Understanding the Recruiting Process: Techniques for Success

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Actual Job Interviews!

• “Wore a walkman and said she could listen to me and the music at the same time.”

• “Asked to see my resume to see if I (the executive) was qualified to judge him as a candidate.”

• “Said he was so well qualified that if he didn’t get the job, it would prove that the company’s management was incompetent.”

• “Announced she hadn’t had lunch and proceeded to eat a hamburger and fries in my office.”

• “Took a Polaroid photo of me and said that he takes a picture of all interviewers for his collection.”

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Typical Interview Process

• Initial on-campus interview(s)• Site interview/Office Visit• Job offer decision made by company• Job accept/reject decision made by candidate

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Preparing for the Interview

• Know yourself and your resume• Research the field/employer/position• Practice answering questions out loud• Know the interview process• Prepare questions

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Typical Interview Structure

• Ice Breaker “Small Talk”/Introductions• Description of interview format• Employer Assessment/Questions• Candidate Q&A• Closing/Next Steps• Follow-Up

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During the Interview

• Follow appropriate etiquette• Watch your style/presentation• Communicate knowledgeably/positively• Be yourself• Prepare a game plan and know what you want to

highlight about yourself• Keep to the point• Remember you are always being assessed• Do not expect an offer on the spot• Close on an upbeat note

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Types of Interviews

• Informational• Traditional/Resume-based• Behavioral/Directed• Case

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Traditional/Resume-Based Interviews

• “Tell me about yourself…”• Decisions: school, major, field of interest• Academics: grades as indicator of ability• Extracurricular: roles, what you learned• Strengths/Weaknesses/Goals• Previous employment• Knowledge of company/position

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Behavioral Interviews

• Know specific examples of when you demonstrated your strengths

• Be prepared to tell “stories”• Listen carefully to each question - don’t rush• Give specific responses highlighting your role - avoid using

“we”• Avoid extremely personal examples• Answer what is asked, not what you rehearsed• Interviewer really gets to know you• Provides interviewer with concrete, consistent and objective

information

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Candidate - Questions to Ask

• Company culture• Commitment to employee development• Career progression• Company’s strategic direction• Professional concerns

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Candidate - Questions Not to Ask

• Salary and benefits related questions• “What are my chances?”• “What do you look for?”• “How did I do?”

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Site Interview/Office Visit

• Interview(s) at company site• Opportunity to see office environment and

gauge company culture• Interact with other students• Learn about roles and responsibilities of a

new hire in order to make a good decision• Learn about benefits and ask questions• Do not expect an offer on the spot

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After the Interview or Office Visit

• Document/Evaluate the interview• Send thank you letter• Follow-up /Keep in touch• Continue your job search

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Reasons People Are Not Hired

• Lack of career focus/goals• Lack of interest or enthusiasm• Improper appearance• Overly aggressive, conceited• Poor communication skills (grammar, diction)• No self-confidence• Overemphasis on money• Poor scholastic record• Expecting too much too soon• Failure to prepare

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Making Your Decision

• Identify factors that are important to you and rank them

• Evaluate the pros/cons of each offer• How does offer fit into your short-term and

long-term goals?• Ask additional questions• Do not feel locked in forever• Offers are confidential!

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Multiple Offers

• You do not have to say “yes” to an offer immediately

• Wait to receive offer in writing• Contact employers in whom you still have an

interest• Make your decision based on the factors that

are most important to you

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Accepting

• DO– call your primary contact– be enthusiastic– negotiate, if appropriate– complete all required

paperwork on time– make sure you

understand the offer– complete any surveys– write thank you notes

and notify companies with outstanding offers

• DON’T– keep interviewing after

you have accepted– let anyone try to change

your mind after you have accepted

– renege

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Declining

• DO– call your primary

contact on time

– be honest regarding your reasons

– be firm

– complete all surveys

– send thank you notes

• DON’T– let anyone change

your mind after you have made your decision

– say your decision was based on a “gut” feeling

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Questions

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