INTERVIEWING FOR SUCCESS

Interviewing 101 Not all interviews are one-on-one like you

might expect!

Be sure to ask the employer about the interview format when you are offered an interview

Different types of interviews include:Group InterviewsPanel InterviewsPhone InterviewsInformational Interviews

Different Types of Interviews

• Several candidates interview at the same time

• Useful for employers to observe which candidates stand out above the rest

Group Interviews

• One candidate is interviewed by two or more people at one time

Panel Interviews

• Good way for employers to screen initial pool of applicants to determine who they want to invite for an in-person interview

Phone Interviews

• Great way to learn more about a specific occupation or organization

Informational

Interviews

Before the Interview

1Assess

strengths, experiences, and skills

2Research

organization and

position requiremen

ts

3Practice

answers to common interview questions4Choose

what you will wear

5Prepare

for the interview

day

Assess Evaluate your values, goals, and expectations

Take the FOCUS assessment or ISEEK Skills Assessment

Compare your abilities with the qualifications of the position using this worksheet

Remember that you are interviewing the employer just as much as they are interviewing you!

Ensure the position is something that you want.

Research the Employer Check out the

company’s websitePhilosophy/MissionPosition descriptionIndustryCompetitionHistory/OutlookProductsSalary range

Researching Companies

Practice Makes Perfect Practice answering common interview questions

Hint: Write out your answers before rehearsing them aloud

Behavior-based interviewing is used to evaluate a candidate’s past behaviors and experiences to help employers determine a candidate’s potential for successUse the STAR technique to answer these questions

(next slide)

Examples of behavior-based questions

STAR Technique Used for answering behavior-based

questions

Situation

Describe the situation.

Task What was the task?

ActionWhat action did

you take?

Response

What was the result?

STAR ExampleQUESTION: Give me an example of a time when you set a goal

and were able to meet or achieve it.

SituationI was taking the Biochemistry class required for my major, and I got a C on the first test.

TaskC - level work isn’t up to my standards, so I knew I needed to earn better grades.

ActionI started a study group that met once per week. I also

scheduled two hours each day to work on Biochemistry, and I talked to my professor during her office hours when I had

difficulty understanding the concepts.

ResultI earned A’s on all my other tests and received an A- for my finalgrade in the class.

Common Interview Questions

For the Interviewee

That’s you!• Tell me about yourself. • What are your strengths

and weaknesses?• Why should I hire you?• Describe how you handle

stress.• Why do you want to work

here?• What would your former

coworkers/supervisors say about you?

• Why did you choose this field?

• How do you like to be supervised?

For the Interviewer

(Ask 2-3)• What is a typical day

like? • What do you like most

about working here?• What do you feel is a

challenge about your position (or this position)?

• How would you describe the management style of the organization?

• What is the atmosphere of the office?

• What is the timeline for the remainder of the process?**Type out your questions ahead of time to really impress the

interviewer!

What to Wear

Be well groomed Be conservative

It’s always best to be overdressed rather than underdressed

Don’t overdo the perfume, aftershave, jewelry, hair, or makeup

Try on your outfit BEFORE the day of the interview

If it’s too tight, too loose, too short, or

too long DON’T wear it

What to Wear

Interview Dress for WomenInterview Dress for Men

Prepare For the Interview Day Bring extra resumes

Locate good driving directions Know where you are going, and do a

test run if possible

Get a good night’s sleep

Arrive 15 – 20 minutes earlyCheck your appearance in the

restroom before officially going in to the interview

Shaking Hands

Hold the person’s hand firmly

Pump hand 3 times maximum

Maintain eye contact

Smile

Tips for Successful Interviewing

DO

•DO act confident and be prepared•DO be aware of the length of your answers•DO use specific examples to talk about your skills and experiences•DO ask questions

DON’T

•DON’T be negative about former employers•DON’T tell hard–luck stories•DON’T inquire about salary, benefits, or vacation time until after an offer has been made, unless the employer brings it up first

After the Interview Ask for the interviewer’s business card

Send a thank-you within 24 hours!Express your appreciation for the interviewIndicate the job and date/location of interviewRefer to a highlight of the conversationReaffirm your interest in the jobStrengthen your candidacy for the position

Check out the Job Search Handbook for thank-you letter format and a sample

The Thank-You

More personal

Send a thank-you to each individual who

participated in the hiring process

Hand-written

Typed and mailed

Emailed

The Art of Saying Thank You

Additional Online Resources CDC website links

The Interview ProcessJob Search Handbook

The Interview

Top 10 Interview Mistakes

The Salary Question

Informational Interviews

More CareerSpots Videos!

Career Resource Library

Career Resource LibraryOpen Monday-Friday, 8am-4:30pm

Book titles including 100+ Winning Answers to the Toughest Interview Questions, How to Turn an Interview into a Job, and Acing the Interview

View the complete library index at

http://www.mnsu.edu/cdc/resources/exploring/library/index.html

Books available for checkout with your MavCard

Additional CDC Resources QuickStop walk-in hours

“Practice Interview Days” hosted by volunteer employersoffered each semester

Mock interviews with CDC staff by appointment

Contact us!209 Wigley Administration CenterMankato, MN 56001

507-389-6061

www.mnsu.edu/cdc

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