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How to Succeed at Interviewing Without Really Crying. Moderator Jodi Kaplan Director of Marketing UConn Alumni Association. Presenter Amy Porter ’ 06 Job Developer CT Works. So you ’ re looking for a new job because you ’ re…. …unemployed …unhappy with your current job and/or salary
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How to Succeed at Interviewing Without Really Crying Moderator Jodi Kaplan Director of Marketing UConn Alumni Association Presenter Amy Porter ’06 Job Developer CT Works
So you’re looking for a new job because you’re… …unemployed …unhappy with your current job and/or salary …looking for a career change …brushing up on your interviewing skills
Let’s start with YOU • Who are you? • What are your skills? • What do you like to do?
What about the JOB? • What do you want to do? • Where do you look? • What do you look for? • Deciphering the job posting • Resume
O*NET OnLine • Career exploration • Job analysis • Resume writing • ONETONLINE.ORG
Know the different types of interviews: • Informational • Screening or Telephone • Individual • Group • Panel • Sequential • Behavioral • Task-oriented or Testing • Stress • Breakfast, Lunch, or Dinner • Video or Videoconferencing • Second
Research • The company (including competition) • CEOs, recruiters, interviewer(s) • The industry
Rehearse Answers to Common Questions • Tell me about yourself. • Why do you want to join our company? • What are your greatest strengths/weaknesses? • Where do you see yourself in five years? • What is your greatest accomplishment? • Why are you looking to leave your current employer?
Prepare Questions to Ask Interviewer • Why ask questions? • How many? • What is appropriate?
Examples • What characteristics are you seeking in the ideal candidate? • Can you describe a typical day or week? What are some of the projects I will be working on? • How and when will my performance be evaluated on this job? • What training and professional development opportunities are available for this position? • What are your expectations for a new hire within the next six to twelve months? • What are the organization's plans for future growth or change? • How would you describe your management style? • Is there anything you are still wondering about my candidacy that might keep you from offering me the position? • What is the next step in the process?
The Night Before • Press and lay out interview clothes • Polish shoes and jewelry as needed • Assemble portfolio/briefcase • Review resume, elevator speech, and answers • Go to bed early
The Day of the Interview • Wake up early • Eat breakfast • Grooming • Clothing • Accessories • Perfume/Cologne
Before you leave the house… • Professional portfolio or briefcase, black or blue pens, notepad • Three copies of your resume, typed references, and work samples • List of questions for interviewer(s) • List of previous employers, phone numbers, addresses, salaries, dates, etc. • Time management (arrive no later than 15 minutes prior to interview) • Address, directions and contact information for employer • Names and titles of your interviewers • Cell phone, photo ID, and an umbrella • Personal grooming items: breath mints, hairbrush, deodorant, safety pins, makeup, extra pair of nylons
Waiting in Reception? • Turn off cell phone • Be polite to receptionist/security guard • Review your notes • Read company literature • Stay calm and focused
First Impressions • Greet the interviewer • Smile • Introduce yourself • Shake hands firmly and warmly • Stand until the interviewer asks you to sit down • Relax and sit naturally • Use direct eye-contact • Be prepared to make small-talk
How to Handle Difficult Questions • What are your weaknesses and/or failures at work? • Explain work gaps/reasons for leaving/frequency of jobs? • You have a lot of experience. Why would you want this lower level job? • How do you handle stress? • What are you doing now to improve yourself? • Describe the worst supervisor/coworker you’ve ever had to work for/with. • Explain the rationale of each career move after college. • Describe a job that would be your worst nightmare. • I have several good people to choose from. Why should I hire you? • What are your salary requirements?
Interviewing Don’ts • Lacking humor, warmth or personality • Appearing uninterested or desperate • Failure to set yourself apart from other candidates • Failing to demonstrate skills • Making demands or refusing to do/learn something new • Speak negatively about current or previous employers • Giving lengthy answers/over-explaining why you lost a job • Asking about salary, benefits, bonus structure • Believing the interviewer is an expert • Answering cell phone or text • Chewing gum • Poor body language: no eye-contact, bad posture, crossing arms/legs, fidgeting, excessive hand gestures • Fashionable/trendy clothing • Tardiness
Closing the Interview • Collect business cards of each interviewer • Thank them for their time • Reaffirm interest
Follow Up • Thank you note • Provide additional documents/information • Keep detailed records • Maintain contact
Alumni Career ResourcesSponsored by the UConn Alumni Association Missed a Career Webinar?Need more Career ResourcesWant to connect with fellow Huskies?Check out the New Alumni Career Resources website at:http://uconnalumni.com/career-resources.html