InterviewingChirag TilaraDavid BarrymoreEdmond KwokJimmy Lau

AgendaPresentation GoalInterview: Definition, Objectives,

Types & MethodologiesExercises & DebriefingHR & Legal considerationsTips for successful interviewThings to avoidPanel interview & debriefingOn-line reference toolQ&A

Presentation Goal: PrimaryDevelop a general understanding

of job interview processLearn tips for turning a job

interview into a jobGain hands-on experience of job

interview via simulated exercises

Presentation Goal: SecondaryProvide the class with an on-line

reference tool – targeted to aid in preparing for the next job interview.

Interview Defined:DefinitionRole Preparation Process Controversies Validity and Predictive Power

Interview Types: Screening – Meeting minimum

requirementsInformational – Applying for a

position indirectlyBehavioral –Anticipate skills

expected and how addressed in pastPanel – Cross-sectional with

managers and peersElevator pitch – 30 seconds to

differentiate from the rest

Interview Methodologies:Find Common Ground

Two people looking for compatibility. Focus on Goal, Obstacle, Solution, Numbers.Conduct your interview in the same manner

that you conduct your work.Use the interview as an opportunity to

employer’s fears.

Interview Follow upThank your interviewer. Send a note no later

than the end of the day.

Additional tasks or references? Deliver them on time and in their entirety.

Let your references know to expect call from interviewer.

Exercise1: Elevator PitchConcise – 30~60 secondsClear – Easily understoodPowerful – Use strong action wordsVisual – Paint mental picturesTell a Story – Short story showing

strengthTargeted – Single audience focusGoal-oriented – Focus on specific

outcomeHook – Leave them wanting more

Exercise: Elevator Pitch..Example

“I have three years of market research experience with specific expertise in research design, construction of analytical models, and data analysis. While at my current company I developed a new online research methodology using Twitter and Facebook that was adopted by the entire division and saves the company an estimated $1 million annually. I graduated in 2005 from University of San Francisco as a joint marketing and econometrics major.”

Why is this a “STRONG” example? Provides useful detail about specific skills that may be

applicable to a targeted opportunity. Demonstrates job relevance, leadership, problem

solving, pedigree and impact. These are 5 of the 7 Elements of a Good Story.

Educational detail provides additional relevant detail related to core skill set required for the opportunity.

Elevator Pitch ExerciseTwo volunteers Prepare short elevator pitchPresent elevator pitch to classClass feedback

HR & Legal Considerations Federal Equal Employment Opportunity Laws.

◦ Civil Rights Act of 1964, Title VII◦ EPA◦ Age Discrimination in Employment Act (ADEA)◦ Pregnancy Discrimination Act◦ ADA – Titles I and Title V◦ Section 501 and 505 of the Rehabilitation Act of

1973◦ Immigration Reform and Control Act (IRCA) of 1986

What’s New◦ Genetic Information Non-Discrimination Act (GINA)

Tips for successful job interview:

Preparation

Objective

During the interview

Know your strengths

Know your weaknesses

Follow-up

Tips: Pre-interview preparationResearch organizationResearch positionKnow your interviewersPrepare required documentationPrepare for commonly asked

questionsPreparation

Objective

During the interview

Know your strengths

Know your weaknesses

Follow-up

Tips: Establish interview objectiveSell yourself using the strengths

and experience you possessKeep in mind the job

requirements and the organization’s need.

Preparation

Objective

During the interview

Know your strengths

Know your weaknesses

Follow-up

Tips: During the interviewFirst impressionInterview behavior

◦Confidence◦Body language◦Positive attitude

Organization of ideasPreparation

Objective

During the interview

Know your strengths

Know your weaknesses

Follow-up

Tips: Know your strengthsShowcase your strengths as they relate to

the jobIn case of behavioral questions, highlight

your strengths and experience in the form of response that follows:◦ STAR

Situation, Task, Action and Results

◦ SOARA Situation, Objective, Action, Results and AftermathPreparation

Objective

During the interview

Know your strengths

Know your weaknesses

Follow-up

Tips: Know your weaknessesQuestion to test your arrogance or

self awareness.Technique:

◦Avoid weakness not related to the job you are interviewing for

◦Admit to weakness but show what you are doing about it

Preparation

Objective

During the interview

Know your strengths

Know your weaknesses

Follow-up

Tips: Follow-up

Thank you note – opportunity to re-iterate interest

Mention anything important that you might have missed

Emphasize how you can make valuable contributions

Keep it comprehensiveSend it out on time

Preparation

Objective

During the interview

Know your strengths

Know your weaknesses

Follow-up

Things to avoid:

Poor handshakeTalking too muchTalking negatively about current

or past employers/managersShowing up late or too earlyTreating the receptionist rudely Giving vague answers

Things to avoid:

Asking about benefits, vacation time or salary

Not preparing for the interview Verbal ticksNot enough/too much eye contact Failure to match communication

styles

Exercise1I: Panel InterviewTwo volunteers30 seconds to prepare responsesCome to front for panel interviewInterviewClass feedback

On-line reference tool:How to gain admission to online

resourcesQuick review of resource contentAddress audience questions on

use of tool

Q & A

Thank You