acing your interview how to get the job offer. 2 interview overview preparing for the interview...

Acing Your Interview

How To Get the Job Offer

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Interview Overview

Preparing for the Interview Doing a Self-Assessment Understanding Types of Questions Understanding Types of Interviews Conducting the Interview Following up after the Interview

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Interview Overview


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Preparing for the Interview

Know the Company Gather Your Materials Time the Interview Optimally

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Preparing for the Interview – Know the Company Research company, position and your

interviewer Check out company web site Read company’s financial and annual reports Ask people you networked with about company and

interviewer Call company directly and request sales brochure and

any company information they give out Confirm interview

Call 1-2 days in advance and confirm time and location

Know how to get there and how long it takes!

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Preparing for the Interview – Gather Your Materials Several copies of your resume on professional

grade paper to hand to interviewers Portfolio in print and digital format Paper and pen Business cards Reference list List of questions you want to ask

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Preparing for the Interview – Time the Interview Optimally Try not to schedule on Monday. Work has piled

up over the weekend and people are busy Try for a late morning interview. People are more

alert in the morning Try to be the last person interviewed. Statistics

show the last person interviewed is offered the job more often than the first

Plan for a day when your schedule is relaxed and flexible

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Interview Overview


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Doing a Self-Assessment

Purpose Showcasing Skills and Achievements Managing Weaknesses Anticipating Common Questions Navigating Tricky Questions

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Doing a Self Assessment – Purpose

A self assessment gives you a solid inventory of all your accomplishments, skills, talents, and abilities to prepare you for the interview

Allot about two hours of focused time a day or two before your interview to: reflect on your experience and skills brainstorm on paper highlights from your past record effective responses to common questions

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Doing a Self Assessment – Purpose Make sure to capture all thoughts in an

organized fashion on computer Choose examples most fitting for the desired job

and company This exercise will bring your most relevant

experience to your mind in an articulate, cogent way

If possible, conduct a mock interview to be at ease presenting yourself

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Doing a Self Assessment – Purpose Create an elevator pitch: 1 – 2 minute summary of

your skills and accomplishments and how your are the perfect candidate for the job

Review printed self assessment just prior to your interview. Seeing your answers in print will jog your memory

The objective is not to memorize your self-assessment, but rather to reflect on and provide a linguistic flow for your most relevant experiences

Sit down and describe your 5 most important accomplishments and the specific skills used to achieve them. Tailor to desired job

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Doing a Self Assessment – Showcasing Skills and Achievements Summarize your achievements and make

them concrete with past experiences Situation or task

Describe an experience you felt proud to have achieved or a problem that needed to be dealt with

Describe your response to the situation Describe the challenges and issues you faced

Actions Describe what you did about the situation Describe the actions you took

Result or outcome Describe the outcome Describe why this experience is important to you

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Doing a Self Assessment – Showcasing Skills and Achievements Examples illustrating how an accomplishment can

be related to specific skills and abilities: Increased sales by x %:

Developed excellent personal customer relations and trust Worked closely with logistics to optimize delivery Organized and held training seminars with internal customer support

to increase customer satisfaction

Successful project manager: 3 promotions in 2 years Increased productivity of team by x% and reduced lead time by x

days Only manager to finish every project on time/budget Worked very successfully work with difficult employees and clients

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Doing a Self Assessment – Showcasing Skills and Achievements Look for examples that showcase your top selling points Choose some examples that are totally positive and

some that started out negatively but either ended positively or you made the best of the outcome

Vary your examples; don't take them all from just one area of your life, include various jobs (even private life if relevant)

Use fairly recent examples. Start with examples within last year

Try to describe examples in story form, describe the situation, your actions and the outcome

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Doing a Self Assessment – Managing Weaknesses Describe a few weaknesses or failures and

explain briefly what went wrong and why List what you learned from each problem Don’t go for catastrophic failures but

weaknesses most employees have or that demonstrate a correlating strength

Show that you dealt successfully with problems and how you worked to resolve them as positively as possible

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Doing a Self Assessment –Anticipating Common Questions “Tell me about yourself …”

Keep it to 1 to 2 minutes maximum Have a prepared answer ready but don’t make it

sound memorized Focus on professional information

Short summary of most recent entries to resume Relate past accomplishments to what is required in the new

position Mention a personal detail or two

Where you grew up/lived/went to school Unique hobbies, experiences, or volunteer work

Close with a statement like “I am looking forward to further my career in ___ and believe I can contribute greatly to the success of ___”

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Doing a Self Assessment –Anticipating Common Questions “Why did you leave your last position …”

Prepare a short statement that summarizes the reasons for your departure

Keep it short and positive, don’t ramble State briefly events that affected the company and led to

your departure Point it out if a group of employees was affected Examples:

“Due to a merger between __ and __ I was one of 300 people who were released…”“Due to a restructuring at __ I have decided to resign my position as __ and search for a position that more closely matches my career goals ..”

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Doing a Self Assessment –Anticipating Common Questions “What are your strengths/weaknesses …”

Strength List strengths that are relevant to the job Give examples from past jobs to illustrate

E.g. creative: patents/publications/campaigns E.g. leadership qualities: promoted quickly

Weakness Talk about only one if possible Mention only weaknesses not related to your core

competency Make sure they are minor Give explanations how you overcame them

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Doing a Self Assessment –Anticipating Common Questions “What did you like most/least about your last

job…” Things you liked most

List what is most relevant to the desired job Talk about things that you were good at Don’t mention salary, holidays and short work hours

Things you liked least Try to keep this as short as possible Phrase carefully as not to sound negative or overly critical Think of some innocuous answers

Long commute (unless the new commute would be longer) Lack of communal feeling in the group etc.

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Doing a Self Assessment –Anticipating Common Questions “Why do you want to work for us …”

Don’t give too many selfish reasons Flatter the company you want to work for

Love the work Reputation of the company/product Opportunity to meet new challenges

“Why do you believe you are a good fit for this position …” State you relevant skills, experience and education Give examples that relate to the job you interview for

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Doing a Self Assessment –Anticipating Common Questions “Why should we hire you …”

Deliver arguments in your favor to the hiring manager and take your chance to stand out

Make life easier for hiring manager: Supply him with all the right reasons why you are the one

Use your prepared summary why you are ideal for the job: deliver your elevator pitch and show what makes you the perfect fit

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Doing a Self Assessment –Anticipating Common Questions “Do you have any questions …”

Have about two or three questions ready to show you are prepared, engaged, and considering actively

Don’t ask about holidays or benefits until you are close to a job offer

Ask questions relating to company and job Reason for job opening Reporting relationships Group size Equipment Performance expectations for 3/6/12 months

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Doing a Self Assessment –Anticipating Common Questions The answers to these often asked questions

may seem self-evident, but write them out with examples and practice When have you demonstrated initiative How do you deal with pressure What would your previous supervisor say about you What do you know about our company Are you ambitious Are you willing to work overtime What do you see yourself doing in five years

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Doing a Self Assessment –Navigating Tricky Questions “You seem over/under qualified …”

Overqualified (too expensive / you may not fit in and quit soon / you could be a threat to a supervisor’s job)

Never address money; rather stress how you always helped your previous supervisors to meet/exceed their goals

Show by examples that you work well with younger team members/supervisors

Your experience will help you do the job faster and better

Underqualified Exploit transferable skills from other jobs or volunteer work Show your flexibility, willingness, and ability to learn or gain

additional training

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Doing a Self Assessment –Navigating Tricky Questions

“What are your salary expectations …” Don’t give a fixed number Say you’d like more info on the job’s duties and

responsibilities before you can answer Try to mention a range if pressed and ask about the

company’s salary range for the job To get an idea of the salary range for the job, check

“salary.com” or “salary.monster.com”

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Doing a Self Assessment –Navigating Tricky Questions “Why have you changed jobs so frequently…”

Make a negative a positive – change as promotion, development, and growth

Make clear that you now want a career commitment to apply all you learned

Stress that all changes were voluntary (if true) and your performance was always excellent

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Doing a Self Assessment –Navigating Tricky Questions “Are you interviewing with other companies…”

Keep your answer short Be pleasant but non-specific if possible If pressed, tell them you are looking, but stress that this

position you are interviewing for is your first choice “I have a few leads, but this job is the one I’m most excited about

…” “I am considering a few opportunities, but …” “I have just begun looking and exploring my options …”

Avoid giving information on specific companies you’re interviewing with if possible

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Interview Overview


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Understanding Types of Questions – Explanation Interviewer needs information not sufficiently

explained in resume or has doubts to be clarified Interviewer may want to find out about older

qualifications and experiences you just touched upon in your resume

At this point usually the tricky questions get posed and you have the chance to explain problems in your resume

Typical questions “Why have you changed jobs so frequently…” “You seem over/under qualified …”

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Understanding Types of Questions – Expectation Interviewer wants to clarify your expectations about

the job Interviewer attempts to find out whether you would

actually stay at the company because it is a good fit with your expectations

Examples “What are your salary expectations …” “Do you have any questions …” “Why do you want to work at our company …” “Why do you believe you are a good fit for this

position …”

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Understanding Types of Questions - Scenario Interviewer may describe a job scenario and ask how

you would handle it in exact steps A scenario may cover a single complex problem or a

situation where you have to deal with several problems Scenario based interviews tend to reflect a situation that

can arise in the job you want You need to cover three main areas:

Define the situation exactly and understand what the problem is Describe exactly what steps, in which order, you would take to

deal with the situation and who would be involved Describe the outcome you intend your actions to have. If

necessary, describe how you would deal with a negative result if there is nothing you could do to remedy the situation

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Understanding Types of Questions - Behavioral

Interviewing technique based on the idea that past behavior predicts future behavior

You may be asked to give an example of a specific, tricky workplace situation and how you dealt with it

Questions often deal with workplace situations that are critical, difficult or could shed a negative light on the applicant

Questions are often very specific and cannot be prepared for individually

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Understanding Types of Questions –

Examples of Behavioral Questions How have you demonstrated initiative How did you successfully interact with a difficult boss,

co-worker or other person Tell me about the riskiest decision you have made Describe when you or your group were in danger of

missing a deadline. What did you do? Tell me about a challenge you met successfully Give an example of when your persistence had the

biggest payoff Summarize a situation where you successfully

persuaded others to do something or to see your point of view

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Interview Overview


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Understanding Types of Interview

Phone Interview One-on-one with HR and/or Supervisor Interview by One or Several Co-Workers Group or Panel Interview Stress Interview

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Understanding Types of Interview – Phone Interview Show enthusiasm with your voice but don’t overdo it Hold receiver mouthpiece about 2 inches from lips. Speak

a little slower than normally Do not use slang and try to minimize an accent Turn off background music, mobile phone, computer

speaker, and front bell (if possible) Keep children and pets away Prepare like for any interview and keep your resume, your

list with achievements and summary at hand Practice a phone interview with a friend Don’t smoke, chew gum or drink tea during the interview Avoid salary discussions in a phone interview Ask when it is convenient to meet for a face to face

interview

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Understanding Types of Interview–One-on-One with HR and/or Supervisor Interviewer evaluates applicants’ overall potential and fit within

company Interviewer tries to see if applicant has experience and

qualifications for job Interviewer asks general questions to test applicants problem

solving abilities and ability to socialize with rest of team HR tends to focus more on general skills and fit, supervisor

more on technical skills specific to job Applicant should use previous achievements to back any facts

mentioned Applicant has to prove both knowledgeable and able to fit into

a team Applicant has likely to go through several more interviews,

cannot assume that the next interviewer knows what was told to the one before

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Understanding Types of Interview – Interview by One or Several Co-Workers

Assesses applicants’ fit into the department and group

Allows in-depth interview about specific skills and accomplishment necessary for job

Gives applicant a chance to show they understand the nuts and bolts of the job

Lets applicant show willingness and ability to be team member

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Understanding Types of Interview – Group or Panel Interview Panel often consists of supervisor and one or several team

members. Depending on job, can also include higher-ranking managers

Panel interview tests various skill at the same time Dealing with stress Communication with possible team mates Facing the public, customers, and colleagues Having the skills and knowing the job Using knowledge in a discussion

All panel members may ask questions Applicant needs to stay calm. Asking questions can buy some time

to consider answers Panel interviews can shorten the interviewing process considerably

because less follow-up interviews are necessary

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Understanding Types of Interview –Stress Interview Is less common than normal interviews

High-stress positions like dealing with customer complaints High-stress environment where quick and cool reactions are

absolutely necessary like working as international oil prospector Exposes applicant to unexpected circumstances to

evaluate their ability to deal with stress Tries to disorient and put the applicant on the defensive

and elicit genuine and spontaneous reactions Requires applicants to be calm, polite, and think on their

feet Tests an applicant’s ability to be articulate, graceful, and

polite under pressure

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Understanding Types of Interview –Stress Interview Real-life work-simulation

Applicant is asked to perform a work task in a real work environment

Ringing phones, conversations outside the cubicle, and other distractions evaluate the applicants concentration, ability and composure

Adversarial interview Applicant may be surrounded by interviewers and be asked

several questions simultaneously Interviewer stares intently or ignores applicant and remains

silent for long periods Interviewer asks questions rapidly without letting applicant

answer properly or keeps asking the same question without listening to the answer

Interviewer may be aggressive and hostile or ask strange and unrelated questions

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Understanding Types of Interview –How to React to a Stress Interview Remember this is a test, nothing personal Stay calm and in control whatever happens Answer questions collectedly, force yourself to slow

down and speak softly Focus only on the question and not on the interviewer Focus your answer at the interviewer who asks, not on

the whole group to relieve some of the stress Clarify the question and the nature of the answer desired

– this can buy you some time to think If you feel the interview is utterly out of hand, remember

an interview is two-sided! Politely speak your mind, take control, or even end the interview.

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Interview Overview


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Conducting the Interview

Dressing for Success Arriving at the Interview Opening the interview Using body language Interacting with the Interviewer Closing the Interview

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Conducting the Interview – Dressing for Success Conservative, professional outfit Dark or neutral colors Clean, polished shoes in good repair Clean, trimmed fingernails. Women may wear

conservative nail-polish Beards or moustaches must be neatly trimmed No noticeable fragrances or distracting jewelry Avoid visible piercings or tattoos Better to be overdressed than underdressed

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Conducting the Interview – Arriving at the Interview Arrive 15 to 20 minutes before appointment Inform the receptionist with whom you have an

appointment Try to engage receptionist, be scrupulously

polite and friendly Formally or informally, receptionists may be asked

about their opinion

Turn off cell phone. Having your phone ring during an interview is rude

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Conducting the Interview – Opening the Interview Introduce yourself Smile and offer firm, dry handshake at

introduction Make sure to remember the name(s) of your

interviewer(s) and use them Be prepared to answer the dreaded question “So

tell me a little bit about yourself …”

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Conducting the Interview – Opening the Interview Set a positive tone

Make short pleasant small talk if appropriate Thank them for their time Compliment the office/location

Impress the interviewer. Likability and good fit for position is often more important in hiring decisions than perfect qualifications

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Conducting the Interview – Using Body Language Make eye contact Sit down in a relaxed and confident position Affirm that you are listening by nodding, etc. Don’t fold arms or legs Accentuate your words with gestures but don’t

overdo it Vary voice tone, volume and inflection, don’t talk

in a monotone

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Conducting the Interview – Using Body Language Do not fidget Watch your interviewer

When they glance away, shuffle paper etc., you lost them

Stop talking, ask a question, draw them back into the interview

Above all, be natural!!

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Conducting the Interview – Interacting with the Interviewer Show self-confidence but not arrogance Don’t make any negative comments or mention

anything negative about your last position Use phrases that reinforce your good fit: “I am

able/willing … ”, “I work well with others…” Use strong action-verbs: “contributed”,

“developed”, “managed”. Avoid weak words: “try”, “guess”, “pretty good”, “maybe”

Stress what you know, not what you don’t

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Conducting the Interview – Interacting with the Interviewer Express your interest in the position in uncertain,

strong terms If you know nothing regarding a question, admit

it, but follow up immediately with a complementary skill you do possess

React to common questions with winning responses

Be confident and enthusiastic

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Conducting the Interview – Interacting with the Interviewer

Give information Don’t give yes-or-no answer, but don’t talk longer than

one to two minutes Ask for clarification if you’re not sure what the

interviewer wants to know Stress your strengths De-emphasize your weaknesses

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Conducting the Interview – Interacting with the Interviewer Get information by asking questions

What caused this position to be opened? Growth, previous individual was promoted, etc.

Could you describe a typical day in the position? To whom does this position report? Can I meet him/her? What kind of support does the position receive in terms of

people and resources? What are the performance expectations for the first 3, 6, and 12

months? What are the prospects for growth and advancement? When can I expect to hear from you about the next stage in the

interviewing process? Avoid inquiring about salary or benefits in first interview!

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Conducting the Interview –Closing the Interview Summarize shortly your strengths and

accomplishments as they relate to the position Reaffirm interest in the job – most job seekers

don’t Ask for another interview or directly for the job Ask for timetable for decision

Affirm the next step Thank those you met on your way out and use

individual names

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Interview Overview


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Following Up After the Interview

After you leave the interview Take notes: What was discussed, what wasn’t, problems etc. Try to evaluate the interview from the employers’ view

When you get home Send a hand-written thank-you note to interviewer. Preferably

mail, else email Thank the interviewer Refer to something said in the interview to emphasize a strong point

or add to an answer that was weak Express interest in the job again

Follow up by telephone Call 5 to 7 working days after interview Not a push for a final decision but rather an expression of ongoing

interest

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Interview – Additional Resources

http://www.resumagic.com/job_interviews.html5959 http://www.jobinterviewquestions.org/questions/intervie

w-guide.asp http://career-advice.monster.com/job-interview-practice

/Tell-Me-About-a-Time-When/home.aspx http://www2.oakland.edu/careerservices/job_search_re

sources/Behavioral%20Interview%20Preparation-web.htm

http://www.careerchoiceguide.com/preparing-for-a-job-interview.html

http://www.resumagic.com/job_interviews.html

http://www.jobinterviewquestions.org/questions/interview-guide.asp

http://www.jobinterviewquestions.org/questions/interview-guide.asp

http://career-advice.monster.com/job-interview-practice/Tell-Me-About-a-Time-When/home.aspx

http://career-advice.monster.com/job-interview-practice/Tell-Me-About-a-Time-When/home.aspx

http://www2.oakland.edu/careerservices/job_search_resources/Behavioral%20Interview%20Preparation-web.htm





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For One-on-One Employment Coaching

Marrietta Reber

Executive Upgrade Consulting

[email protected]

www.executiveupgradeconsulting.com

mailto:[email protected]

acing your interview how to get the job offer. 2 interview overview preparing for the interview...

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