Interviewing For Employment and Following Up Chapter 18

Interviewing For Employment and Following Up

Chapter 18

Sequence of Interviews

Preliminary Screening Interviews: – Used to quickly and efficiently eliminate

unqualified or overpriced candidates.– Telephone interviews are sometimes used as a

screening process. (If the interviewer catches you off-guard or unprepared, ask if you can set up a time to call him/her back.)

– Usually conducted via a highly structured question and answer session.

Types of Interviews

Selection Interviews:– Based on Format

One on One Interview: consists of an interview that usually includes just one interviewer and one candidate.

Panel or Board Interview: is conducted by a group of interviewers and one candidate

Group Interview: group consists of many candidates and one or more interviewers. (Frequently used as a screening process.)

Types of Interviews Selection Interviews:

– Based on Style: Structured Interview: the employer controls the interview

by asking a series of prepared questions in a set order. Open-Ended or Non-Directed Interview: generally

informal and less structured. Interviewer poses broad, open-ended questions and encourages the applicant to talk freely.

Stress Interview: staged to determine how a candidate will perform under stress. May by typified by long periods of silence, challenges, etc.

What Employers Look For Many employers look for candidates with the proper

personality. As one executive put it, “You can teach skill sets, you

can’t teach attitude.” Many employers today seek candidates with a high

“emotional intelligence,” or EQ (emotional quotient). People with a high EQ generally possess desirable

attributes: self-awareness, persistence, confidence, etc.

What Employers Look For

Attributes Characteristic ofa Person with a High EQ Think clearly and stay focused

on the task at hand while underpressure

Admit to yourown mistakes

Meetcommitmentsand keeppromises

Hold yourself accountable formeeting your goals

Seek new ideasfrom a variety ofsources

Handle multipledemands andchangingpriorities

Make sacrifices to meet animportant organizational goal

Cut through redtape

Seek freshperspectives

Operate from an expectation ofsuccess

Try to learn howto improve

Set challenginggoals and takecalculated risks

What Employers Look For

Employers also want to know that a candidate will be compatible with the other people in the organization.

Employers also want to determine if a candidate possesses the technical skills applicable to the job (education, previous job experience).

92% of employers report checking former employment. 61% of employers verify educational information.

Preparing For a Job Interview

Generally speaking, employer expectations run very high regarding your readiness for the interview.

Research the Position: attempt to find out as much as possible about the position.– Might want to request a job description– Know what is expected in the position– Visit with any contacts you may have

Preparing For a Job Interview Research the Company: find out as much as

possible about the organization’s purpose and/or products.– Read any information the organization publishes

(annual reports, newsletters, newspaper articles, etc.)– Talk with contacts who are very familiar with

operations.– Visit Web sites.– Researching the organization displays your initiative

and interest.


Know Thyself: knowing yourself and being able to determine what you are really looking for can help you be successful.– Based on what you know about the opening and

organization, list whatever traits and skills are needed for the job.

– Consider your experience, skills, and strengths in terms of the job qualifications.

– Identify examples of activities or work experience.

Preparing For a Job Interview Anticipate Questions: every interviewer has a

different style of interviewing, so don’t try to memorize questions or answers.

Having a general idea of the points you want to cover will allow you to appear prepared but also spontaneous.

Your goal is to leave the interviewer with the impression that you were prepared but natural.

In general, expect to be asked about your skills, achievements, and goals; attitude toward work and school; your relationship with co-workers; and, occasionally, your hobbies.


Types of Questions:– Open-ended questions: are questions that

invite a broad, detailed response: “Tell me a little about yourself.”

– Closed questions: ask for specific data (usually a short answer). As the interviewee, you might want to turn a closed question into an open one.

Preparing For a Job Interview Types of Questions: Interview questions also

tend to follow a continuum (past, present, future).– Past-oriented questions are looking for specific

examples of prior accomplishments that could prove that you would b a good employee.

– The dreaded “Tell me a little about yourself” is an example of a past-oriented question.

Don’t recount your entire resume; instead, relate anecdotes about specific situations or accomplishments.


Types of Questions:– Past-oriented questions

When describing your past accomplishments or experience, it is important to emphasize the ways in which you are different from other candidates.

Try to show how you have gone beyond the call of duty. Try to give positive responses by using the STAR

technique: 1) state the Situation or Task, 2) explain the Actions you took to resolve the problem, 3) describe the Results of your actions.


Types of Questions:– Present-oriented questions: help the

interviewer determine why you might be an excellent candidate for the position.

“What can you offer this organization?” It might be tempting to answer this question by

reeling off a list of adjectives that describe yourself. Instead, give 3-5 examples that illustrate each strength.

Preparing For a Job Interview Types of Questions:

– Present-oriented questions: Present-oriented questions may also be used to gauge our

interest in the organization.– “What do you know about our organization?”

If you’ve really done your homework, this question is a great opportunity for you to show that you have knowledge of the organization.

If you haven’t researched the organization, this question can be devastating.

Blowing this question is a sure sign to the interviewer that you’re unprepared and downright uninterested.


Types of Questions:– Future-oriented questions:

Are used by interviewers to determine what your goals are.

– “What do you see yourself doing in five years?”

Do your homework and prepare for this question. Make sure your goals are compatible with the organization’s structure.

Preparing For a Job Interview Lawful/Unlawful Interview Questions:

Are you a U.S. citizen? When did you graduate from college? What is your marital status? What clubs or social organizations do you belong to? How tall are you? Do you have any disabilities? Have you ever been arrested? If you’ve been in the military, were you honorably

discharged?


Prepare Questions for The Employer:– The questions you ask in the interview are just

as important as the answers you provide.– By asking intelligent questions, you can

demonstrate your understanding of the organization and steer the discussion.

– This is also your opportunity to increase your understanding of the organization, personnel, job, and future opportunities.


Dress For Success:– Research shows that the first four to nine minutes of

an interview will affect the outcome.– Therefore, it is important to make a good first

impression.– Dress to reflect your competence, your function, and

your comfort.– Be sure to consider the organization’s dress code and

watch for styles preferred by the organization’s leaders.


Dressing Tips:– Less is more. It is better to dress conservatively and wear a

minimal amount of jewelry.– Avoid faddish clothes and jewelry.– Select better quality fabrics.– Choose clothes for durability and dependability.– Suit colors should be - navy, gray, black, and burgundy.– Wear comfortable shoes - preferably leather. Women should

wear pumps rather than sandals.– For women, suits and dresses are preferred. Men should never

mix and match suit jackets.– Perfume, cologne, and makeup should be worn conservatively.


What to Bring to Your Interview:– At least two copies of your resume (even if the

interviewer already has one on file).– Names, addresses, and phone numbers of at least

three references typed on you stationary.– If appropriate, a portfolio of you work with

samples and any supportive materials.– Professionalism, enthusiasm, and positive

attitude.

Preparing For a Job Interview Opening of The Interview:

Arrive early to accommodate for any unforeseen delays. Greet the interviewer with a smile and firm hand-shake.

Maintain eye contact and introduce yourself. Greet the interviewer by the individual’s last name. Never

address the interviewer by his/her first name. Body language is a powerful tool, lean forward, look

interested, etc. Learn the names of all the people who are interviewing you

(learn spelling too). In the interview room, remain standing until you are offered a

seat.

Preparing For a Job Interview During the Interview:

– Be courteous and professional with everyone at the organization.

– Provide the interviewer with a copy of your resume.– Listen carefully to understand questions (don’t be

afraid to ask for clarification).– Give direct, honest answers, and ask relevant questions

in return.– Answer questions in terms of your skills and

accomplishments.

Preparing For a Job Interview During the Interview:

– Avoid writing notes during the interview.– NEVER make negative comments about former

employers or co-workers.– Always be honest. Even though you need not volunteer

negative information, answer truthfully when questioned.– Be very aware of your body language.– Be sensitive to the interviewer’s body language (when

people’s eyes stop focusing on you, and they start shuffling papers).

Preparing For a Job Interview At The Close of The Interview:

Let the interviewer initiate the close and be alert for indications of closure.

Summarize your skills and your interest. Ask if the interviewer would like a list of your references. Do not ask questions about salary or benefits until you are

offered the job! If offered the job, reaffirm your interest and ask for time to

consider. Make sure you leave on a positive note. Shake hands, thank

the interviewer for his/her time, and indicate your sincere interest.

After The Interview Always, always, always send the interviewer a

thank-you note within two days of the interview. This letter should be a follow-up letter thanking

the interviewer for his/her time and should restate your qualifications and interest.

Fewer than 1% of people take the time to send a thank you letter, so you can be certain that if you do, it will be noticed.

After The Interview

Thank you letters may be brief but should express:– your appreciation,– a key point discussed during the interview,– your continued interest in the position,– your desire for a favorable response.

Should always be typed on 8-1/2” x 11” bond paper, using personal business letter format.

What Do Recruiters/Employers Seek? Ability To Communicate…. Intelligence…. Self-Confidence…. Willingness To Accept Responsibility…. Initiative…. Leadership…. Energy Level….

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Interviewing For Employment and Following Up Chapter 18