Embed Size (px)
Citation preview
Targeted
Interviewing
Strategies
D o u g E l l i o t , O p i n i o n a t e d C a r e e r C o u n s e l o r
Assess your
work values,
interests,
skills &
abilities,
personality
type,
long-term
career goals.
S.W.O.T.
Explore
occupations,
career fields,
industries,
individual
businesses.
Learn about
local labor
market
conditions.
Evaluate
options, make
a decision,
develop a
strategy for
achieving
your short
and long term
career goals.
C.A.P.
S.M.A.R.T.
Take action!
Get education
or training.
Prepare for
and conduct a
job search
campaign
4 STEPS OF CAREER TRANSITION
It is not what you know, it’s…
…who you know.
It’s not who you know, it’s…
…who knows YOU!
CORE RÉSUMÉ
...a brief summary of your
background, qualifications,
and employment record” & is a
marketing tool to get you an
interview. It will never be seen
by an employer. Ever.
TARGETED RÉSUMÉ
…customized to fit the needs
of the employer for a unique
and specific job…and will not
be sent to another employer.
Ever.
INTERVIEW
… gets you the job offer
… closes the deal
… helps keeps you in the running!
... can be formal or informal
PROVE THIS WHEN JOB SEEKING
Do you fit in? = Personality
Can you do the job? = Skills
Can you be counted on? = Reliability
Can you produce? = Work Ethic
Job Related
Job Specific
HARD Skills
People
Applied
SOFT Skills
Transferable
PORTABLE
Skills
SKILLS = 2 + T
+
&
Check your attitude and engage the interviewer:
• Remain poised and relaxed
• Minimize distracting body language
• SMILE; Convey enthusiasm
• Speak clearly - not too fast or slow
• Shake hands confidently
• Look at all interviewers in the eye
• Listen carefully to the question
• Sit up and lean forward
ESTABLISHING RAPPORT
TIPS FOR “SMALL TALK”
Be open
Be prepared to ask questions
Be informed
Be a good listener
Look for common ground
Avoid controversial topics
It’s only effective when there’s a
mutually agreeable exchange of
information between at least
two individuals
COMMUNICATION AS A PROCESS
Sender (encodes
message)
Receiver (decodes
message)Barriers
Internal and
External
Barriers
Internal and
External
Information sent by sender
Response to sender’s message
Message
THE LOOK OF COMMUNICATION
Words
Vocal
Body Language
= 100%}
COMMUNICATION
Words
Vocal(voice, timing, pitch, tone, breathing, pauses)
Body Language(facial expressions, body movement,
7%
38%
55%
96% of 330* employers said that
COMMUNICATION and INTERPERSONAL SKILLS are
the most important employee traits!
Next in line…
Learning aptitude, collaboration teamwork and
creative-problem solving, strong work ethic.
*University of Phoenix Survey 2005
1. Find a common interest
2. Judge content of the message
3. Delay response until the speaker is finished
4. Listen for the main idea of the message
5. Take notes on important points
6. Concentrate on listening!
LISTEN FOR THE MESSAGE
7. Avoid physical/environmental distractions
8. Don’t miss the message due to bias
9. Use spare listening time to evaluate the
message not to rehearse your response
10. Talk less and listen more
LISTEN FOR THE MESSAGE
…can you see the message?
1. Facial expressions
2. Gesture
3. Eye contact
4. Spatial arrangement
5. Patterns of touch
6. Expressive movement
7. Cultural differences
8. Grooming
9. Attire
NON-VERBAL/BODY LANGUAGE
SOFT SKILLS WANTED BY
EMPLOYERS IN SAN DIEGO
Communication skills Analytical skills
Honesty / integrity Flexibility/adaptability
Teamwork skills Computer skills
Interpersonal skills Self-confidence
Motivation/initiative Strong work ethic
CAN YOU…
Troubleshoot and resolve problems
Streamline repair processes
Cut repair time by 20%
Increase repeat customers
Increase sales by $50,000
BENEFITS OF NETWORKING
Obtain job leads or a job
Gain inside information
Practice marketing
Gain visibility
INFORMAL NETWORKING
Be open-Be prepared-Be friendly
Professional appearance (clothes,
grooming)
Conversation (light and POSITIVE)
Business cards (simple)
Small talk
TARGETED NETWORKING
Who is in your network?
Create lists of primary contacts by
identifying groups or categories of
people you could network with
Be creative
IDEAS FOR BUILDING NETWORKS
Professional associations
Social/recreational clubs
Volunteer/service organizations
Coworkers/former coworkers
Your children’s activities
Service providers
• Develop a personal business card
• Keep a portfolio of your work with
at all times
• Develop a letterhead
• Have a resume!
• Obtain or make Thank You cards
• Website/LinkedIn/Twitter
• Electronic or card file record
NETWORKING TANGIBLES
PRACTICE AND PREPARE
FOR NETWOROKING EVENTS
Use your Personal Pitch when meeting people
Sit with people you don’t already know
Stand near the food
Keep moving and meet new people
Introduce people you meet to others
Use your business card
Leave with at least one contact who can help with your networking
ORGANIZING YOUR EFFORTS
Create a chart or spreadsheet of your contacts
Include dates, contact information, action items
Remember – your network grows exponentially
Name/Business
of
Contact
Source of
Contact
Action and
Date
Follow up
Status
Mitchell Garcia
619-234-2341
Carol Jon
(neighbor)
worked w/him
at Petco
Sent email
requesting info
interview 11/1
Send thanks to
Carol; schedule
meeting w/MG
INTERVIEW TYPES
IN PERSON: ON CAMPUS or AT THE BUSINESS
TELEPHONE: (DON’T TAKE FOR GRANTED)
CALL FOR AN APPOINTMENT
SCREEN FOR SKILLS
EVALUTE YOUR ATTITUDE AND MOTIVATION
Traditional
You respond to interviewer’s questions with facts to support your answers.
Behavioral / Story Telling
You provide specific examples of what you have done in the past relating to the
situation that the interview gives you.
Case Study
You are asked to analyze a problem and come up with a solution.
Employer assesses ability/thought process…not if your answer was correct.
Job Task or Exam
You are asked to demonstrate a task, I.e.., make a bed, prepare a tray, etc. -or-
You are asked to take a test and you’re put on a list of eligibles.
INTERVIEW TYPES
• To help you articulate what you
know about the job,
industry and company
•Helps you ask and answer
interview questions
WHY RESEARCH?
• About YOURSELF
• About the POSITION
• About the ORGANIZATION
WHAT INFORMATION TO RESEARCH?
Self-assessment and reflection
Organization’s website
Internet searches
Annual reports/marketing materials
Networking contacts
WHERE IS THE INFORMATION?
THE INDUSTRY
1. Macro Industry Trends: technology, globalization, regulations,
economics
2. Business Fundamentals: income streams, expenses
3. Competition: who’s who, the players in the industry
4. Goods and/or Services: what do they sell,
5. Customers: who are they
THE POSITION
6. Industry Specific Knowledge and Analysis
7. Day-to-Day Activities
8. Soft Skills
9. Educational Requirements/Certs/Credentials
WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW*
*WWW.GOTTAMENTOR.COM* 9 Things you need to know about the industry and position before every interview by Ronald Mitchell
Answer questions using the PAR Model…
State the Problem for which you were responsible
State what Action you took to solve the problem
or complete the task
State the Results of your actions
INTERVIEW ANSWER FORMAT
Answer questions using the STAR Model…
State the Situation or Task for which you were involved
State what Action you took to solve the problem
or complete the task
State the Results of your actions
INTERVIEW ANSWER FORMAT
• Introduces yourself
• Includes who you are in terms of
education, roles, and work situation
• Highlights strengths
• Explains what you are looking for (I.E…
THIS JOB!)
CREATING A PERSONAL PITCH
Tell me about yourself.• Who are you?
• Where are you headed?
• Why are you going there?
• What is unique about you?
CREATING A PERSONAL PITCH
“Why should we hire you?”
(Rarely asked)
• Summarize your experience
• Address key points that match job
requirements
• Give examples!
• Think PAR/STAR
COMMON QUESTIONS
“Why do you want this job?”
• Summarize your experience
COMMON QUESTIONS
“Why do you want to work for this firm”
• Summarize your experience
COMMON QUESTIONS
Some questions may be unethical or illegal
• Interviewers must address your skills and experience
• Questions can’t relate to age, marital status, disability,
sexual orientation, national origin, race or religion.
If questions are unclear , it’s ok to ask for clarification
Some interviewers may not be good at interviewing:
• Stay focused on sharing relevant information
• Stay positive; maintain eye contact and smile
INTERVIEW HAZARDS
• An interview is a conversation
• Prepare 5-6 questions ahead
• OK to ask even if you think you know
answers
QUESTIONS FOR THE EMPLOYER
What is a typical day like for this position?
Why has the job become available?
Is there a pressing issue I could prepare for
before I begin work?
QUESTIONS FOR THE EMPLOYER
• Don’t interrogate the interviewer
• Don’t ask about salary, stock options,
vacation, holiday schedule or benefits
• Don’t ask questions that have already been
answered in the interview, just for the sake
of asking something
QUESTIONS FOR THE EMPLOYER
never
BE
LATE!
•Polished dress shoes – no open toed shoes
•Well pressed clothes
•Groomed hairstyle – freshly cut or styled
•Cleaned and trimmed fingernails
•Minimal cologne or perfume: No body odor! Shower!
•No visible piercing beyond conservative earrings
•Well-brushed teeth and fresh breath
•No gum, candy, or other objects in your mouth
•Minimal jewelry – no heavy chains
•If you smoke…DON’T prior to the interview.
GROOMING
• Stand out from your competition
• Courteous gesture = good manners
• Another chance to remind who you are
and what you can do for the employer
SAY THANK YOU
• Short and to the point
• Separate letters should be addressed to
each person met at the interview
• Tailor letters for each interview rather
than using a form letter
• Hand-written or business letter?
• Mention when and why you met.
• Include a brief statement of what you
gained from the meeting.
• Remind about a strength you bring to
the job, and add anything else that
“sells” you for the job.
• Confirm your interest in the job.
Offer or No Offer
Online Resources…for everything job search related
