impressive interviewing
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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!
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!!!