Interviewing with Confidence

Cynthia FavreGustavus Adolphus CollegeCareer Center

Tell Me About Your Self

Find a partner (apple/orange)One minute to respond“Tell me about yourself”Switch – One more minuteHow was it?

Job and School Interviews

Concepts can be used for both employment and graduate/professional school admission interviews

Specific academic programs will have specific focus – law, medicine, etc.– Research what to expect in your specific field

Interview Ideas

Passion – Many people have the skills; not everyone has the

passion!

“Its not bragging if its true”

Help the employer make a good decision by providing information

More Interview Ideas

Leadership – Initiative– see what needs to get done and make it happen

Maturity – suspend personal agendaPattern of SuccessProfessional

– Give a demonstration of how you work!

Demonstrated or Gained

You are not rewarded for degrees or positions

You are rewarded for what you have demonstrated or gained from the experiences

You cannot over use these words in interviews!

Knowledge, Skills, Qualities

Knowledge (Career Related)

Skills (Transferable)– What you can do like tie your shoe

Qualities (Self-Management)– Characteristics of you like do – er

150 Positives

Students are not use to talking about themselvesNeed to develop language for this150 Positive Skills and QualitiesWrite it Down!Flexible/Adaptable – BOTH!Mine the words for more color and richness!It can be done!

Research Employers

What they do

Where they are

Why you are interested

How you fit the organization

Image

One chance to make a first impressionProfessional Dress– Business casual– Professional

Professional Behavior– Stand to shake hands– Learn and use business etiquette

It’s a Conversation

Ask for clarificationAsk if you are on trackGive question back– Would they like an example?– What skills have they found most valuable?

Prepare questions to ask– No questions means you are not interested

3 Basic Questions

What do you want to do?

What do you have to offer?

Why do you want this position at this place?

Types of Questions

Fact (10%)– Can be confirmed by other sources

Opinion (30%)– In your opinion….

Behavioral Based (60%)– Best predictor of future success based on past

experience and success

Behavioral Based Questions

Specific Stories and Examples– Tell me about a time when….– Give me an example of…

Be prepared for the negative– Tell me about a time you disagreed– Tell me your worst….

Prepare for Behavioral Based

Think of peak experiences– When you show your best skills and qualities

List the skills and qualities you demonstrated or gainedCreate a S.T.A.R. storyOne story can cover several skills and qualities

S.T.A.R.

S: Situation

T: Task

A: Action

R: Result (positive)

100% Responsible

Communication in interview is 100% candidate’s responsibility

If interview ends and they don’t know something important – its your fault, not theirs – even if they don’t ask the right questions

Career Outline

You cannot tell whole life storyFocus on 3 – 5 key things that make you a good candidate– Interests, skills, experiences, qualities, education

Have a S.T.A.R. for each – Specific examples giving proof/evidence– Most people are visual – make a word picture

Summary Statement

20 second summary of 3 – 5 key strengthsWrite it out – to be articulateUse for networking situations too!“Tell me about yourself”“Do you have anything to add?”

Questions You Ask

May be more important than your answersShow your interest in finding a good fit– If selected, what could I do to make an immediate

contribution?– What characteristics do your most successful

employees share?

Avoid “What’s in it for me?”

What to Bring

PortfolioExtra resumesTranscriptList of References3 – 5 key strengthsList of questionsInterview portfolio – if you have one

Ending

Summarize 3 – 5 key strengthsLearn when and how to follow-upAsk for the Sell– Please offer me the opportunity to work with you.– Please give me this job.– I would appreciate the opportunity to work with you.

Thank You

Write thank you note within 2 working daysSend by mail, NOT e-mailMay be handwrittenSend to primary interviewer/contactA demonstration of how you work

Tough Questions

What is your greatest weakness?– Weakness for position– Life long learner

Illegal Questions– I can answer better if I understand how this relates to

the position

Only Positive

You have only had positive learning experiences and challengesNo negative or disparaging comments about employers, colleagues, teachers, etc.Do NOT appear immature, unwilling to be responsible, or whinny

Summary

Answer questionsGive examplesBe specificRelate answers to positionKeep it short, ask if they want more information– Especially for phone interviews

Preparation

Write out answers to sample questionsVideotapesGive answers to friend, mirror, tape recorderAttend professional events – Employer Information Day

Practice InterviewMock Interview

Mock Interview Night

Only Once this Year: Thursday, October 7, 20044:00 – 8:00 in Heritage RoomResumes due on eRecruiting by Sunday, Sept. 26 – open sign upPhone Interviewers available45 minute appointmentsProfessional dress

Reminders

Professional Dress (SIFE – dress for success)Business Etiquette (LAN – etiquette dinner)Be on TimeSmile and use namesBring ResumesShow how you fit the position

Career Center

Student UnionOpen 8:00 – 4:30 on school daysQuick Questions 2:00 – 3:30 on school daysResource library available when office is openWebpage and eRecruiting for calendar information

Contact

Phone: 507-933-7586Fax: 507-933-6277E-mail: career-center@gustavus.eduWebpage: www.gustavus.edu/careercenterStaff: Jeff Stocco, Director/Cynthia Favre, Career Management/Brian Koeneman, Internships/ Karen Ryan, Health Professions/ Kathy Allen/ Healther Banks/Karen Thomasson (intern)