Mastering Interview Techniques for Success

1. 15Interview Techniques

2. After studying these topics, you will benefit by: Implementing pre-interview strategies and activities Conducting company- and job-specific research for interview preparation Creating a powerful and unique personal commercial Compiling an interview portfolio and e-portfolio Practicing interview techniques and appropriate responses to common interview questions Implementing pre-interview preparation activities

3. After studying these topics, you will benefit by (cont.): Demonstrating winning behavior during face-to-face and technology-based interviews Naming and describing common interview methods and types of interview questions Explaining key areas of employee rights and knowing how to respond to discriminatory questions Formulating appropriate responses to special circumstances and tough questions Preparing for post-interview activities including salary negotiation, employment screenings, tests, and medical exams

4. THEINTERVIEW More than dressing sharply Advanced preparation Confidence Strategy for before, during, and after Goal is to communicate visually and verbally that you are the right person for this job

5. THE INVITATION TO INTERVIEW Most invitations occur via phone or e-mail Regularly check and respond to phone and e-mail messages Maintain a professional voice mail message and e-mail address

6. THE INVITATION TO INTERVIEW Attempt to identify How much time is scheduled for the interview How many applicants are being called to interview Be friendly, respectful, and professional when asking for this information Try to arrange interview at a time that puts you at advantage First and last are most memorable Morning is best Ask for the name of the interviewer

7. COMPANY SPECIFIC RESEARCH Research and identify as much as you can about the company Research better prepares you for interview, increases confidence, and provides greater advantage over other candidates The target company Department of the target job Its leadership team, strategy, and current events Products, competitors, and accomplishments

8. COMPANY SPECIFIC RESEARCH Sources include: Internet search, use ONET Company website, brochures, materials Industry journals Interviews with employees and business leaders Share specific research information during the interview Identify if the company is the right fit for you and your career goals

9. TOPIC SITUATIONTomasz’s Interview Preparation TOPIC RESPONSE: What specific details should you identify when researching a company?

10. THE PERSONAL COMMERCIAL Personal Commercial: a brief career biography that conveys your career choice, knowledge, skills, strengths, abilities, and experiences that make you uniquely qualified Sells skills and ties these skills to the target job in a brief two-minute statement Adapt statement to the requirements for each target job

11. THINK ABOUT IT What hobby or unique skill unrelated to your target job is appropriate to use in your personal commercial?

12. THE PERSONAL COMMERCIAL Use accomplishment worksheet from Chapter 13 Highlight personal accomplishments from résumé Include your interest in your chosen career, activities related to the career, and why you enjoy the skills learned Make yourself stand out by including a unique hobby or skill Do not include personal information such as marital status or other private information Use personal commercial at beginning of interview and restate at end of interview See examples on p. 232

13. THE PERSONAL COMMERCIALAdditional Example ACCOUNTING: I just received my degree in accounting and my goal is to be a CPA. I chose this career because I enjoy working with budgets. I worked as an account clerk for a hospital while in college where I not only increased my accounting skills, but I developed soft skills including how to work with customers and coworkers. Your company will benefit from my work ethic, which is to give 100 percent of my ability to all clients and provide them the confidence they need for someone handling their money. I am organized, dedicated, and responsible. I believe I am the best candidate for this position. Your company is committed to its clients and our community, which is why I would like to be a part of your team.

14. THE PERSONAL COMMERCIALAdditional Example MECHANIC: I just received my HVAC associate degree and am really excited about my future. During school, I scored at the top of my class and now feel quite confident in my skills as both a mechanic and an installer. My favorite area is the reassembling and testing after the repair because that’s when I confirm that I did my job correctly. You can rely on me to perform the skills I have to the best of my ability. I am organized, dedicated, and willing to learn. I believe I am the best candidate for this position and promise I won’t disappoint you.

15. THE INTERVIEW PORTFOLIO Interview Portfolio: small folder containing relevant documents that are taken to an interview Use business portfolio or paper folder with pockets Do not include original documents Keep on your lap Place personal commercial on the top of your portfolio for easy access Do not read, but glance for information if needed

16. THE INTERVIEW PORTFOLIOInclude copies (See table 15.1) • Awards • Calendar • Application • Cover letter • Letters of recommendation • Note pad and pen • Performance appraisals • Personal business cards • Personal commercial • Reference list • Résumé • Transcripts • Other relevant items pertaining to the job

17. PRACTICE INTERVIEW QUESTIONS Practice answering common interview questions in front of mirror or video camera Projecting professional image Avoid simply answering “yes” or “no”; instead, analyze responses Support response with examples of skills and/or experience and sell your skills Listen carefully, but ask for clarification if needed Avoid nervous gestures by practicing See Table 15.2

18. TALK IT OUT Identify the most difficult interview questions you would not want to be asked and formulate appropriate responses

19. PRE-INTERVIEW PREPARATION Practice day Travel to interview location (company) Walk to specific location (do not go into office) Note nearest public restroom Interview attire—clean and professional Customize interview portfolio (see table 15.1) Write a draft thank-you note

20. INTERVIEW DAY Look in the mirror for professional appearance If you smoke, refrain from smoking prior to the interview Be on time Arrive 15 minutes early, but only enter meeting location 5-10 minutes prior to interview Go to the restroom and freshen up Check hair, clothing, makeup (if applicable) Turn off phone, throw away gum

21. INTERVIEW DAY • Make every interaction positive • Introduce yourself to the receptionist • Take a seat and relax • Avoid using mobile device • Use positive self-talk • Mentally tell yourself you are prepared • From the minute you enter the building, assume your interview has begun

22. TOPIC SITUATION Johnelle Helps Prepare Shelby TOPIC REPONSE: What more could Shelby and Johnelle have done to prepare for the interview?

23. TRADITIONAL FACE-TO-FACE INTERVIEWS • Applicant and employer • Communicate confidence • Identify how knowledge, skills, and abilities are an asset to the company • Stand up straight, smile, shake hands, and introduce yourself • Listen carefully to the interviewer’s name and use it during the interview • Sit only after being invited to sit • Do not answer your phone if it rings, turn it off and apologize

24. TRADITIONAL FACE-TO-FACE INTERVIEWS Body language Pay attention to yours and interviewer’s Sit up straight, sit back in chair, and relax Be calm but alert Keep hands folded on lap or ready to take notes Do not lean on furniture Make eye contact, but don’t stare If given the opportunity, share your personal commercial

25. TRADITIONAL FACE-TO-FACE INTERVIEWSWhen Asked a Question Listencarefully Take a few seconds to formulate an answer Relate answers to job qualifications and how you can assist the company Keep answers brief, but complete Sell skills with examples Interject information about company

26. TRADITIONAL FACE-TO-FACE INTERVIEWSWhen Asked a Question “Talk about yourself” = personal commercial When possible, share job samples When possible, share company research findings Do not provide personal information Relate answers back to the target job

27. INTERVIEW METHODS AND TYPE OF INTERVIEW QUESTIONS One-on-one interviews: involve meeting between applicant and a company representative Group interviews: involve several applicants interviewing with each other while being observed by company reps Panel interviews: involve applicant meeting with several company employees at the same time

28. INTERVIEW METHODS AND TYPES OF INTERVIEW QUESTIONS Structured interview questions: address job-related issues where each applicant is asked the same question(s) Unstructured interview questions: a probing, open-ended question designed to identify if candidate can appropriately sell his/her skills Behavioral interview questions: designed for candidates to share a past work experience to demonstrate qualifications

29. PHONE AND OTHER TECHNOLOGY-BASED INTERVIEWS First interview may take place over the phone May or may not be prearranged Consistently answer phone professionally, keeping interview portfolio accessible Try to be as accommodating as possible During a phone interview: Be professional and prepared Be concise with communication Be polite

30. PHONE AND OTHER TECHNOLOGY-BASED INTERVIEWS Video chat interviews are common Designated time for connecting Follow the phone interview tips Prepare and treat as if a face-to-face interview Plan ahead: venue, equipment Dress professionally; it is visual Maintain a professional environment: quiet and appropriate location Speak to the camera; make eye contact

31. DISCRIMINATION AND EMPLOYEE RIGHTS Title VII of the Civil Rights Act Created to protect the rights of employees Prohibits employment discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex, or national origin Other laws prohibit pay equity and discrimination Individuals over 40 years of age Individuals with disabilities Individuals who are pregnant Other areas Employers have a legal obligation to provide every qualified candidate an equal opportunity to interview

32. DISCRIMINATION AND EMPLOYEE RIGHTS Discriminatory questions are illegal See Table 15.3 If asked illegal or discriminatory questions: Do not directly answer question Address the issue Protect your rights It is inappropriate to disclose personal information Avoid making comments referring to: Marital status, children, religion, age, or other area of protected rights

33. TALK IT OUT Role-play an interview. During the interview, ask one legal question and one illegal question. Practice answering the illegal question with confidence but in a non-offensive manner.

34. SPECIAL CIRCUMSTANCES AND TOUGH QUESTIONS Negative work-related experiences Potentially devastating if not handled properly Fired, poor performance evaluation, poor/no job reference, behaved in a negative manner prior to leaving old job Do not disclose event Only exception is if current/former boss has potential to provide a negative reference

35. SPECIAL CIRCUMSTANCES AND TOUGH QUESTIONS Be honest and factual Do not go into details State the facts Tell interviewer that you have matured and realized that you did not handle the situation appropriately Do not speak poorly of current/previous employer, boss, or coworker Do not place blame on who was right or wrong

36. SPECIAL CIRCUMSTANCES AND TOUGH QUESTIONS Time gaps Be prepared to explain, but do not share details Identify a key skill you learned Share volunteer work Felony record Be honest and factual Explain how you have made restitution Sell your strengths and skills Every experience is a learning experience

37. CLOSING THE INTERVIEW At close of interview, you may be asked if you have any questions Have question (s) prepared Current event Next steps Additional training Do not ask selfish questions regarding salary, benefits, vacations, or general company questions See Table 15.4

38. CLOSING THE INTERVIEW Restate personal commercial Ask for the job The purpose of the job interview is to sell yourself An interview isn’t successful if you don’t close the sale Make a positive last impression

39. CLOSING THE INTERVIEW Interviewer will signal that interview is over Hand interviewer your personal business card Secure a business card Shake hands Thank him or her for his or her time Communicate confidence, friendliness, and professionalism Immediately after leaving the interview, write the thank-you note and deliver it

40. AFTER THE INTERVIEW Congratulate yourself Prior to leaving company property, make notes Evaluate impression of company

41. SALARY NEGOTIATION If you are offered a second interview or job offer Contact references to prepare for reference checks Interviewer may ask about salary requirements Conduct and compare research to job posting Sell skills Start a few thousand dollars higher than your desired starting salary Consider experience and/or lack of experience If offered unacceptable salary, use silence

42. TOPIC SITUATIONBret Helps IsaccPrepare for a Second Interview TOPIC RESPONSE: Why is it important to research, know, and state a desired salary when asked during an interview?

43. PRE-EMPLOYMENT TESTS, SCREENINGS, AND MEDICAL EXAMS Pre-employment tests determine Knowledge Skills Abilities May be online, physical, measurable Must be job related

44. Common types of screenings: Criminal checks Education verification Driver’s license history Security checks Employment checks Credit checks Reference checks Drug testing Depend on relevance to the job PRE-EMPLOYMENT TESTS, SCREENINGS, AND MEDICAL EXAMS

45. Medical exams Legally, employers can require medical exams only after a job offer is made except for drug testing Exam must be required for all applicants for same job Exam must be job-related Common exams include: vision, strength testing, pre-employment drug tests Cannot be conducted without your permission PRE-EMPLOYMENT TESTS, SCREENINGS, AND MEDICAL EXAMS

46. WHEN YOU’RE NOT OFFERED A JOB Job search is a full-time job Do not be discouraged Evaluate résumé and cover letter Typographical or grammatical errors Listed important skills that reflect needs of job Have someone review cover letter and résumé Make every experience a learning experience

47. Review each step in interview process and assess yourself Pre-interview preparation Interview day appearance Interview answers Ability to interject company research into answers Body language and attitude Maintain a good attitude Practice WHEN YOU’RE NOT OFFERED A JOB