And Interview BLOOPERS For Fun Interviewing Interviewing
And Interview BLOOPERS For Fun
InterviewinInterviewingg
what is what is interviewing?interviewing?
A formal meeting in which one or more persons
question, consult, or evaluate
another person..
Someone brought in their high school yearbook to show the
employer that they were voted “Most Popular”
by the senior class.
Applicant Blooper
The Directed Interview Impersonal, seeks to reveal facts Interviewer takes notes using an outline and checklist Compares you to others
The Undirected / Meandering Interview
Unstructured, an open discussion of your qualifications
“Tell me about yourself…” The Stress Interview “Hazing” in a sense; creates discomfort How do you deal with stress? Remain calm and tactful
Types of InterviewsTypes of Interviews
The Second/Follow-Up Interview Serious candidates; confirmation Difficulty deciding on a candidate Other decision makers want to
gain a sense of you Be prepared to negotiate compensation More in-depth questions
The Telephone Interview Have copy of resume nearby Speak a bit slower than usual and don’t worry about
pauses Make sure roommates or family are quiet
Types of InterviewsTypes of Interviews (Continued…)(Continued…)
The Behavioral Interview Interested in past behaviors, “Describe a time that required problem-solving skills, adaptability, leadership, conflict resolution,…”and “How did you deal with
this? Be prepared to have stories to demonstrate
The Audition A simulation or brief exercise to evaluate your skills Inquire specifically about the instruction Take ownership of your work
Types of InterviewsTypes of Interviews ((Continued…)Continued…)
The Group Interview Several applicants at one time Provides a sense of your leadership
potential and style How do you interact with peers? Keep an eye on the interviewer
The Panel/Board Interview Several interviewers are present Positions are usually with gov’t agencies or large
organizations Maintain eye contact when answering questions: questioner,
each group member, back to questioner
Types of Interviews
(Continued…)Continued…)
The Mealtime Interview
Jobs that require interpersonal acuity How you handle a fork, how you treat
your host, other guests and the serving staff May be structured, informal,
or socially situated; allow theinterviewer to lead conversation
Take cues from the interviewer Food: order quickly, non-messy foods
Your opportunity to shine Your abilities, talents,
interests, personality, work experience, education, and motivation
Informs you about the employer
Employer needs, history, work environment, business activities, and future plans
Requires skill and preparation
Purpose of the InterviewPurpose of the Interview
Purpose of the InterviewPurpose of the Interview
(continued…)(continued…)
The Interviewer wants to determine:
Can the candidate do the job? Will the candidate fit in? Is this the best candidate for the position?
The Interviewee wants to determine:
Do I want this job? Can I do this job? Does this job offer me the opportunities I want for
advancement or experience?
Interviewing for a job is often filled with anxiety and fear but it doesn’t have to be that way.
There are things we can do to prepare ourselves and become more self-confident and relaxed.
(Being prepared is the best way to reduce anxiety and help ensure a successful
job interview.)
Dealing with Interview Dealing with Interview AnxietyAnxiety
Gather work samples, copies of resume, references and place in a nice case or folder
Remember to bring a pen Rehearse your answers Write down your questions
about the job or organization
Review your work history Practice your answers to
common interview questions
Sleep tight. Be prepared for surprises
Preparing for the Preparing for the InterviewInterview
BeforeBefore the interview the interview
Research the company Read about the job/occupation. Practice interviewing Dress for success Have an agenda, know what you want the
interviewer to learn about you Anticipate what questions will be asked Know your Knowledge, Skills, Abilities and
Accomplishments Relate your KSAs to the position for which you are
applying Know who is interviewing you Prepare and practice answers to typical questions
Before the interviewBefore the interview
Ask Some QuestionsAsk Some Questions
How many people will be interviewing me? Will I be the only one interviewed during this time? What kind of questions will be asked? How can I best prepare for the interview? What are the names of my interviewers?
Beginning the InterviewBeginning the Interview
Firmly shake hands Greet all involved in theinterview process and tryto remember names.The first words you speak count ,
““It is a pleasure meeting with you ,
Thank you for scheduling this time to meet”
Be friendly to everyone Follow the interviewer’s lead
(direction, selecting a seat, drink, etc.)
Walk with vigor and show confidence
“People who walk 10% faster than they normally do are perceived as getting more done”
A balding applicant abruptly excused himself and returned to the office a few
minutes later wearing a hairpiece!
Applicant BlooperApplicant Blooper
Be on time Be friendly Show your
enthusiasm Be positive
and honest Maintain eye
contact Express
yourself Don’t
criticize previous employers
Be aware of body language
Be a good listener
Emphasize your strengths
Be yourself Avoid
personal issues
Be confident Discuss
ways you can contribute
During the InterviewDuring the Interview
During this applicant’s interview, an alarm went off in his briefcase. He took it out,
shut it off, apologized and said he had to leave for another
interview!
Applicant BlooperApplicant Blooper
ASK when you can expect a decision and if you should call
Express thanks for their time
FOLLOW UP the interview with a thank-you note or letter
DO NOT GET DISCOURAGED! Learn from the process
and be patient
When the Interview is When the Interview is FinishedFinished
▸ Be Realistic▸ Don’t undersell
yourself▸ Negotiate
▸ Don’t raise the topic of salary in first meeting
▸ Research the average salary
▸ Know what you wantKNOW WHAT YOU’RE GETTING !KNOW WHAT YOU’RE GETTING !
Concerning SalaryConcerning Salary
An applicant said, “I’ve already accepted another position but I thought I would show up for this
interview just in case the pay was better!”
Applicant BlooperApplicant Blooper
““Focusing Too Much On Focusing Too Much On Salary”Salary”
Evaluate the interview What questions were asked? What did you say that seemed to
interest the interviewer? Did you present your Knowledge, Skills and Abilities
well? Did you learn what you need to know about this job? What did you forget to say? Did you get a commitment from the interviewer? Do you know what the next step is in the hiring
process? Write a thank you note to the interviewer Follow up Contact the interviewer for feedback Express your interest in the position even after the
position is filled
▸ The Equal Employment Opportunity Act outlaws questions about age, national origin, marital status, sexuality, and religion
▸ Be prepared for the possibility
▸ If it happens, … don’t over react.
▸ If you are uncomfortable, kindly respond that you would rather not answer the question.
Possible Interview Possible Interview Questions Questions
Central themes of Central themes of questionsquestions
Suitability Credibility Capability Compatibility Affordability
An applicant was asked, “If you were an animal, what kind of animal would you be?” She said that she would be a cat
because they are lazy and lie around all day!
Applicant Blooper #5Applicant Blooper #5
Possible interview Possible interview questionsquestions
Tell me about yourself Why did you leave your previous job? What appeals to you about this job? Why should I hire you? What are your strengths? What are your weaknesses? Tell me something negative you’ve heard about
our company? Would you accept this job if it were offered to
you? If you take this job, how long would you stay? How much salary do you want?
Tell me about yourselfTell me about yourself
Tell your academic record Your skills Your qualification Time: 3 minutes Prepare written answer for this
question and rehearse
Too much information…
Applicant Blooper #15Applicant Blooper #15
Why did you leave your Why did you leave your previous job?previous job?
Never lie about having been fired
(if not fired ) Best reasons would be more money Opportunity responsibility growth.
Applicant’s Blooper Applicant’s Blooper
Why Did You Leave Your Previous Employment?
“My boss was stupid and would always argue with me about how
to do my job”
What appeals to you What appeals to you about this job?about this job?
To achieve through heights work hard learn and quench my thirst of
knowledge To be unique in decision making
skills
Why should I hire you?Why should I hire you?
I understand your needs I know the right contacts I know the methods I know the Principles I know successful techniques
Applicant’s Blooper Applicant’s Blooper
Q. Why should I hire you?
A. Because they say you should always hire people who are better than you.
What are your What are your strengths ?strengths ?
subject knowledge Good communication skills. problem –solving skills, ability to work under pressure, ability to focus on projects, professional expertise, leadership skills and positive attitude.
Applicant’s BlooperApplicant’s Blooper
This applicant was asked to show his strength
What are your weaknessWhat are your weakness ?
“Disguise your weakness As strength”
Tell me something Tell me something negative you’ve heard negative you’ve heard
about our companyabout our company
Just remember the rule “ never be negative “
Applicant’s BlooperApplicant’s Blooper
Q. What five or six adjectives best describe you?
A. Really, really, really, really, really COOL.
Would you accept this Would you accept this job, if were offered to job, if were offered to
you ?you ?
Yes/No (give reasons)
If you take this job , how If you take this job , how long would you stay ?long would you stay ?
Do not commit yourself to a specific time
Ask how long they would expect you to stay with them.
Applicant’s Blooper Applicant’s Blooper
Q. Describe your management style.
A. Don't do anything you can make someone else do for you.
How much salary do you How much salary do you wantwant
“I am sure that company has already established range for this position”
Test your ability to operate under pressure
Demonstrate your problem-solving skills
Opportunity for you to think quickly, questionand communicate
The Purpose of Off-the-The Purpose of Off-the-Wall QuestionsWall Questions
Don’t find the “right answer” -show them you know the right way to come up with the answer
Usually no right or wrong answers
RememberRemember
What are the organization's/company's strengths and weaknesses compared to its competition?
What would my responsibilities and duties be?
How would my performance be evaluated?
How would I be supervised?
What opportunities for advancement exist?
Questions You May Want Questions You May Want to Askto Ask
Questions You May Want Questions You May Want to Askto Ask
Is there a training program? Who would I be working with? Where will I be working? What percentage of routine, detailed
work will I encounter?
Tip : “Your questions must show
your own thought process”
Dress for SuccessDress for Success
From head to toe should reflect impeccable grooming.
Suite, tie , shoes and other accessories should be reflection of quality person you are.
It is a fact of life that we do “judge books by their covers.”
Image Tips for MenImage Tips for Men
SuitsSuits Invest in a conservative color (black, navy or
gray).
Shirts Long sleeve white shirt is the best option A light blue is an alternative Shirts in 100% cotton are a good investment Have it professionally ironed for the interview
Other accessoriesOther accessories
Belts and Shoes Leather belts in black and dark color to match your
shoes are best
TiesTies Fiber of tie should be silk Use a bright colors. The tip of the tie should barely touch the top of your
belt buckle The knot should be small
Image Tips for WomenImage Tips for Women
Dark or conservative colors are best option Avoid excessive jewelry Keep make up conservative Shoes should be leather or fabric Purse should be small and coordinate with
your dress
Enter into the room confidently
Firmly shake hand Wait for an offer to sit Sit straight Body should be in line
while sitting Make eye contact with
interviewer
Posture / Body language During the Interview
Speak with confidence clearly Project your voice so that you are
heard Adjust your voice according to
situation
Voice Image
Nervousness is normal
Take a deep breath and try to be “RELAX”
Don’t be panic
Remember…Remember…
Avoid bad habitsAvoid bad habits
Nail biting Pen clicking Playing with paper weight Tapping your fingers Don’t chew gum or smoke Don’t bring family or friends to the interview Don’t use slang language Don’t just say “yes” or “no” in your answer give some brief if necessary
Be Prepared!
The Key to a SuccessfulThe Key to a SuccessfulJob Interview?Job Interview?