Interviewing & Networking: Finding and Landing Opportunities

KEITH MUNSONCAREER SPECIALIST

FALL 2010

Interviewing & Networking:Finding and Landing Opportunities

Strommen Career & Internship Center • [email protected] • (612) 330-1167 • http://cswl.pbworks.com/

mailto:[email protected]

Strommen Career & Internship Center •[email protected] • 612-330-1167 • http://cswl.pbworks.com/

Set the agendaInterview Structures-what to expectWhy Behavioral InterviewingStory telling and STARNetworkingRemaining Questions/topics

Agenda



What to expect……

First round interviews (screening interview) Typically 30-45 minutes; sometimes an hour Typically with one or two people

1st round structure Small talk (brief) Questions for you Time to ask questions The Closing

On Site Interviews are a series of interviews throughout longer period of time



What to expect……

Questions about your background Tell me about yourself Walk me through your resume

Questions about your education and goals Why Augsburg? Why your major? What do you hope to do?

Behavioral based questions Situations that demonstrate a trait of skill.



Behavioral Interviewing

PAST BEHAVIOR OR EVENTS

FUTURE BEHAVIOR



Examples: Describe the last time you had to lead a team to

solve a complex problem. Tell me of a time when you needed to influence a

group or individual. Describe a project you managed from start to finish.

Skilled Interviewers will follow-up with several probing questions as you answer.

Interviewers want stories…..

What does it look like?



Just enough details to give the listener a picture of what you were doing or how you work

Concise enough to demonstrate your point includes important details excludes unimportant details

Not too short; not too long There’s a character that the listener needs to “see” in

action Leave enough for the interviewer to ask follow up

questions…don’t start with the whole story

Characteristics of a good story:



How is it done?

S.T.A.R. technique is ONE tool:

Situation-What was happening?

Task (goal)-What were you trying to accomplish?

Action-What did you specifically do?

Result-What was the outcome? How did your work affect the organization or situation?



Select your stories…..

Focus on your strengthsDon’t be afraid to address your “gaps”Make your story relevant to that company,

industry, function, roleNote about Liberal ArtsTwo approaches



Marketing the liberal arts:Employers want:

Communication Skills (written & verbal)

Honesty/Integrity Teamwork Skills Strong Work Ethic Analytical Skills Adaptability Interpersonal Skills Motivation/Initiative Computer Skills Detail-orientation Organizational Skills Leadership Skills Self-Confidence

Liberal Arts teaches: SEE PREVIOUS LIST



Prepare

Certain themes are almost guaranteed: Leadership, teamwork, influence Resolving conflict, interpersonal communication Weakness, failure AND what you learned from it Managing a project Creativity; innovative Interest in field, passion

The unexpected



Start with writing if it helpsMove to bullet points of most important

pointsRehearse-over, over, overAd lib story to different speakersAdjust story to answer several questions, but

make sure you answer the question!Practice out loud, not just in your head!

Practice, then practice again



Secret Weapons

Use pauses to think of your response.Take a drink of water/coffee to give yourself a

second to think.Use behavioral examples, even if interviewer

isn’t asking for themDescribe how you would handle a situation if

you have not yet faced it. Others?



Hone your presentation.

Evaluate your presentation (from your point-of-view)

Learn from your experience



Presenting YOU

Arrive early Introduce yourself Be professional Watch your eye

contact and body language

May bring and use your portfolio

Leave your cell phone at home!

Answer questions Ask questions Do not bring up salary

or benefits Get business cards Close the interview



Interview Attire

Men Well fitting suit Pressed shirt (white, off-

white, gray) Conservative colors

(gray, black, navy) Professional hairstyle Little cologne, jewelry Traditional tie Dress socks that match

your suit! Portfolio, NO BACK

PACK

Women Well fitting suit Conservative colors

(gray, black, navy) Professional hairstyle Little perfume, jewelry,

or make up Knee length, If wearing

skirt Avoid high heel shoes Sheer hosiery Portfolio, NO

BACKPACK



Sum it all up……

Be prepared.Rehearse.Tell good stories.Learn from the experience.



Resource Suggestions



Tell me about yourself

Start with your undergrad degreeDescribe your path

What experiences have you had along the way? How do they relate to the role for which you applied? What transferable skills run throughout? Explain reasons for moves/transitions. When/how did you decide to pursue this career? What do you hope to do going forward? What do you have to offer?



The pitch….

I’d like to thank you for your time today. I’ve really enjoyed talking with you and would like to reiterate my interest in this position. The things we have discussed today have made me more interested than ever. And with my background in training employees and managing projects, I know I can contribute right away. I hope I have the opportunity to talk with you again about this job and I hope you give me a chance to demonstrate my abilities in this internship. Thank you again.



Let’s Take a Break!



Networking......



Networking Defined:

yesBuilding relationshipsConnecting with people

in your field of interestMost effective way to

find opportunitiesHelpful tool for learning

more about your fieldNecessary at some pointLasts a lifetime

no“Using” people“Smoozing”Not necessary; only

necessary when looking for a job/internship

Being replaced by the internet

Purpose is to ask for a job



Do I really have to network?

Continuously learn about a field, company, or career field

Many jobs are not postedEmployers hire people they know or hear

about through trusted sourcesNOT networking will cause you to miss out on

a large portion of the best jobs



Networking at a glance

Build a list of

organizations that interest

you.

Develop a list of

contacts within those organizatio

ns.

Make your connections

.



Build Your List

Tell everyone you know about your goals/plans

Industry listsBig Book of Lists (SC&IC)Resources in SC&IC libraryReference librarian in libraryJournals/papers related to field



Dig for contacts

AlumniFamily and friendsProfessional organizationsFaculty/staffClassmates and colleaguesCoachesLinkedIn and other social networking sites



Social Networking

Linkedin www.linkedin.com complete a descriptive profile search for connections for informational interview get company information and connections

Facebook become a fan of company profiles check the profile for news and information


http://www.linkedin.com/

http://www.linkedin.com/


Build Relationships. Don’t ask for a job!

Elevator Speech 30 second “pitch” about you, your experience, and goals

Focus on them Ask good questions and listen Begin thinking about how you can help them RIGHT AWAY

Informational Interviews Develop a list of questions you want to ask Do your homework on the industry-know something about

it!STAY CONNECTED!

Follow up and continued relationships



Questions


Interviewing & Networking: Finding and Landing Opportunities

Documents

series of interviews

good story

interviewing networking

story relevant

round structuresmall

skilled interviewers

communication skills

trait of skill