Interviewing to Win!!!

1. Interviewing to Win!!! Presented by Career & Professional Development Center 110 Pullen Hall Frostburg State University

2. Interpersonal Teamwork Analytical Oral Communication Flexibility Computer Written Communication Leadership Work Experience Internship Experience “National Association of Colleges & Employers” Skills Employers Look For…

3. “On a scale of 1-5, how important are these skills in potential employees?” • Ability to work in a team structure (4.55) • Ability to make decisions and solve problems (4.5) • Ability to plan, organize, and prioritize work (4.48) • Ability to verbally communicate with persons inside and outside the organization (4.48) • Ability to obtain and process information (4.37) • Ability to analyze quantitative data (4.25) • Technical knowledge related to the job (4.01) • Proficiency with computer software programs (3.94) • Ability to create and/or edit written reports (3.62) • Ability to sell or influence others (3.54) Taken from http://www.naceweb.org/s10022013/job-outlook-skills-quality.aspx

4. How Employers Find New Hires • Referral from current employees • Job/Career Fairs • On-Campus Recruiting • Internships • Newspaper Ads • Web Sites • Electronic or Faxed Resumes

5. Job Interest Ideal Work Environment Geographical Location Salary/Financial Security Job duties required Career Goals Strengths/ Weaknesses Values Time Career Resources: -Networking -Career & Professional Development Center -Online Your Job Search Focus

6. 6 Steps in a Proactive Job Search • Identify Your Job Targets • Identify & Target Potential Employers • Develop Effective Marketing Tools • Cast a Wide Net of Job Search Methods • Interview • Follow-Up

7. Before the interview • Know Yourself: goals, skills, and abilities. • Know Your Career Field: job titles, job duties, and industry trends. • Know The Employer: products, services, locations, growth areas for the company.

8. Do You Measure Up? Applicants rated on… • Appropriate dress • Poise • Posture, voice, eye contact • Knowledge of company/ job duties • Clearly stated career goals • Communication-positive/assertive • Closure-timing, handshake, follow-up

9. During the interview • Arrive at least15 minutes early. • Bring extra copies of resume. • Greet interviewer by name, shake hands. Smile. • Allow interviewer to lead. • Typical Interview -small talk -discussion of your background -ask your questions to the employer -conclusion

10. Types of Interviews • Behavioral Interviews • Situational Interviews • Case Interviews • Technical Interviews • Group/Panel Interviews • Dinner Interviews

11. Behavioral vs. Traditional Interviews • Best way to predict future behavior is past behavior • How you’d behave vs. how you would behave • Question/probe vs. one structured question • Details vs. generalizing about events • More concentrated vs. ability to tell stories

12. How to prepare for a behavioral interview… • Recall examples that show success in coursework, work, leadership, or teamwork. • Prepare short descriptions. • Show a positive outcome or result that reflects positively on you. • Be honest. • Be specific.

13. Questions asked by employers… • Tell me about yourself. • Why did you choose your major? • What are your career goals? • Tell me about a time you worked in a team and how you handled conflict. • Tell me about your greatest strength and weakness. • Why should we hire you?

14. Questions to ask the employer… • What do you consider the most important duties for this job? • What are the major projects that I will work on? • What personality traits do you consider critical to success on the job? • What are the training opportunities with your company? • What is the timetable for hiring a candidate?

15. What to do after the interview… • Take notes after interview • Thank-you letter (ASAP) • Follow-up by phone. • Accepting Offers • Salary range • Benefits • Location