Interview TipsInterview Tips

The Interview

The interviewer’s focusassessing your suitability

Your focus as intervieweeimpressing the interviewer

PanelPrepare for Q&AFind out who will be interviewing

Job Interview Basics

Know yourself and how your skills match up to the position.

Make sure you are clear on what you can bring to the company.

Research the company beforehand. Dress neatly and conservatively

Make a positive first impressionArrive early (15-30 minutes)Dress appropriately - businesslikeBring an extra copy of your resume

Rambling on and on and on … (The Board has no clue what your talking about)

Not giving a strong example (Fluff, Fluff and more Fluff)

No enthusiasm (a corpse would probably give a more upbeat interview, not motivated, too laid back)

Examples should be job related if possible and current

No eye contact with the Board member that is asking the question

Bad closing statement (Need job change because of injured back, want to work days instead of nights, dislike manager and not able to transfer out)

No closing statement or handshake

Worst Interviewing Techniques

During Your Interview Master the formal handshake Smile Be yourself Listen to the questions and answer

them honestly Make good eye contact Be confident and alert Take each point in turn Ask for clarification if necessary If you don’t know, say so If you don’t have the experience, say

so (similar?)

During Your Interview

Don’t give one-word answers Stress achievements factually and

sincerely (quantifiably)Watch how you frame your

responsesWhat you have versus what you

don’t haveShort, positive, focused on skillsPrepare/practice sound bites

At the end of the interview

When it is time to ask questions…Show what you know about the

office/job (key points)What are the primary tasks the

person will do in this job?What are the key skills they are

looking for in this position?Express real interest in the job

(ask for the job)Thank the interviewer/panel

After the interview

ReflectMake some notesAsk for feedbackKeep practicing using mock

interviews

How to AnswerHow to Answer3 Common Interview 3 Common Interview

Questions?Questions?

1.1. Tell me about yourself.Tell me about yourself.

2.2. Why do you want to work here?Why do you want to work here?

3.3. Why should I hire you?Why should I hire you?

““Tell Me About Yourself”Tell Me About Yourself”

I ‘ve been in the _____field for___ years I ‘ve been in the _____field for___ years and I still enjoy the challenges it bring.and I still enjoy the challenges it bring.

I began my career as a ____(job) with I began my career as a ____(job) with _____company and since then I have _____company and since then I have developed expertise in ____which I think developed expertise in ____which I think will be very helpful in this position.will be very helpful in this position.

Some of my major accomplishments Some of my major accomplishments include___, ____, and ____. I’m sure I include___, ____, and ____. I’m sure I could be a good fit for your companycould be a good fit for your company

Why Do You Want to Work Why Do You Want to Work Here?Here?

I like the fact that you are involved in I like the fact that you are involved in ____ because that seems to be the ____ because that seems to be the way the industry is heading.way the industry is heading.

I respect your missionI respect your mission

I share your commitment to ________.I share your commitment to ________.

Why Should I Hire You?Why Should I Hire You?

I excel in the kind of _________ working I excel in the kind of _________ working environment you have built here.environment you have built here.

This is my dream job and I am This is my dream job and I am particularly good at ______.particularly good at ______.

I have a unique combination of ____ I have a unique combination of ____ and ______which means I’ll be able to and ______which means I’ll be able to bring value to your company.bring value to your company.

How to Answer the Salary How to Answer the Salary QuestionQuestion??

I know you need to be sure that my I know you need to be sure that my salary expectations are consistent salary expectations are consistent with the salary range for the position. with the salary range for the position. To ensure that we are on the same To ensure that we are on the same page, please tell me your range for page, please tell me your range for the position.the position.

I am very interested in the position I am very interested in the position and I’ll be happy to discuss my salary and I’ll be happy to discuss my salary history when we determine that I’m history when we determine that I’m the right person for the position.the right person for the position.

Be Timely Be Friendly

Express Yourself Show Your Enthusiasm Skills & Knowledge

Be Yourself Be Positive

Dress Properly Be a Good Listener

Maintain Eye Contact Plan a closing statement

Be Aware of Body Language

GOOD INTERVIEWING TECHNIQUES

Sample Interview Questions

What would you do if an employee was not pulling his/her weight?

Tell us about a time when you didn’t deal well with a situation. What would you do differently next time?

Describe a conflict you’ve had and how you handled it.

Describe what you consider to be your greatest accomplishment.

Why do you want to leave your current job?

Tell us about a time when you had an opposing view from your boss and how you handled that.

What will you do if you are not selected for this position?

How have your education and training prepared you for this job?

Looking back, tell us about a mistake you made that you could have avoided if you had exercised great foresight.

What have you done in your current job that was/is successful?

Sample Interview Questions

Before The Interview

PREPAREPREPAREPREPAREPREPAREPREPAREPREPARE

Good, Better, Best, never let it rest until your Good becomes Better

And your Better becomes BEST!!!BEST!!!