Interviewing Strategy

PrepareAttend presentations/networkCompany research

Be on timeKnow interviewer’s namePresent copy of resumeLISTEN to questions

Interviewing Strategy

Non-verbal communicationPostureEye contactDemeanorDistractions

Ask questionsBe positive

Interviewing Strategy

Focus on skills/examplesMotivator/initiatorLeadershipDecision makingCommunicationAnalyticalInterpersonal (enthusiasm, stress

tolerance, flexibility, dependability)

Interviewing Strategy

Relax/SmileWrite thank you!

Prepare 5 things about yourself you want to convey during interview

Types of Interviews

BehavioralExamples of past experiencesDifficulty may increasePast behavior predicts future

SituationCases – scenarios of day-to-day

situations that arise

Answers measured against std.s

Types of Interviews

StressDeliberate attempt to unnerve candidateBlunt questions, interruptionsRelentless pursuit of a subjectFocus it how candidate reacts to stress

Group Work

Discuss how to answer questionsGet several group members’ input

What is the interviewer trying to find out?Share a difficult interview questionDiscuss how to get rid of “nerves”

Questions to Ask

How is the training program structured? Time/formatI read that the company is planning expansion into Mexico…could you tell me about those plans and opportunities for international placement?What is the average time it takes to reach _________ position?

Questions to Ask

Could you describe the employee evaluation system? How often will I receive a formal evaluation?Is there opportunity to move from one functional area to another if I see an opportunity in which I am interested?

Who Gets Hired? Variables

Background/Experience vs. Interviewing Skills

How much will one add to the other?Interviewing skills

Non-verbalVerbalKnowledge of company and job/career

Who Gets Hired? Prediction

Likelihood of offerLikelihood of on-site interviewLikelihood of consideration for positionLikelihood of student “fitting” with organization

Who Gets Hired? Findings

Interviewing skills had a greater influence than background and experience on recruiter’s perceptionsLack of experience can be compensated for by excellent interviewing skills

Who Gets Hired? Findings

Excellent background or experience needs to be augmented by interviewing skills

Legal Interview Questions?

Have you ever been arrested?NoConviction record, yes, if job related

Did you serve in the military? Type of discharge?

Discharge, noMilitary, yes…period of service,

rank, training/experience

Legal Interview Questions?

Do you have any disabilities?NoCan applicant perform essential job functions?Can applicant meet attendance requirements?

Legal Interview Questions?

Do you currently use illegal drugs? What illegal drugs have you used in the last six months?

Yes, but cannot refer to past drug addictionDo you drink alcoholic beverages?

Yes, but not how much applicant drinks or participation in alcohol rehabilitation

Legal Interview Questions?

More information?

Workforce.com

Cover Letter First Paragraph

Reason for letter – use company knowledgeSpecific position or work typeHow you learned of company or position

Second Paragraph(Specifics/Value Selling)

Why you are interestedAcademic background match with co./positionSpecific achievements or unique qualificationsDo not repeat resume info.

Third Paragraph (Value Selling)

Refer reader to resumeCan discuss coursework that helps qualify you

Fourth Paragraph(Appreciation/Action)

Indicate desire for personal interviewFlexible time/placeRepeat phone #Statement or question that encourages response

Thank You Letter

Refer to interview date/place and say thank youExpress desire to work for companyReiterate qualificationsClose with phone # and action