview Questions

Could you describe a Could you describe a typical work day? Are typical work day? Are there seasonal fluctuations there seasonal fluctuations in this work?in this work?

What skills do you use on a What skills do you use on a day-to-day basis?day-to-day basis?

What parts of the job do What parts of the job do you find most challenging? you find most challenging? Most enjoyable?Most enjoyable?

How would you describe How would you describe the organizational culture?the organizational culture?

What future developments What future developments could affect opportunities could affect opportunities in this field?in this field?

Why do people leave this Why do people leave this field or company?field or company?

What would be a What would be a reasonable salary range to reasonable salary range to expect if I entered this expect if I entered this field? What is the long field? What is the long term salary potential?term salary potential?

What is the typical career What is the typical career path for people in this path for people in this field?field?

What education and What education and training would you training would you recommend for someone recommend for someone wanting to advance in this wanting to advance in this field?field?

What qualifications do you What qualifications do you seek in a new employee?seek in a new employee?

How does your company How does your company compare with others in the compare with others in the industry?industry?

Would the work involve any Would the work involve any lifestyle changes, such as lifestyle changes, such as frequent travel?frequent travel?

What are the professional What are the professional journals or organizations of journals or organizations of which I should be aware?which I should be aware?

Are there other Are there other professionals in this field professionals in this field with whom I should speak? with whom I should speak? When I call, may I use your When I call, may I use your name?name?

Is there anything else you Is there anything else you think I need to know?think I need to know?

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Phone Interviews

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Tips For Phone Interviews

• Set up a quiet area and have everything you need. • Don’t script your answers ahead of time, but outline the key

points you want to make. • Put yourself in an interview frame of mind. • Smile when you respond to questions.• In the absence of nonverbal cues, test whether you’ve

answered the question. • Do your research on the web or request information ahead of

time. • Be prepared to ask 2-3 questions about the organization or

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Screening Interviews

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Screening Interviews

Introduction - Icebreaker period Body - Interviewers will request specific information about skills, knowledge, abilities and attitudes. The Close - Summarize your understanding of the position and why you would be a good fit. Express you sincere interest. At the conclusion, make sure you know the next step.

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Selection Interviews

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Selection Interviews

Before you goBefore you go coordinate your travel coordinate your travel plans with the plans with the designated contact.designated contact.

Know what the terms Know what the terms are about who pays. If are about who pays. If you pay upfront, know you pay upfront, know thethe

reimbursement policy.reimbursement policy.

Ask for an agenda Ask for an agenda ahead of your visit. ahead of your visit. You want to know how You want to know how your day will be your day will be structured.structured.

Know all you can Know all you can about the organization about the organization via web, library via web, library research, and read the research, and read the company’s literature.company’s literature.

Travel Travel light. Carry on light. Carry on your interview your interview apparel, if possible. apparel, if possible. You don’t want your You don’t want your suit ending up in suit ending up in another city.another city.

Try to plan an early Try to plan an early arrival so you have a arrival so you have a chance to do a drive chance to do a drive by and get your by and get your bearings.bearings.

Find out where the Find out where the site is in relation to site is in relation to where you are staying. where you are staying. Note nearest parking. Note nearest parking.

Get a good night’s Get a good night’s sleep, be rested so sleep, be rested so you have energy for a you have energy for a full day. Have full day. Have something to eat prior something to eat prior to going.to going.

During the During the interview,interview, arrive 15 arrive 15 minutes early. Be minutes early. Be pleasant with pleasant with everyone you meet.everyone you meet.

Appear enthusiastic, Appear enthusiastic, ask questions.ask questions.

Salary really shouldn’t Salary really shouldn’t come up, but be come up, but be prepared if it does. prepared if it does. Know your worth.Know your worth.

Make sure you know Make sure you know the next step. When the next step. When will you hear? Restate will you hear? Restate your interest.your interest.

Upon your returnUpon your return complete any expense complete any expense reports promptly.reports promptly.

Write a thank you note Write a thank you note to everyone with to everyone with whom you spent whom you spent significant time.significant time.

Follow up and restate Follow up and restate your interest if you your interest if you haven’t heard by the haven’t heard by the deadline.deadline.

Write thank you Write thank you notes…notes…

Was that mentioned Was that mentioned already?already?

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Behavioral Interviews

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Behavioral Interviewing

The premise: The most accurate predictor of future performance is past performance in a similar situation.

The interviewer will be probing to determine if you have the key competencies identified for the position.

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Sample Behavioral Questions

Describe a situation in which you were able to Describe a situation in which you were able to use persuasion to successfully convince use persuasion to successfully convince someone to see things your way.someone to see things your way.

Tell me about something for which you recently Tell me about something for which you recently took responsibility that was outside your job took responsibility that was outside your job description.description.

Describe an instance when you had to think on Describe an instance when you had to think on your feet to extricate yourself from a difficult your feet to extricate yourself from a difficult situation.situation.

Give me a specific example of a time when you Give me a specific example of a time when you used good judgment and logic in solving a used good judgment and logic in solving a problem.problem.

By providing examples, convince me that you By providing examples, convince me that you can adapt to a wide variety of people, situations can adapt to a wide variety of people, situations and environments.and environments.

Give me an example of a recent successful Give me an example of a recent successful teamwork experience.teamwork experience.

Describe the most significant or creative Describe the most significant or creative presentation which you have had to complete.presentation which you have had to complete.

Tell me about how you addressed a conflict with Tell me about how you addressed a conflict with a coworker. a coworker.

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What are they really asking?

Tell me about yourself.Be ready for this one because it will come in one form or another. This open-ended question is often asked at the beginning to break the ice. Keep your response related to the job.

What are your greatest strengths?You should be able to come up with these fairly easy. Choose 2-3 strengths that relate to the position. “I am very persistent and don’t give up easily. Given the research nature of this position, you’ll be able to count on my tenacity to help us get reliable data to use in our decision making.”

What is your greatest weakness?Try to avoid choosing a trait that directly relates to the job. If you tell them you tend to procrastinate then you’re giving them a good reason not to hire you.

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Interview Structure

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Parts of an Interview

• Greetings and small talk.• Interviewer gives details of the

position/organization.• Interviewer asks you questions.• You ask the interviewer questions.• Closing: the next steps.

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Types of Interview Questions

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Types of Interview Questions

1. Direct2. Non-direct3. Behavioral4. Hypothetical

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Direct Interview Questions

• These types of questions predetermine the focus of your answer. e.g. “What skills do you have that relate to this position.”

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Non-Direct Interview Questions

• Non-direct questions are general and do not ask for specific information. e.g. “Tell us a bit about yourself.” You determine the focus of your answer.

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Behavioral Interview Questions

• Behavioral questions offer the opportunity to provide examples of past performance that may help determine future performance.

• Interviewers are asking what you did in a particular situation rather than what you would do.

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Hypothetical Questions

• These questions use a problem solving approach to determine your analytical skills and critical thinking abilities.

• These “what if” questions are presented in the form of case examples or problem situations.

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Illegal Questions

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What Shouldn’t be Asked

If asked an illegal question- one related to age, national origin/citizenship,marital/family status, social affiliations, disabilities, or militaryservices, then you have three choices:

You are free to answer the question but you may be giving information that could harm your candidacy.

You can refuse to answer an illegal question – that is within your rights.

If your response is tactful you might be okay. If you appear confrontational or uncooperative that could prove to be a problem. Two responses:

“Hey, you can’t ask that. That’s an illegal question!”

“If you can explain how that relates to the job duties I would be happy to answer the question.”

Examine the question for its intent and respond with an answer that might relate to the job. Example:

Q: You look rather slight of build. How tall are you and how much do you weigh?

A: If you are concerned about me being able to lift 40 lbs. repeatedly throughout the day, you need not worry. I lift weights on a regular basis and my physical endurance is exceptional.

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After The Interview…

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After The Interview

• Inquire about the next step.• Close with a smile and handshake.• Send a thank you note to everyone with

whom your interviewed.• Make sure you have an appropriate outgoing

voicemail message and good system for receiving messages.

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Questions YOU Ask

Would you Would you describe an describe an average day average day on the job?on the job?

What caused this What caused this position to come position to come

open?open?

Who would be my Who would be my immediate immediate

supervisor? Who supervisor? Who would I supervise?would I supervise?

Would you like Would you like to hear about…?to hear about…?

(An important (An important quality or quality or

experience)experience)

What kinds of training What kinds of training and mentoring are and mentoring are

available to new hires?available to new hires?

Can you give Can you give me examples me examples

of projects of projects on which I on which I would be would be working?working?

Please describe the Please describe the advancement advancement

opportunities that opportunities that might be available might be available to me. What is the to me. What is the typical timeframe typical timeframe

for these for these advancements?advancements?

How has the How has the company changed in company changed in

the last 10 years?the last 10 years?What growth areas What growth areas

are expected?are expected?

Is there anything Is there anything I have spoken I have spoken

about today that about today that needs needs

clarification, or clarification, or more detail?more detail?

When will you be When will you be making your hiring making your hiring

decision? decision? May I call you?May I call you?

Candidates are usually given opportunities to ask questions after the interview. Be prepared. Demonstrate your research about the organization. Consider some of these Qs:

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Be Thankful

Stand out from the pack - take the time to write a thank you note to all of the people who spent significant time with you during the interview process. Where do your notes end up? Letters are often channeled to the HR Office.

HINTS:

Letters may be handwritten – IF you write legibly.

Pick business conservative note cards – avoid kittens and bunnies.

Dear Mr. Peabody –

I truly appreciate the time you spent with me during my interview on Tuesday. It was helpful to hear your perspective on the future of the company and the promising developments coming from R & D. “X” Company is clearly on the move and I would love to be part of this dynamic organization.

Please be aware of my continued interest in the management training program. I look forward to hearing from you soon.

Sincerely,Abby Applicant

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Salary Negotiation

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“And what kind of salary did you have in mind?”

ADVICE

• Do your research

• Give a range and then be prepared to live with the lowest end of the range

• Think you should start at the high end?

POSSIBLE RESPONSES

“I’ve investigated salaries for similar positions in this geographic region and learned that an “X” earn in the range of$28,000 to $32,000.

“I would like to start in the low $30s.”

“My year as an X at XYZ gives me a headstart in the industry. I had an opportunityto participate on a work team…”

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Keep These In Your Back Pocket

Have a ten-second pitch you would give someone that essentially says, “I

HAVE THIS and I WANT THIS.” Be prepared to give your pitch

any time, anywhere.

“Hello. My name is Susan Jones. I have a degree in Sociology and practicum experience with teen addiction programs. I am seeking a position with a youth offender program, one with an emphasis in job skills training.

When you’re asked, “Tell me a little about yourself,” have a 30-second

commercial prepared:“I’ve always been interested in computers. Throughout high school and college I worked as a computer lab tutor. It was a natural step for me to declare computer science as a major. In my first summer after starting college I was employed by the University to assist in a major systems upgrade. After that summer I was given increasingly responsible tasks that culminated in my being assigned as a project leader this past summer. My immediate career goal is to become a systems analyst and working for a state or federal agency is the desired target.

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First Impressions Count

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Successful Interviewing Skills

• Making the Best Impression• Be on Time• Professional dress• Good Eye contact • Smile• Avoid Fidgeting

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Interview Fashion Tips

For Men Traditional business attire means a dark

conservative suit and a long-sleeved white shirt.

Ties should be silk. Also conservative choice – not the time to prove your individualism.

If you wear an earring, consider leaving it at home.

Make sure to polish your dress shoes. Consider the condition of your hands

and fingernails – Is it time for a manicure?

Facial hair should be kept neat and trimmed.

Go easy on the cologne.

For Women Traditional business attire is a

conservative suit or dress. Do keep your midriff covered. Conservative dress is the key. Avoid wearing jewelry and makeup

that is showy or distracting. That is true for excessively long fingernails.

Go easy on the cologne. Hair should be clean and neatly

groomed. Shoes polished and coordinated with

your suit.

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Selling Yourself With a Portfolio

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Job Search Portfolio

Benefits for a Job Search

Demonstrates a high level of preparation for an interview

Demonstrates your experiences, skills and abilities in a visual way - Validates what you say about yourself

Helps interviewers remember your application

The actual process of preparing a portfolio helps us to recall our skills and abilities

It Should

Look professional

Reflect an individual’s actual skills

Support information in your resume

Be occupationally focused

Be easy to update

Be easy to review quickly

Be able to stand alone without explanation

Why Develop a Portfolio? To market capabilities in job interviews

To negotiate promotions and raises

To apply for bonuses, scholarships or grants

To document the quality of your professional development

To demonstrate prior learning experiences for educational credit

A collection of materials that demonstrate skills, knowledge and experiences

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If You Bring Your Portfolio to the Interview

• The interviewer leads the interview, the candidate follows.

• Avoid forcing the portfolio into the discussion.• If you get the nod, pull out your file. • Don’t be discouraged if they say no. There just

may not be enough time. • You can prepare high quality copies to leave –

Never leave your original portfolio.

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General Interview Reminders

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Things To Keep in Mind

Say what you Say what you CAN do, CAN do,

not what you cannotnot what you cannot

Mention your Mention your accomplishments – no accomplishments – no

one else is going toone else is going to

Strengthen your Strengthen your answers by giving answers by giving

examplesexamples

Focus answers on how Focus answers on how the employer can the employer can

benefit, not on why benefit, not on why this will be good for this will be good for

youyou

Bring extra copies of Bring extra copies of your resume and your resume and

distribute as distribute as appropriateappropriate

Don’t be afraid of an Don’t be afraid of an awkward silent awkward silent

moment –Take this moment –Take this opportunity to say,opportunity to say,

“ “Would this be a good Would this be a good time for me to discuss time for me to discuss

X… ?”X… ?”

Talk about half the Talk about half the time, listen about half time, listen about half

the timethe time

Prepare your questions Prepare your questions in advancein advance

PRACTICEPRACTICE PRACTICE Practice in front of someone

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Your smile? Your interest and enthusiasm?

Your firm handshake and direct eye contact?

Your confidence?

Delivering the Message

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Interviewing ResourcesNETWORKING• http://www.linkedin.com/COMPANY SALARIES AND REVIEWS• www.glassdoor.comGENERAL RESOURCES• http://www.quintcareers.com/intvres.html• http://jobsearchtech.about.com/od/interview/l/aatp_interview.htm• http://www.rileyguide.com/interview.html• http://career-advice.monster.com/job-interview/careers.aspxSAMPLE INTERVIEW QUESTIONS• http://www.shrm.org/TemplatesTools/Samples/InterviewQuestions/Pages/default.aspx• http://www.quintcareers.com/interview_question_database/SALARY INFORMATION• http://www.rileyguide.com/salguides.html• http://salary.com/

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