Interview SkillsPresented by:Lucia V. Cook

Catch the FeverMarch 2014

Interview SkillsO Purpose

O Interviewer and candidate to determine if there is a correct fit between them.

O First impressions are key for both parties involved – first impressions last, so make it count.

Interview SkillsO 3 Step Process

O Before the InterviewO During the InterviewO After the Interview

Pre-InterviewO Know Yourself

O What are my strengths?O What am I good at doing?

O Do your homeworkO What do I know about this company?

O Be prepared for questionsO You will be asked questions on your

strengthsO You should be ready to ask questions

about the job/company

Pre-InterviewO What to Bring

O Notepad & PenO Resume

O What Not to Bring O Friends, family members or childrenO Cell phones- if you have them, turn them

OFF.O Ipods or any other electrical devicesO Food / DrinksO Anything Distracting

Dress for SuccessYou never get a second chance to make a first-impressionO Hair should be clean and combed. O Fingernails must be clean with no gaudy polish. O Keep perfume, cologne and aftershave to a

minimum. Brush your teeth and don’t forget deodorant. O Women: dress, skirt (not too short), or dress pants

with a nice blouse or blazer. No excessive jewelry, make-up, or ungroomed hair.

O Men: pants (not jeans!), collared shirt, tie, sport coat and shoes. A suit is not always necessary.

The Interview O Shake hands firmly with the

interviewer. A firm hand shake is important and OFTEN mishandled.

O While shaking hands, make good eye contact, smile and greet the person with “Pleased to meet you, I am…”

O Be polite; use the formal address of Mr., Ms., unless invited to do otherwise.

The InterviewO Body Language

O Stand TallO Sit straight and tall and look attentive and

enthusiasticO Listen attentively but avoid staring at the

interviewerO Place all material you brought with on the floor

beside you with the exception of a note padO Nod when appropriate to demonstrate interest

and evidence that you are paying attentionO Remain calm; Don’t fidgetO Be careful not to speak too quickly O Respond to questions appropriately O Be warm and conversational, but don’t ramble

The InterviewO Be honest with all answers. O Be thorough with your answers.

O Never answer with just a “yes” or “no.” Always provide explanations and examples.

O If you don’t understand the question, ask the interviewer to explain.

O Organize your thoughts before speaking. O Feel free to think for a moment about tough

questions. Silence is not a bad thing as long as you do not take an excessive amount of time.

The InterviewO Ask the job-related questions you prepared for

the interview. O If you are told you will be contacted, ask about

how long it will be. O Offer to call in a few days to find out the

decision. This shows your continued interest. O Make sure the interviewer knows how best to

contact you.O Phone number, e-mail address, physical address

O Thank the person for the interview. Shake hands firmly on the way out.

Common Interview Type

O Behavioral InterviewO Systematic process that ensures a fair

selection processO Use candidate’s previous behavior as

an indicator of future performanceO May involve standardized assessment

instruments, such as personality, aptitude and interest inventories

O Involves directive and probing questions

Common Interview Type

O Sample QuestionsO Describe a time when two of the members of

your team did not work well together? What did you do to get them to work together?

O What is the most difficult decision you’ve had to make? How did you arrive at your decision? What was the result?

O Answers should follow C A R formatO C – ContextO A – ActionO R – Result

Post InterviewO Thank you Notes

O Can be a typed or hand written letter or note. An e-mail is also acceptable. Customize the note.

O Free of spelling or grammar errors.O Should be completed within 2-3 days of

the interview.O Highlight key points you want to reiterate

or forgot to say, information you learned about the company, express enthusiasm about the opportunity.

SummaryO Be preparedO Know your stuffO Dress for SuccessO Body Language is KeyO Follow – Up

O These tips help you Stand Out!

??? QUESTIONS ???