Interviewing

Interviewing

An interview is no different than an exam; preparation is the key to success.

-- Adam Vergne, Micron Technologies

The Importance of the Interview

Hiring supervisors need to know more about you than simply what you listed on your resume.-- They try to gauge your personality to ensure it fits the company’s culture.-- They check to see if your long-term goals align with the internship they’re providing.-- They look for a match between your skills/knowledge and what the company needs.

It’s not just a skills thing …

Interpersonal ability and how you handle things in life are probably your most valuable work skills.

EQ: the person’s ability, capacity, or skill to perceive, assess, and manage the emotions of one's self, of others, and of groups.

Preparation is the key to success

Types of Interviews

Scheduled Telephone Interview In-Person Interview Group Interview Skype Interview “Starbucks” Interview Serial Interview

Steps of Process

Responding to the Request

Get back to person within 24 hours

Respond in kind Thank them

Preparing for the interview

Interviewing is a skill that must be learned. The key to a good interview is to communicate to the employer that you have the necessary skills to succeed.

-- David Ho, Sandia National Laboratories

Preparing for the Interview

Research the person and organization-- Use websites to learn about the company. Don’t hesitate to call the company and ask to send brochures.-- Use resources such as LinkedIn, Facebook, business and trade magazines, etc.-- Find out about the organization’s history and core business, including services, products, culture, achievements and competitors.-- Make sure you are aware of any major developments in the organization that have made recent news.

Know what you offer

Conduct a self-assessment-- Evaluate and make a list of your current strengths and skills-- Compare these abilities to the job/internship description-- Prepare a detailed example describing each important ability/strength. This will help you present and market yourself.

Practice the questions

Candidates attend Debate Camp

Interview Camp 101

Review and come up with sample answers for common questions.-- Why are you the best candidate for this internship?-- Can you tell me a little about yourself?-- What is your biggest weakness (strength)?-- Why are you interested in us?-- What relevant experience do you have?

-- What are you hoping to get out of this internship?-- What are your long-term goals?-- Can you recall a situation when you were a leader and really stepped up to the plate?

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Other Possible Questions

-- Why did you leave a particular job?-- Describe the worst boss you’ve ever worked for.-- Do you work well under pressure?-- Are you sensitive to criticism?-- Have you ever broken some company rule?-- What have you learned from your mistakes?-- What was your biggest accomplishment or failure?

-- What was the last book you read? What did you learn from it?-- Do you prefer working independently or with others?-- Where else have you applied?-- Why did you choose your major?

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Illegal Questions-- Are you married?-- How old are you?-- What religion do you practice?-- Do you have children?-- Are you planning to have children?

A good response to one of the illegal questions may be, “I pride myself in separating my work life from my family responsibilities.”

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Business Casual

Check out thrift shops

Bluetique, Tournament Plaza, 832-2 A1A North, Ponte Vedra

Bluetique, Tournament Plaza , 832-2 A1A North

Interview planning and execution

First Impressions-- Appearance-- Punctuality-- Firm handshake-- Direct gaze-- Smile-- Copies of resume

Other things to keep in mind

During the interview …-- Wait until you’re asked to be seated-- Maintain steady eye contact-- Listen carefully and don’t interrupt-- Convey confidence, not arrogance-- Be conscious of body language-- Watch your posture and sitting position-- Don’t fidget-- Ask questions

-- Breathe!!

After the Interview

At the end of the interview …-- At the end of your interview, ask the interviewer what the next steps in the interview process are going to be.-- Reiterate your interest in the organization – tell the supervisor you want the internship (if you do).-- Ask the interviewer (s) for a business card-- Thank the interviewer for his or her time

After the interview

Following the interview you must …-- Send a thank-you email or card no later than 24 hours after the interview.-- Evaluate the interview – think of the questions you answered well or would answer differently if you could.-- Come up with better answers to the problem questions.-- If needed, follow up.

Smile …☺☺☺☺☺☺☺☺☺☺☺☺☺☺

The Hidden Power of Smiling