successful interviewing strategies that will help you answer the really tough questions
TRANSCRIPT
Successful Interviewing
Strategies that will help you answer the really tough questions.
Why Should I Hire You?
Learning Outcomes
Purpose of Interview Types of Interviews Prepare for Interview STAR Technique Invitation to Interview Interview Process Types of Interview
Questions Seal the Deal Concluding the
Interview
Tough Competition
Purpose of the Interview
Sell yourself Find out more about the
organization Determine good fit for
you and the employer Provides the
opportunity for two-way communication
Types of Interviews
1.) Screening Telephone/Video
2.) Selection Individual Panel/Committee Group Performance/Presentation Lunch/Dinner
Selection Interviews
Interview with hiring manager or department lead rather than HR Recruiter
Usually held at company /organization location
Frequently is a series of interviews (multiple interactions with panels and/or individuals)
May include lunch or dinner
Remember- You are being evaluated throughout the entire process!
Invitation to Interview
Missed the call» Professional voice message» Accurate message taking» Timely Response
Ask what to expect» Interview schedule» Interview process and format» Interviewers or committee
members(Request titles and correct
spelling of names)
What Employers Really Want to Know
The 3 Underlying Questions
1) What are you like?
2) Can you perform the responsibilities of the job?
3) Will you fit with the organization/team?
Overcome Nervousness
Prepare for the interview!» A large majority of graduates stumble through
their first 2-3 interviews
Why are practice interviews so valuable?» Receive constructive feedback» See yourself (body language, expression, nervous
habits)» Listen to yourself (catch phrases, speech
patterns, effective communication of message)
Company and Position Research
Know:» Organization
Services, size, locations, culture, mission, customer/client base
» Position description Responsibilities, job tasks, qualifications
Resources:» Company website» Company information
sessions» Career Insider
Develop/Enhance Your Professional Image
Attend to your appearance and carefully select your wardrobe
Make a Great Impression
Be on time Leave cell phone in the
car Be positive and
enthusiastic Have a firm handshake Demonstrate strong
non-verbal communication» Eye contact, posture, smile
and voice quality
Non-Verbal Communication
More than half of what we try to communicate is received non-verbally
Understand what your body language is communicating about you
Pay attention to your interviewer’s body language, but don’t over analyze
Types of Interview Questions
Open-ended:» “Tell me about yourself”» “What do you expect to be
doing in 5 years?” Qualifications:
• Summary of academic and experiential background relevant to the position
Proven successes: » GPA, leadership, initiatives
taken, projects completed
Off-beat:» Don’t get rattled by
these types of questions» “If you were an animal,
what kind would you be and why?”
Types of Interview Questions
Case Study / Hypothetical» Requires you to analyze and
develop problem solving strategy on the spot
» “What would you do if …” Opinion
» Be honest, professional, and positive
» “What are your strengths?”» “What is your greatest
weakness?”
Behavioral » Past behavior = future
behavior» “Tell me about a time
when…”» Use the STAR method to
answer
STAR Method
Situation or Task» Describe the situation that you were in or the task
that you needed to accomplish. You must describe a specific event or situation, giving enough detail for the interviewer to understand.
Action you took» Describe the action you took and be sure to keep the
focus on you. Results you achieved
» What happened? How did the event end? What did you accomplish? What did you learn?
Some Questions to Ask
“What are the three most important attributes for success in this position?”
“What are the opportunities for growth and advancement for this position?”
“What opportunities exist for professional development?”
“When can I expect to hear from you regarding your hiring decision?”
Illegal Questions
Age/date of birth Marital status Parental status National origin Religion Mental health
issues
Race/ethnicity Arrest history Impairments or
disabilities irrelevant to the position
What is the Proper Response? Examine the interviewer’s intent:
» Ignorance/Innocence: answer in brief or address perceived concern.
» Blatant discrimination: you have the right to terminate the interview.
Recommendations
Don’t bring up salary, but be prepared if you are asked about it
Don’t accept an offer on the spot Consider the full compensation package
when deciding on a job offer When you accept a position, employers
generally expect that you have made a 2 year commitment
Getting the job is the first step on your career ladder – the first year on the job can make or break you
Closing the Interview
Ask about the next step Reiterate your interest in the position Make sure to request business cards while at
the interview Thank the interviewer(s) and shake hands
Interview Nuances
Employers may search your online profiles prior to the interview
On the spot assessments may be used All interviewers are different Don’t give up on the interview – it’s not
over until it’s over! Don’t make assumptions
Interview Thank You Letter
Send one to every person that interviewed you
An opportunity to reiterate your interest in the position
Should be sent within 24 hours of interview» Mailed, emailed, typed or handwritten
Tailor your thank you letter to the interview experience
Focus on elements that were indicated as high interest during the interview
Standout Resumes
Do! Don’t!
Respond timely to all employer communications
Review your strengths and be able to provide examples
Refined research on company and position
Purchase appropriate interview attire
Try to wing it Create a poor impression Forget the importance of
non-verbal communication
Be negative, insincere or desperate
Fail to acquire names and titles of those interviewing you
Connect with Us!
Call 407.823.2361 or Visit www.career.ucf.edu