interviewing techniques

INTERVIEWING TECHNIQUES

Presented by:

Career Resource CenterUniversity of Florida

CAREER WORKSHOP SERIES

• Examine the basic components of the interview process

• Explore pre-interview preparation activities• Learn tips for successful interviewing• Identify post-interview follow-up activity


Learning Objectives

• Two-way communication process– Convey your abilities and skills– Collect more information about the employer

• Remember-- this is a two-way process. You are interviewing the company too!


Purpose of an Interview

• Analyze your– Strengths and weaknesses– Career vs. personal goals– Personal background– Academic preparation– Work and leadership experience– Talents and hobbies– Other skills


Preparing for Your Interview

• Know what YOU want• Research the employer

– The competition and the industry– Salary information– Products and services– Training programs– Organizational structure and locations– Growth and problems


Things to Know Before the Interview

• Be on time….be EARLY• First impressions count• Be prepared• Be yourself• Be positive• Be honest• Understand how you handle stress


Make the Interview Work for You

• Professional behavior with support staff• Forms of address• Firm handshake• Maximize use of body language and tone of voice• Dress for success• Supplemental materials


General Interview Etiquette

• Dress conservatively, avoid fads• Attire

– Women: Skirt or pant suit– Men: Suit or sport-coat and tie

• Personal grooming– Conservative hairstyles– Avoid heavy perfumes or colognes

• Don’t smoke or chew gum• Be sure to check out our Dress for

Success Workshops


Dress For Success

• Personal Impressions– Appearance– Communication skills (Verbal and Non-Verbal)– Maturity and integrity

• Career Goals/Job Interests– Aptitudes and abilities– Initiative and adaptability

• Qualifications– Academic preparation, leadership and work experience– Skills, hobbies and talents


The Interviewer Looks for…

• Traditional Interview– Structured, formal meeting– Employer seeking detailed profile of experiences and

accomplishments

• Sample Questions– Tell me about yourself.– What are your strengths and weaknesses?– What are your short and long range goals?


Types of Interviews

• Behavioral Interview– Past behavior predicts future behavior– Questions designed to determine work related behavior

• STAR technique is the key to success– S What was the SITUATION you faced?– T What TASK were you assigned/assumed?– A What ACTION did you take?– R What was the RESULT?


Types of Interviews (cont.)

• Sample behavioral questions– “Describe the most pressured situation you have dealt with in the past

six months and how you handled it.”– “Describe a time when you included others in your decision making

and how you incorporated their input.”– “How have you used your knowledge of work with diverse people to

solve problems?”– “Tell me about a time when you were disappointed with the results of

your efforts.”



• Screening– Brief, 15-30 minutes– Ex: phone interviews, Career Showcase

• Group– Candidates are interviewed with other candidates– Employers looking at interpersonal skills of candidates

• Site Interview– Typically second or third interview– Candidate visits location of possible employment– Frequently all day long including meals



INTRODUCTION STAGE• Very brief• First impressions count• Biographical questions• Follow the interviewer’s lead


The Interview (Stage 1)

DISCUSSION STAGE• Expand resume information• Evaluating

– Communication skills– Problem solving abilities– Experience with diverse clients

• Matches the candidate with the job



CLOSING STAGE• Expand on any “missed items”• Ask interviewer questions• Inquire about decision timeline• Ask for business cards from recruiters• Exit gracefully- Last impressions count too!



• “How will my responsibilities be prioritized?”• “Please describe the training and evaluation process.”• “What are the opportunities for career advancement?”• “What plans/projects are being developed to increase….?”• “How does your company measure success?”• “What is the work atmosphere like at your company?”


Sample Questions for the Interviewer

• Critique – The company– Your performance

• Follow-up with any requested materials• Send thank you cards or emails• Attend the Job Search Correspondence Workshop• Attend the Negotiating Job Offers Workshop


Post-Interview Checklist


Interview Success Obstacles

• Late for interview• Poor appearance or demeanor• Ill-defined career direction• Inability to communicate• Insufficient knowledge of

company• Lack of enthusiasm• Over-qualified• Poor environmental fit


Legal / Illegal Interview Quiz

• How many years of experience do you have?– L: question directly relates to job qualifications

• What language is spoken in your home?– I: question has no bearing on work requirements

• Do you want to be addressed as Mrs., Miss or Ms?– I: question has no relevance to work performance

• Can you perform the essential functions of this job? If not, what reasonable accommodations do you need?– L: question directly relates to job performance

• Do you identify in any way other than heterosexual?– L: currently sexuality is not included in Title VII nationally

• Illegal topics include: Age, Marital status, Personal characteristics, Disabilities, and Health**Some EEO clauses also include sexual orientation**

• Not illegal if the question is related to the job you are seeking

• Three options– Answer the question– Refuse to answer the question– Examine the intent and respond to that

• Contact a CRC employee


Managing Illegal Questions

• Mock Interview Program

• Career Library

• www.crc.ufl.edu


Other Resources


Questions?

Thank YouFor attending this CRC Workshop!

If you are interested in attending other workshops or wouldlike to request slides or other information, please contact the CRC at

(352) 392-1601

interviewing techniques

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