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OCN 750 Class #12: April 8InterviewingAnnouncements and Check-insPre-interview preparationInterviewing Tips & PracticeUpcoming assignments/classes

Questions?

Interviewing: Learning OutcomesLearn how to prepare for an interviewLearn tips & techniquesPractice interviewing in safe environmentBuild confidence

Announcements & Check-insHow are you doing?What have you been up to?Any announcements to make?

Assignment due today Job adCover letter (tailored to that job ad)

Congratulations!!!!You Got an Interview.

But now what?

Interviewing 101Pre-interview preparationThe interview Follow-up

Pre-Interview:Responding to the Interview Invitation Respond promptly and professionallyBe flexible and cooperativeFollow all instructions carefully

Goal: To make a positive first impression. Tip: Keep a job application summary sheet (and keep it handy).

Pre-Interview: Reflection How does this opportunity fit with yourQualificationsCurrent position/statusCareer goalsLifestyle

What questions do you have? (write them down!) Consider keeping a job application journal

Pre-Interview: ResearchReview organizations websites and publicationsGoogle the organizationGet salary information Research your interviewers

Goal: Come to interview prepared; Convey strong interest to interviewers

Plan what you will wearEveryoneNeat, clean, pressedClassic and conservative Proper fitClosed shoesAvoid perfume/cologne

Women Pants or skirt/dressAvoid low-cut, loud, frilly or too shortJacket (or at least covered shoulders)Minimal jewelry Minimal make-up

Goal: Give a professional appearance.

On the DayBring job ad, application materials and several CVs Bring pen and note paperArrive 10 minutes earlyBe courteous and professional to everybodyShut off cell phoneWatch your body languageObserve other peoples body language

Interview GoalsYour GoalsTo advance to next step in the recruiting processTo determine whether this job is right for you

Employer GoalsTo find the right person for the jobTo sell the companys strengths

What do employers generally look for in prospective employees?Pair upTake 2 minutes to come up with at least 5 transferable skills or personality characteristics

A Typical InterviewWarm-upEmployer(s) questionsApplicant questionsWrap-up

Warm-UpIntroductions Handshake(s)Small TalkTransition to Employer Questions

Message: I am courteous, socially skilled and enthusiastic about the position

How To Answer QuestionsTake notes during questionsThink before answeringBe clear and conciseUse specific examplesAvoid cliches or canned answersAlways be honest

Message: I am articulate, confident and stand out from other applicants

Skills, Experience and AccomplishmentsDescribe how you meet the job qualifications.What is your greatest .? How would you rate your skills in .? Do you have experience in .? The job requires . Have you ever done this?

Message: I am highly qualified and competent (and can be trained)

Entomologist U.S. Army

Job DutiesPlan, lead, manage, advise, direct and participate in operational, consultative, training, product development and research in medical entomology to ensure effective control of pests and vectors of disease affecting the health, morale and environment of all U.S. Army personnel Serve in command and staff assignments throughout the Department of Defense and U.S. Army to ensure property and material are not damaged by invertebrate and vertebrate pests Conduct medical research on diseases of military importance, and conduct, supervise and participate in graduate medical education and training of other medical personnel needed to sustain a robust and readily available medical system

Invasive Species Field Associate RCUHJob DutiesTakes a leadership role in conducting field operations targeting invasive plant and animal species for control or eradication. Implements protocol to prevent seed dispersal, follows decontamination protocols, and conducts all operations according to accepted safety standards and established protocols. Operates a Global Positioning System (GPS). Inputs data and produces maps and other materials to guide daily field activities. Assists with outreach and education activities which may include classroom visits, teacher development, staffing fairs and community events, and other PR-related activities.

Right Fit questionsWhy are you interested in this position?What can you bring to our .?How are you hoping to grow in this position?Describe your ideal boss (or work environment)Why should we hire you?

Message: I am the right person for the job.

Urey Fellows LPILunar and Planetary Institute (LPI) in Houston, Texas, seeks candidates for its Urey Fellows program in planetary sciences. This prestigious postdoctoral program is aimed at scientists within 5 years of PhD completion.

Fellows are expected to perform much of their research at the LPI or Johnson Space Center, but may spend up to 6 months per year at other institutions. Fellows will be allowed significant latitude in defining their own research direction. Principal Investigator Bigelow Lab

Successful candidates are expected to lead transformative, cross-disciplinary research -- for example:

Using ocean observing and mesocosm assets to elucidate the impacts of climate change on biogeochemical cycles; Better understanding of the oceanic biological processes using high-throughput molecular "-omics" tools; Development of more accurate models to predict environmental change in the ocean, constrained by ongoing ocean observing and -omics data sets Use of model organisms to understand interactions among marine microbes.

Behavioral questionsTell me about a time when you Impressed your boss Disagreed with your bossWere creative in solving a problemMade a mistake Sought out help to achieve a taskDidnt have enough time to complete a taskWorked effectively as part of a teamEtcMessage: I am high value, low maintenance

STARS situationT task/roleA action R results

Applicant Questions Bring at least 2 appropriate questions Dont ask dumb questions

Questions NOT to ask What is the salary?When can I expect a raise or promotion?How many others are you interviewing?Is there an inside candidate?What is your flextime policy?

Illegal and Inappropriate Questions (with few exceptions)*Marital status/SpouseChildren/PregnancyAgeRace/NationalityCitizenship/Birth PlaceGender-specific

*unless you volunteer the information

ReligionPoliticsHeight/WeightArrestsHealthMilitary discharge

At the end of the interview Ask if you answered all of their questionsRestate your interest in the position (if true)Thank your interviewers for their timeShake everyones hand

Post-interview Follow Up Send a thank you note promptlyUpdate your job summary spreadsheetConsider keeping a journalReflect on how it wentWrite down tough questions they askedWrite down everything you wish you saidInclude names of interviewers

Remember Always be honest Focus on your strengthsYoull get better with practice & reflectionIts fine to (gently) ask for feedbackInterviews over lunch or dinners are not social occasions.

Interviewing Resources Manoa Career Center (workshops, mock interviews, etc)Career Centers at other universities (e.g., careers.washington.edu)Professional organizationsOnline (e.g, career-advice.monster.com)

Next week (4/15)Class Topic: Thesis & Manuscript Writing Optional assignment (Michele)