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Mastering The Interview:How to Get, Keep, & Decline a Career Opportunity

Why Prepare For Interviews?

Employer Feedback

Three Phases of Interviewing

• Pre-Interview Phase

• Interview Phase

• Post-Interview Phase

Pre--Interviewing

• You Resume• Your Approach• Review of the opportunity• Research of the company• Presence in your

communication

Researching The CompanyKnow who you are interviewing with!

• What do they do?• What is their main business?• How many employees do they have?• Where are they located?• What is their recruiting focus?

Determining Interests

• What are the things about my current position that are pleasing to me?

• What are things I dislike?

• What are my current “top ten” skills?

Determining Skills

• How do my top skills relate to the available position?

• Do I need additional training or education to be highly marketable?

Developing Career Goals

What Do I Want To Do?

Where?

When?

Frequently Sought Qualifications by Employers

The Big 5• Communication Skills

• Teamwork

• Critical Thinking

• Creative Problem-solving

• Ethics and Integrity

Starting Your Career Search• Review the market for opportunities

• If relocation is an option, where are jobs YOU want?

• Consider finding the right job, a JOB!

• Begin networking!

Starting Your Career Search • Attend professional association meetings

• Read local market’s job news—not just want ads

• Keep a journal of what you’ve learned, who you’ve contacted, and what to do next.

Getting Ready For The Interview• Get Organized

– Copy of resume in folder/portfolio

– Confirm appointment 24-48 hours in advance

– Research the organization

– Research the position

– Prepare list of references (approved)

Getting Ready…cont.• Get Prepared For The Interviewer

– Develop list of questions about the job

– Develop list of questions about the company

– Research the organization:annual report, website, library

– Research the interviewer

Getting Ready…cont.

• Physically Prepare For The Interview

– Good night’s sleep– “Freshen up”, if evening interview– What does your image say about you?

– Interview Preparation Tips Video

Interview Purpose

To share information about yourself so effectively that it

convinces the interviewer that you’re the right candidate!

Points to Consider

• What information about my experience is most critical for the interviewer to know?

• How can I share this information most effectively?

• Do I need to support my information with samples of my work?

• S-ituation– Who? What? When? Where?

• T-ask– Describe how you handled the challenges and expectations

• A-ction– Elaborate on the your specific actions and the steps that you took

• R-esult– Explain the outcome, and end on a positive note

Prepare Answers to Tough Questions

• Why do you want to leave your current job?

• What would you say is your worst quality?

• What is one mistake you made in your current job? What did you learn?

Prepare Answers to Tough Questions

• How do you plan to take care of your children while you’re at work?

• How does your spouse feel about you traveling?

What NOT to Say• How much does this job pay?• My previous boss/teacher/advisor

was a jerk.• I hate my job• I don’t have any weaknesses.• You’ll regret it if you don’t hire me.• How much vacation time do I get?• I don’t have any questions for you.

What NOT to Say

The “Are You Ready?” ChecklistResume prepared and copy available for

interviewer (s)

Confirm appointment time, place, and transportation.

Skill-benefit statements prepared

The “Are You Ready?” ChecklistTough question answers prepared

Organization and job researched

Interview “outfit” identified and prepared

Physically—good night’s sleep, eat healthy, mentally sharp.

Interview Phase

During the Interview: Three Important Steps

• Listen well to the questions– Clarify when appropriate

• Be prepared to promote yourself in your answers– Use skill-benefit statements to stress value

• Redirect questions as necessary to communicate skills– Control focus of questions if not job-related

What impression do you generate during the interview?

• Do you look organized and prepared?

• Do you appear interested?

• What does your communication style say about you?

DO’s of InterviewingDO:

• Ask questions-selectively• Appear confident• Project your skills• Communicate honestly• Position self as qualified• Be prepared to discuss “learning”examples of your career

DON’T’s of Interviewing

Don’t:

•Initiate questions about salary•Be arrogant•Be late!•Be too candid•Make assumptions about your “fit”•Dwell on your mistakes

Ending the Interview• If not already covered, ask about next steps.

– Timelines? – Additional information? – When to check back?

• Leave with a handshake.

• Thank the interviewer.

• Thank anyone who assisted you.

What to say at the endof the interview video

Surviving the Skype Interview

Post-Interview Phase

IMPORTANT!• Always “debrief” after the interview

– What did I learn about the organization? The job?

– Is this an opportunity I want to pursue?

– How well did I communicate my skills?

– What should I do differently on next interview?

– How should I follow up on this interview?

Closing the Loop: The Follow-up

• Customize your follow-up for each interview.

• Follow-up promptly.

• Project your image in the follow-up.

Preparing for the Next Interview• Don’t get discouraged

• How should I change?

• Keep reading and researching

• Don’t consider any job opportunity finalized until an offer is complete.

Declining a Job Offer• Build relationships

–Don’t Burn Bridges• Be Timely• Be Respectful• Think Ahead

– You may want to work for that organization in the future

QUESTIONS?