Successful Successful Interviewing Interviewing

SkillsSkills

First Impressions Count …

ODo You Make The Best Impression You Can?OOn-TimeODressOPhysical ContactOEye ContactOSmileOFidgeting

Characteristics of aSuccessful Interview

OPreparation

OPresentation

OContent

PreparationO Research the Job and companyO Review the Job RequirementsO Know your CVO Know Where You Are Going (Long-term goal,

and if not, steps on how you will get there)O Be Prepared to Give Behavioral Based

Examples and arguementsO Anticipate QuestionsO Be Prepared to “Sell” Yourself!

PreparationO Visualize Yourself In the InterviewO Have in mind:

O There is no question you cannot answerO You are well suited to the positionO You will be an asset to the department

O Bring:O Extra copies of CVO Paper and penO A list of potential questionsO Breath mints

Interview Presentation OBe Prepared and Responsive For

QuestionsOTake Time to Organise Your Thoughts

(TAKE NOTES!)OMake Effective Eye Contact and SmileOExpress Confidence in Your AbilitiesOConsider Each Interview An Adventure!OBe Attentive to Body Language

ONo gumOWatch those pens (no clicky clicky

clicky!)

Leave The Baggage At The Door

OShut the Door to Personal Trouble

ODon’t nag about other organizations or companies!

Interview ContentOListen Carefully to the QuestionOUnderstand Behavioral Based

InterviewingORehearse Your AnswersOSell Yourself!OSilence is Golden, Know When to Stop

AnsweringOTie Your Background to the PositionOFocus on Your AccomplishmentsOTurn Weaknesses Into Strengths

Common Interview Questions

O Tell me about yourself.

O The most often asked question in interviews. You need to have a short statement prepared in your mind. Be careful that it does not sound rehearsed. Limit it to work-related items unless instructed otherwise. Talk about things you have done and jobs you have held that relate to the position you are interviewing for.

O What experience do you have in this field?O Speak about specifics that relate to the position you are applying for. If you do not

have specific experience, get as close as you can.

O Do you consider yourself successful?O You should always answer yes and briefly explain why. A good explanation is that

you have set goals, and you have met some and are on track to achieve the others.

O What do you know about this organization?O This question is one reason to do some research on the organization before the

interview. Find out where they have been and where they are going. What are the current issues and who are the major players?

Common Interview Questions

O Why do you want to work for this organization?O This may take some thought and certainly, should be based on the

research you have done on the organization. Sincerity is extremely important here and will easily be sensed. Relate it to your longterm career goals.

O Why should we hire you?O Point out how your assets meet what the organization needs. Do not

mention any other candidates to make a comparison.

What is your greatest strength? Numerous answers are good, just stay positive. A few good examples:

Your ability to prioritize, Your problem-solving skills, Your ability to work under pressure, Your ability to focus on projects Your professional expertise, Your leadership skills, Your positive attitude.

Common Interview Questions

Are you a team player ? You are, of course, a team player. Be sure to have examples

ready. Specifics that show you often perform for the good of the team rather than for yourself are good evidence of your team attitude. Do not brag; just say it in a matter-of-fact tone. This is a key point.

O How do you propose to compensate for your lack of experience?

O First, if you have experience that the interviewer does not know about, bring that up: Then, point out (if true) that you are a hard working quick learner.

O What kind of salary do you need?O A loaded question. A nasty little game that you will probably lose if you

answer first. So, do not answer it. Instead, say something like, That is a tough question. Can you tell me the range for this position? In most cases, the interviewer, taken off guard, will tell you. If not, say that it can depend on the details of the job. Then give a wide range.

Common Interview Questions

ODo you have any questions for me?O If you reply with a simple "No" you are telling the interviewer that you aren't really

interested in the job or the company. You should always prepare a list of questions to ask the interviewer before going to the interview. Avoid asking about salary, vacation time, employee benefits, etc. until you have asked a number of other questions that demonstrate your interest in working for the company.

O Is this a new position? How long has this position existed?O What type of projects will I be able to assist on?O What is this company's culture? O What are the current problems facing the company (or my department)? O What are the company's long and short term goals?O Describe the work environment.O Describe the opportunities for training and professional development.O Are there opportunities for advancement within the organization?O When can I expect to hear from you?

Behavioral Based Interviewing

OPrepare your STAR’SOSituation or TaskOAction TakenOResult of Your Action

Behavioral Based Questions

O Can You Tell Me About A Time…O Think SpecificO Don’t Say “Usually, Always, Or

Never”O Say “I”O Be Prepared to Answer the Negative

QuestionO Was The Result Positive?

Measurable?O Don’t Forget To SmileO Be Concise

Question ExamplesO Give an example of a goal you reached and tell me

how you achieved it.O Give an example of a goal you didn't meet and how

you handled it.O Describe a stressful situation at work and how you

handled it.O When you worked on multiple projects how did you

prioritize?O Give an example of how you worked on team.O Have you handled a difficult situation with a co-

worker? How?

Common MistakesOYour resume is longer than that of a

25-year old professional.O Make a right-sized resume. (maximum 1,5 pages)

OYou didn’t prepare for the interview.OYou didn’t bring questions.ONo “thank you note”.

O What did you learn in the interview

OYou dressed for failure.

Common MistakesOYou don’t know what you want to

do.OTypos in CV and Cover LetterOYou don’t have LinkedIn ProfileODo an internship.OYou lacked professional courtesy.

O Late for the interviewO Looked away when you shook handsO Introduced you to a colleague and you didn’t ask

what she does

Interview Follow-UpOCommon Interview Mistakes

OComing UnpreparedONot Smiling or Showing EnthusiasmONegativity

OThe Thank You NoteOReferences

General Tips Leading to SUCCESS

O Be yourself, but your confident self

O Natural body languagage

O Natural, honest answers (preparation helps!)

O Your questions should come from actual interest or concern

Questions & Answers

THANK YOU !!!