OCN 750 Class #12: April 8 Interviewing Announcements and
Check-ins Pre-interview preparation Interviewing Tips &
Practice Upcoming assignments/classes Questions?
Slide 2
Interviewing: Learning Outcomes Learn how to prepare for an
interview Learn tips & techniques Practice interviewing in safe
environment Build confidence
Slide 3
Announcements & Check-ins How are you doing? What have you
been up to? Any announcements to make?
Slide 4
Assignment due today Job ad Cover letter (tailored to that job
ad)
Slide 5
Congratulations!!!! You Got an Interview. But now what?
Slide 6
Interviewing 101 Pre-interview preparation The interview
Follow-up
Slide 7
Pre-Interview: Responding to the Interview Invitation Respond
promptly and professionally Be flexible and cooperative Follow all
instructions carefully Goal: To make a positive first impression.
Tip: Keep a job application summary sheet (and keep it handy).
Slide 8
Pre-Interview: Reflection How does this opportunity fit with
your Qualifications Current position/status Career goals Lifestyle
What questions do you have? (write them down!) Consider keeping a
job application journal
Slide 9
Pre-Interview: Research Review organizations websites and
publications Google the organization Get salary information
Research your interviewers Goal: Come to interview prepared; Convey
strong interest to interviewers
Slide 10
Plan what you will wear Everyone Neat, clean, pressed Classic
and conservative Proper fit Closed shoes Avoid perfume/cologne
Women Pants or skirt/dress Avoid low-cut, loud, frilly or too short
Jacket (or at least covered shoulders) Minimal jewelry Minimal
make-up Goal: Give a professional appearance.
Slide 11
On the Day Bring job ad, application materials and several CVs
Bring pen and note paper Arrive 10 minutes early Be courteous and
professional to everybody Shut off cell phone Watch your body
language Observe other peoples body language
Slide 12
Interview Goals Your Goals To advance to next step in the
recruiting process To determine whether this job is right for you
Employer Goals To find the right person for the job To sell the
companys strengths
Slide 13
What do employers generally look for in prospective employees?
Pair up Take 2 minutes to come up with at least 5 transferable
skills or personality characteristics
Slide 14
A Typical Interview Warm-up Employer(s) questions Applicant
questions Wrap-up
Slide 15
Warm-Up Introductions Handshake(s) Small Talk Transition to
Employer Questions Message: I am courteous, socially skilled and
enthusiastic about the position
Slide 16
How To Answer Questions Take notes during questions Think
before answering Be clear and concise Use specific examples Avoid
cliches or canned answers Always be honest Message: I am
articulate, confident and stand out from other applicants
Slide 17
Skills, Experience and Accomplishments Describe how you meet
the job qualifications. What is your greatest .? How would you rate
your skills in .? Do you have experience in.? The job requires .
Have you ever done this? Message: I am highly qualified and
competent (and can be trained)
Slide 18
Entomologist U.S. Army Job Duties Plan, lead, manage, advise,
direct and participate in operational, consultative, training,
product development and research in medical entomology to ensure
effective control of pests and vectors of disease affecting the
health, morale and environment of all U.S. Army personnel Serve in
command and staff assignments throughout the Department of Defense
and U.S. Army to ensure property and material are not damaged by
invertebrate and vertebrate pests Conduct medical research on
diseases of military importance, and conduct, supervise and
participate in graduate medical education and training of other
medical personnel needed to sustain a robust and readily available
medical system
Slide 19
Invasive Species Field Associate RCUH Job Duties Takes a
leadership role in conducting field operations targeting invasive
plant and animal species for control or eradication. Implements
protocol to prevent seed dispersal, follows decontamination
protocols, and conducts all operations according to accepted safety
standards and established protocols. Operates a Global Positioning
System (GPS). Inputs data and produces maps and other materials to
guide daily field activities. Assists with outreach and education
activities which may include classroom visits, teacher development,
staffing fairs and community events, and other PR-related
activities.
Slide 20
Right Fit questions Why are you interested in this position?
What can you bring to our .? How are you hoping to grow in this
position? Describe your ideal boss (or work environment) Why should
we hire you? Message: I am the right person for the job.
Slide 21
Urey Fellows LPI Lunar and Planetary Institute (LPI) in
Houston, Texas, seeks candidates for its Urey Fellows program in
planetary sciences. This prestigious postdoctoral program is aimed
at scientists within 5 years of PhD completion. Fellows are
expected to perform much of their research at the LPI or Johnson
Space Center, but may spend up to 6 months per year at other
institutions. Fellows will be allowed significant latitude in
defining their own research direction.
Slide 22
Principal Investigator Bigelow Lab Successful candidates are
expected to lead transformative, cross-disciplinary research -- for
example: Using ocean observing and mesocosm assets to elucidate the
impacts of climate change on biogeochemical cycles; Better
understanding of the oceanic biological processes using
high-throughput molecular "-omics" tools; Development of more
accurate models to predict environmental change in the ocean,
constrained by ongoing ocean observing and -omics data sets Use of
model organisms to understand interactions among marine
microbes.
Slide 23
Behavioral questions Tell me about a time when you Impressed
your boss Disagreed with your boss Were creative in solving a
problem Made a mistake Sought out help to achieve a task Didnt have
enough time to complete a task Worked effectively as part of a team
Etc Message: I am high value, low maintenance STAR S situation T
task/role A action R results
Slide 24
Applicant Questions Bring at least 2 appropriate questions Dont
ask dumb questions
Slide 25
Questions NOT to ask What is the salary? When can I expect a
raise or promotion? How many others are you interviewing? Is there
an inside candidate? What is your flextime policy?
Slide 26
Illegal and Inappropriate Questions (with few exceptions)*
Marital status/Spouse Children/Pregnancy Age Race/Nationality
Citizenship/Birth Place Gender-specific *unless you volunteer the
information Religion Politics Height/Weight Arrests Health Military
discharge
Slide 27
At the end of the interview Ask if you answered all of their
questions Restate your interest in the position (if true) Thank
your interviewers for their time Shake everyones hand
Slide 28
Post-interview Follow Up Send a thank you note promptly Update
your job summary spreadsheet Consider keeping a journal Reflect on
how it went Write down tough questions they asked Write down
everything you wish you said Include names of interviewers
Slide 29
Remember Always be honest Focus on your strengths Youll get
better with practice & reflection Its fine to (gently) ask for
feedback Interviews over lunch or dinners are not social
occasions.
Slide 30
Interviewing Resources Manoa Career Center (workshops, mock
interviews, etc) Career Centers at other universities (e.g.,
careers.washington.edu) Professional organizations Online (e.g,
career-advice.monster.com)
Slide 31
Next week (4/15) Class Topic: Thesis & Manuscript Writing
Optional assignment (Michele)