Bringing Life to Your Interview: Developing a Great Interview Style

Presentation by: Addye Buckley-Burnell

Preparation

Identify :

– Who will be conducting the interview?• Job tiles and how many people

– What type of interview?

– When will the interview occur?• Exact time

• How long it will run

• Do you need to complete an application on site?

– Where will the interview be taking place?• Exact location- address, building, & room number

• Where you should park

• Always arrive 10-15 minutes before scheduled time

• The Company– The more you know the better you

look

• The Position– Responsibilities

– Salary ranges (salary.com & glassdoor.com)

– Advancement potential

– Identify the skills needed (online.onetcenter.org)

• Yourself– Compile a list of your skills

– List your accomplishments

– Know your résumé

Research

Boeing

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=P_H-jNCaEvI

Most Common Interviews

• Telephone Interviews

• Long-Distance Interviews

• Group/Panel Interviews

• Interviews Over Food

Telephone Interviews

• Room with no distractions• Use landline phone if possible• Dress-up• Prepare• Cheat sheets• Listen!!!• Ask about next step

Long-Distance Interviews

• No distractions or background noises

• Cheat sheets off camera

• Practice to ensure equipment works properly

In-Person Interviews

• What to bring

– Enough copies of your résumé, printed on résumé paper, for each person conducting the interview

– A list of references printed on résumé paper

– A nice padfolio or folder

– Your portfolio (if needed)

– A nice pen

– Your planner/calendar

• What to leave at home– Cell phone

(at least set to silent)

– Your family and friends

– Your problems

Group/Panel Interviews

• Find way to connect with each interviewer

• Maintain eye contact with each person

• Shake hands and collect all business cards

Interviews Over Food

• Avoid hard-to-eat or messy items

• No alcohol

• Keep conversation professional

• Refresh eating etiquette

What to Wear: Women

Clothing: Conservative suit, knee length skirt, or dress pants, with pressed dress shirt

Shoes: <2 inch heal, polished, closed toe, & comfortable

Hair: Traditional styles & colors Pull away from the face

Tattoos/body piercings: Conceal tattoos & remove piercings

Jewelry: Simple, avoid dangles 1-2 ringsOne necklaceOne watch/bracelet

Make-up/nails: Neutral shades & subtle Avoid perfume

What to wear: Men

Clothing:

Well fitted, conservative suit with pressed shirt & appropriate tie

Shoes:

Polished dress shoes

Hair:

Well groomed & preferably shorter styles

Clean shaven/tidy facial hair

Tattoos/body piercings: Conceal tattoos & remove visible piercings

Jewelry:

Watch & one ring acceptable

Hands:

Clean & trimmed fingernails

Cologne:

Avoid cologne or strong aftershave

The Handshake

Body Language

• Good Posture

• Eye Contact

• Hand Gestures

• Nod While Listening

• Smile

• Don’t Fidget!

Decrease Anxiety

• PRACTICE!!!!

– Practice interview with the Career Center

• The more prepared you are, the more relaxed you will be and the better you will look

• Know your worth

• Get plenty of sleep, eat prior to the interview, and avoid too much caffeine

• Allow plenty of time for travel

• Practice relaxation techniques

• Everyone gets nervous!

30 Second Commercial

Common Interview Questions

• Based around basic points:– How do you differ from other candidates?

– What can you do for us?

– Why are you here?

– Can they afford you?

• Think about the intent of the question and highlight relevant skills

• Behavioral interview questions

Tell a Story

Think of a few situations that

exemplify a variety of skills

STAR: •Situation

•Task •Action •Result

Illegal Questions

• Nationality/ancestry

• Age

• Marital/Family status

• Religion

• Health/genealogy

• Height/weight

• Disabilities

• Military experience

Options on How to Handle Them:

• Answer at your own risk• Ask the relevance

• Refuse- risk looking confrontational

• Examine intent and respond appropriately

Prepare to Ask Questions

• Daily Tasks and Responsibilities

• Short and Long-term Goals

• Organizational Structure

• Performance Evaluations

• Company Culture

• Effects of Current Issue

(layoffs, merger, etc..)

• Promotion Potential

Key Points

• NEVER speak badly about a former employer/job

• Focus on the positive of every experience

• Use each question to highlight your skills and capabilities

• Avoid “ums” and nervous laughter

• Stay professional- no profanity!

• Tell stories

• Do not initiate discussion about salary or benefits

End of Interview

• Thank them for their time

• Shake hands

• Collect business cards

• Establish next step

• Send thank-you letters to each interviewer

• Follow-up to determine if a decision has been made

Job Offer

• Never accept right away!!

• Discuss salary only after offer has been made– See Career Center staff for

help with negotiations

• Get the offer in writing detailing all benefits

• Be sure before accepting– NEVER back out of a job after

accepting the position!!!

Questions???