Ace the Interview: Be the Ideal Candidate Leigh Sylvia les5@williams.edu

Purpose of the Interview § To determine a match between what the

company needs and what you have to offer

§ The interviewer = assesses your skill set, industry knowledge and your compatibility with the organization’s culture

§ You = assess if the company and job meet your short-term and long term goals

Characteristics Valued by Interviewers

•  Interpersonal/ Communication Skills •  Analytical/Research Skills •  Computer/Technical Literacy •  Flexibility/Adaptability/Managing Multiple Priorities •  Leadership/Management Skills •  Enthusiasm/Positive Attitude •  Professionalism/Dedication/Reliability

In-Person Interview Basics §  It’s OK to be nervous! §  Arrive 10-15 minutes early for an interview §  Take extra copies of your “marketing materials”

§  Turn off you cell phone!

§  Treat everyone you meet as important

§  Greet the interviewer, smile and shake hands firmly

In-Person Interview Basics

§ Sit upright, look alert and make eye contact § Be aware of personal space/body language,

etc.

§ Show enthusiasm § Professional dress and demeanor at all times!

Professional Dress

§ When in doubt – wear a suit! § Business Professional vs. Business Casual § FYI: § Portfolio/resumes § Hygiene § Minimal: jewelry, cologne/perfume, hair, makeup § NO gum, NO smoking

Professional Dress for Women •  Suit • Blouses • Closed-toe Heels

Professional Dress for Men

•  Suit •  Shirt •  Tie •  Shoes

Step 1: Prepare

§ Know your skills and abilities and determine

if they match the job requirements

§ Know your resume and be prepared to elaborate on your experiences

Step 2: Research

§ Research the company!!!

§ Job Description – what are their specific requirements?

§ See if you can find out the names, titles and a

bit about your interviewers

Step 3: Practice

§ Practice answers to typical questions § Sign up for a MOCK INTERVIEW here at

WCC!

Types of Interview Questions: § Standard: questions asked about education,

work, experience, and career interests § What are your professional strengths and weaknesses

and how might they apply here? § Behavioral: based on the premise that past

performance predicts future success §  Give me an example of a situation where you dealt

with an angry customer § Case: Used to measure your problem solving

abilities, creativity, poise and your communication skills §  The American Red Cross has hired you to plan its

annual gala fundraising event. How do you go about planning this event?

Situation Describe the Situation you were in Task Explain the Task you needed to accomplish Action Describe the Action you took Result Explain the Results of your action.

What did you accomplish. What happened? What did you learn?

The STAR Approach

Activity -

1.  Turn to your nearest neighbor, introduce yourself and practice your hand shake.

2.  Each person practices answering the following question (remember the STAR approach): ▫  “Tell me of a time where you had to collaborate

amongst a group/team.”

Step 4: Perform – DO’s

§ LISTEN and make sure you understand the question § Keep it brief (1-2 minutes) § Treat every question as important §  Speak in concrete terms

§  Tell stories that highlight your relevant experiences and school projects - STAR

Step 4: Perform – DON’Ts

§ Don’t be modest §  Talk about your successes, strengths and goals

§ Don’t exaggerate/lie! § Never defend or argue § Never talk negatively about a past employer

Step 4: Perform – Ending the Interview •  Always have 2-3 questions prepared ▫  Shows your interest ▫  Remember you are interviewing the company too, you want

to make sure this is a good fit for you! ▫  Do not bring up salary issues in the first interview

§  Examples:

§  What is a typical day like? §  What are the opportunities for advancement? §  How will my performance be measured?

Step 4: Perform – Ending the Interview §  Ask about the planned next steps – what is

their decision time frame? § Thank the interviewer for his/her time

§ Shake hands as you are leaving

§ Ask for business cards for follow-up emails!

Step 5: Thank You & Follow-Ups §  A thank you letter or email leaves an excellent

impression § Send next day § Reiterate your interest in the position and thank

them for their time

§  If you do stumble over an answer, your thank you letter gives you an opportunity to recover

§  Send an email or call if you haven’t heard back within the indicated timeframe to inquire about the status of your candidacy!

Final Words: Practice, Practice, Practice!

§ Practice selling yourself, your skills and telling “stories” of accomplishments and experience

§ Don’t get discouraged – most people will interview for many jobs before finding the one that’s right for them!

Ace the Interview: Be the Ideal Candidate Leigh Sylvia les5@williams.edu