job search interviewing techniques

Job SearchInterviewingTechniques

Interview PurposeExchange information with employer:

Obtain information about the position and the employer.

Assess the fit between your goals, values and needs and the position and employer.

Sell your interests, skills and abilities for the job.

Above all, answer thisCan you do the job:Skills & Interests Do you fit in: PersonalityCan you be counted on: Reliability/Goals

Explore your interest in the organization - Do I want to work there? Helps you ask and answer interview questions

Why Research?

About YOURSELF About the POSITION About the ORGANIZATION

Research Information

Self-assessment and reflection Organizations website Internet searches Annual reports/marketing materials Libraries Newspapers, magazines Networking contacts

Where is the Information?

Interview TypesIN PERSON: ON CAMPUS or AT THE BUSINESS

TELEPHONE: CALL FOR AN APPOINTMENT; SCREENING

VIDEO CONFERENCING: STILL RARE BUT

Prepare for Interview QuestionsOnce you have done your research, the next step in preparation is practice!Think ahead about what questions the employer may have for youStructure your responses to provide information showing your research and giving examples of your accomplishments

Interview AnswersAnswer questions using the PAR Model

State the Problem for which you were responsibleState what Action you took to solve the problemor complete the taskState the Results of your actions

Focus on results (accomplishments):Be specificUse numbers, statistics, and percentagesTell powerful results:Awarded Employee of the Month for improving morale Streamlined operationsCut costs by 20%Increased sales from $100k to $500kImproved productivity

Start a BRAG FILE to collect accomplishments

How would others, especially former co-workers and supervisors, describe you?

Sample Question

Interview AnswersACTION TIME - Share with person sitting next to you

State a Problem for which you were responsibleState what Action you took to solve the problem or complete the taskState the Results of your actions

Make lists of FAQs ID most dreaded questions Develop PAR answersMock Interviews

Creating a Personal PitchIntroduces yourselfIncludes who you are in terms of education, roles, and work situationHighlights strengthsExplains what you are looking for (i.e., this job)

Personal Pitch PointsTell me about yourself.Who are you?Where are you headed?Why are you going there?What is unique about you?

Personal Pitch PracticeSpend 2 minutes writing an outline of the answerPair off and practice answering this question

Why should we hire you?Summarize your experienceAddress key points that match job requirementsThe Menu Option: I have a, b, and c skills. Which would you like to hear about?Common Questions

Tell me about your last job.Be honestNo negativityIf no problems, brag Did you have problems at your last job?

Common Questions

Where do you see yourself in three years?Demonstrate ambition and flexibilityTell about commitment to your occupation or the industry

Why do you want to work HERE?What do you know about us?How will you benefit the company?Demonstrate your interest in the companyExplain what you can contributeShare what you learned about the company/industry from research

Common Questions

What are your pay needs?

Know the going rateKnow what you are worthKnow your personal bottom lineAsk rather than answer, if possibleIf you must, keep it in a range

Common Questions

Interview HazardsSome questions may be unethical or illegal Interviewers must address your skills and experience Questions cant relate to age, marital status, disability, sexual orientation, national origin, race or religion.

If questions are unclear , its ok to ask for clarification

Some interviewers may not be good at interviewing: Stay focused on sharing relevant information Stay positive; maintain eye contact and smile

An interview is a conversationPrepare 5-6 questions aheadOK to ask even if you think you know answers

Also Ask Questions !

Questions You Can Ask May I see a copy of the job description? What is a typical day like for this position? Why has the job become available? Is there any information you need that will help you make a good hiring decision? What is the next step? When will you be making your decision?

Dont interrogate the interviewerDont ask about salary, stock options, vacation, coffee breaks, holiday schedule or benefitsyou should know that already.Dont ask questions that have already been answered in the interview, just for the sake of asking something

Questions a few cautions

Before the Interview Map out location on Google Arrive early and go alone! Leave CELL PHONE in your car or make sure you turn it OFF Have copies of relevant documents with you Be courteous to everyone you meet. Everyone!

DONTBELATE!

Check your attitude and use your best manners:Remain poised and relaxedMinimize distracting body languageSMILE; Convey enthusiasmSpeak clearly - not too fast or slowShake hands confidentlyLook at all interviewers in the eyeListen carefully to the questionSit up and lean forwardEstablishing Rapport

Interview GroomingPolished dress shoes no open toed shoesWell pressed clothesGroomed hairstyle freshly cut or styledCleaned and trimmed fingernails Minimal cologne or perfume: No body odor! Shower!No visible piercing beyond conservative earringsWell-brushed teeth and fresh breath No gum, candy, or other objects in your mouth Minimal jewelry no heavy chainsIf you smokeDONT prior to the interview.

Closing the Deal

Thank You

I Want the Job!

Ask permission first Bring your list Stay in contact & coach them Make sure they will be available

Your References

Stand out from your competition

Courteous gesture = good manners

Another chance to remind who you are and what you can do for the employer

Thank You Letter

Short and to the point

Separate letters should be addressed to each person met at the interview

Tailor letters for each interview rather than using a form letter

Hand-written or business letter?Tips For Thank You Letters

Mention when and why you met. Include a brief statement of what you gained from the meeting.

Remind about a strength you bring to the job, and add anything else that sells you for the job.

Confirm your interest in the job.What to write about

Take a moment to reflectWhat will you do next? Write down a few action stepsCommunicate your action steps to an advisor/mentor

Thank you for attending!!Your Next Steps

In three small groups, give each group one of the above categories to brainstrom. Then each group reports their findings and are written on the board. This becomes the groups homework, to research these items.Review the companys website.Search websites for recent articles or other news items. Call the marketing department (or receptionist for smaller companies) and request a copy of the annual report or any marketing brochures, company literatureNetworking: Anyone might have information about the company. Review your list of networking contacts and ask everyone if they know anyone that works there or has done business (as a vendor or client) with the company.Practice: Answer this question using the STAR formatPartner with a neighbor and practice asking and answering this question with each other

1. FAQs--frequently asked questionsavailable all over the internet and in booksThey will probably ask about what you dont want to talk about, so be prepared4. 2:1 means -- Do two mock interviews for every real interview

Your personal pitch allows you to save time because you are not reinventing what you are saying each time you introduce yourself.

Dont include extra information that is negative or anything that doesnt relate to your goal.

It should only be a minute or two in length. Practice your personal pitch so that it comes naturally to you.Your personal pitch allows you to save time because you are not reinventing what you are saying each time you introduce yourself.

Dont include extra information that is negative or anything that doesnt relate to your goal.

It should only be a minute or two in length. Practice your personal pitch so that it comes naturally to you.Your personal pitch allows you to save time because you are not reinventing what you are saying each time you introduce yourself.

Dont include extra information that is negative or anything that doesnt relate to your goal.

It should only be a minute or two in length. Practice your personal pitch so that it comes naturally to you.ProblemsAccept responsibility and how you learned from your mistakesNo ProblemsRelocated away from job, laid off, no possibility of advancement, wanted a better job to suit my skills.Demonstrate why you are a solid, reliable candidate

Instead of answering, ask: Could you tell me the range you have in mind for this job?Interview is not interrogation, not all one wayso ask!OK to write down your questions and look at them for best ones to askArrive in the vicinity early and go to a nearby bookstore, etc. to relax. Bring $ for meters or to pay an attendant to park. Know where you are going in advance and how you will get there.Always ask permission to use someone as a reference prior to doing so. You should be able to tell from the